Jockey club ‘digesting’ report
Waipukurau Racecourse could be closed down the track, if the recommendations of a Government report into the racing industry are adopted.
But shocked members of Waipukurau Jockey Club (WJC) insist there’s no panic just yet, and are calling on local punters to show their support for the club.
“We have a lot of questions to be answered. It is important to remember this is a working paper, and not a forgone conclusion,” said WJC president Garry Sherratt, who insisted it would be “business as usual”.
“We have four race meetings coming up and the report will take some time to come to fruition. Even at the worst case scenario, any change is still five years away,” he said.
Commissioned by deputy prime minister and Minister for racing, Winston Peters, and carried out by high profile Australian racing administrator John Messara, the review recommends reducing the number of racecourses in New Zealand from 48 down to 28 in phases.
Waipukurau, Wairoa and Woodville are among 20 racecourses recommended to be sold, with the proceeds to be funnelled back into the sport. Messara’s review says the Waipukurau Jockey Club should race at the Hawke’s Bay Racing Centre in Hastings and recommends that Waipukurau is one of three racecourses to be closed from the 2022/23 season.
“The club is not closing. What they are proposing is the racecourse could close at some stage,” Sherratt said. “The committee at Waipukurau would like to reiterate that it is a case of ‘no panic’ and we plan to spend time digesting the contents of the report. The committee hasn’t met and discussed it yet, it’s only at report stage. There is still a consultation process to go through,” he said.
Messara’s review argues that with fewer tracks there would be more cash in the industry to improve prize money, providing better returns for owners, breeders and trainers, and giving New Zealand a stronger bloodstock industry.
Sherratt acknowledged the need for change in the racing industry.
“Prizemoney has remained stagnant, costs have increased, the foal crop is the smallest it has ever been. We need to be objective to make the industry sustainable.
“I am an owner as well as a committee member and the industry has to evolve and move with the times, too. There are other recommendations in the report that will have a huge impact on the declining numbers in horse ownership,” he said.
While the committee formulates its response to the review, club publicity officer Kirsty Lawrence called on local punters to show increased support at upcoming local race meetings.
“We need people to come and enjoy a day at the races and tell people about it, and to bet on course — that’s how the club gains revenue and justifies its need in the community,” she said.
The club has four upcoming racedays scheduled: September 27, October 25, the club’s main Christmas meet on December 9, and on March 28.
“Our Christmas meeting is the main focus for the club and is the flagship for the local community. All our meetings are supported by amazing sponsors but the Christmas meeting is truly iconic — it’s a really fun day, and this year will add some extra special features,” Lawrence said.
The Fashion in the Field was a highlight of the Christmas meet, which would also feature a Pony Scurry race this year.
With a with a prize pool of $1000 she expected the race would be hotly contested by local riders.
Public consultation on the review runs for five weeks until October 19. Feedback can be emailed to racingreview@dia.govt.nz