Racing clubs told to front up to change

A racing stalwart is telling small racing clubs set for closure to start looking towards the future and not be afraid of change.

Craig Mcneill understands the uncertainty smaller clubs are feeling because he was on the committee of the Feilding Jockey Club that made the decision to move to the Awapuni Racing Centre in 1999.

When the club made its decision to centralise, it flourished, with prize money increasing significantly.

Now, the Woodville-pahı¯atua Race Club is one of several facing an uncertain future after a New Zealand racing review in August named it as one of 20 tracks throughout New Zealand set to close over the next six years.

The former club president said up until that 1998-99 season, the club was losing money and was basically going backwards.

‘‘Members could recall the closure of the Ashhurst, Pohangina, Marton and Rangitı¯kei Clubs.

‘‘They could see the benefit to those clubs who had gone through the process of centralising racing at one particular venue.’’

Feilding Jockey Club’s fortunes turned after it relocated to Awapuni.

In 1999, it struggled to conduct a three low-key midweek race meetings at its course, Mcneill said.

‘‘The Feilding Cup that year was run for just $8000.

‘‘Today, the $50,000 Ricoh Feilding Gold Cup is a listed open handicap race, with the club offering $232,500 prize money on this day, which is more than they paid out for their three meetings in the 1998-99 season.’’

Mcneill said a lot of people did not realise moving made them stronger, and that was something other clubs would come to accept.

‘‘We are focused on the community and sponsors like never before.

‘‘And that sees increased investment and attendance at our meetings. Moving gives the clubs a sustainable future and enables decisions to be focused on the customer and community, not on how to keep a derelict facility going.’’

He said the decision to relocate the Feilding Jockey Club to Awapuni was a logical and sensible option and there was no backlash from the community, including sponsors, who all followed the club.

‘‘Feilding Jockey Club’s vision to realise their assets and invest the proceeds from the sale of the racecourse to underwrite the club’s racing activities at Awapuni has been hailed by industry leaders as one of the best decisions made by a New Zealand racing club in recent years.’’

Mcneill’s advice for clubs facing closure was to embrace the proposed change.

‘‘Engage now with the venue you are looking to move to and start to agree how you can grow your business.’’