A great day in store at Omakau Trots
THE Central Otago Trotting Club always turns on a great day of entertainment and innovation, and this year will be no exception when the Omakau Trots takes place at the Omakau Racecourse on Wednesday, January 2.
The Omakau Trots is an iconic event, one that provides a wonderful family atmosphere, with topclass harness racing, heaps of free entertainment for the children, and plenty of activities, competitions and prizes for all ages. Prizes up for grabs this year include tickets to January’s Gibbston Valley Winery concert and a 2019 season pass to Highlanders home games. The feature race will again be the McLaren Transport/RD Petroleum Central Otago Trotting Cup, supported by a programme that will see superb harnessracing action.
Every year, the club comes up with new innovations and this year it is the Witches of West View 2 Syndicate Competition, which will give two people the opportunity to own a share of their own racehorse for a year at no cost. Courtesy of Nigel Armstrong and the Central Otago Trotting Club, details are available on the club’s Facebook page: ‘‘Omakau Trots 2019’’. The competition is open to ladies only and you must be on course on January 2 to participate. Entries close on the Facebook page on December 30, so be quick.
Already decided via Facebook is the Own The Moment Syndicate prize, which will give someone the opportunity to receive owner’s privileges and the opportunity to own a share of a horse on race day courtesy of Kirk and Michelle Larsen. Entries for this competition have closed already but the prize will provide a great experience for a racegoer.
Fashion on the Field for the ladies (18 and over) will be one of the major highlights again this year, and with support from the Otago
Daily Times, Jamie’s Jewellers of Alexandra, Orbit House of Travel (Dunedin) and Henry’s Wine, Beer & Spirits, there are some great prizes on the line, first prize alone valued at over $1000. Entries are taken early in the day, so don’t be late!
The Omakau Trots is a drawcard for families because of the fantastic array of free children’s entertainment. The biggest ever bouncy castle to come to the Omakau Racecourse, Aqua Bubble, Mini Jeeps, pony rides, an obstacle course, kids’ tote, a massive lolly scramble, a scavenger hunt with fantastic prizes up for grabs and more are all part of a massive day.
The family sulky derby has become a popular feature of the event and a Punters’ Club, lucky punter competitions and losingticket draws for rides on the mobile barrier are popular features for the adults as is the big screen, which allows you to follow the action closely.
For more than 50 years holidaymakers have gathered at the Omakau Racecourse to enjoy quality family time under the trees with their picnics and often to catch up with friends from past race days. There is also a selection of local community groups offering a wide range of food and beverages, from espresso coffee to whitebait, plus a licensed booth on course.
Gates open at 10.30am, and the first race is scheduled to start around 12.20pm. Admission is just $10 for adults, while under18s are free.
ROLL OF CHAMPIONS
The past 10 winners of the Central Otago Trotting Cup:
2018: Tiger Thompson
2017: Classie Brigade
2016: Quick as a Trick
2015: Jason Rulz
2014: Jason Rulz
2013: Four Starzzz Flash
2012: Franco Ledger
2011: Stunin Cullen
2010: Cullen’s Creek
2009: Rocket Reign