New home for harness racing in region
New Zealand was once known for its entertainment culture of rugby, racing and beer.
But times have changed and all three are now struggling to attract patrons.
This is the driver behind plans for a long-term major overhaul of the facilities at the Cambridge Raceway.
It’s soon to become the Waikato’s home of harness racing with the amalgamation of the Bay of Plenty and Morrinsville race clubs.
Cambridge Raceway’s business development manager Dave Branch is looking to a new model which would see the raceway become a hub for entertainment in the town.
‘‘We have to keep up with the times and model ourselves more like the Auckland Trotting Club or we will be left behind. Gone are the days of just letting tracks lay idle until raceday,’’ said Branch.
The facilities are more than capable of accommodating more racedays but it’s the potential of generating new business he is looking for.
‘‘We have the space to accommodate just about everything from corporate functions, family events to large outdoor activities,’’ said Branch.
‘‘The club has some good bones in which to start.’’
The direction Branch is look- ing toward would require more investment to reinvigorate the club’s infrastructure, in order to maximise its potential.
Suggestions include an upgrade for the ground’s garden areas to attract weddings and to the six function rooms in the grandstand.
Branch admits the club has a long way to go but it’s all about planning for what the future could look like.
‘‘Long term I can see the day where apartment buildings would be built overlooking the main straight, maybe even a hotel complex, which would certainly assist the shortage of tourist beds in Cambridge.’’
Under the new entity Waikato – Bay of Plenty Harness Racing, the raceway is moving forward in its core business of providing entertainment with race meetings.
A major part of the business model is centred on attracting bigger stake money for meetings. It would attract bigger and better fields and boost punters and revenue.
Branch also hinted major changes at Cambridge Raceway with the possibility of a new stabling complex and new businesses on the site.