Witches in horse-owning coven
There may be more than just cheering going on under a coven of witches hats at New Zealand Trotting Cup Day.
The 100-strong Witches of Westview harness-racing syndicate admits to casting spells on the rest of the field to help ‘‘get our fellas to the front’’.
With two pacers taking to the track at Addington in Christchurch this week, many of the witches, and their grand master Nigel Armstrong, will be hoping for a clean sweep.
Armstrong, a harness horse owner who runs several syndicates under the Westview name, formed the witches last year to encourage women’s involvement in the sport.
He leases three of his horses to the syndicate, which comprises himself and 99 women, including his wife Brenda.
The syndicate’s name was the ladies’ idea, he said.
Witch Felicity O’Reilly joined along with her sister-in-law and a friend, and said it was ‘‘a fantastic concept’’ allowing women to enjoy ownership without major expense.
‘‘Having your horse come down the home straight with chance of winning – there’s no greater feeling,’’ she said. ‘‘It’s a thrill.’’
Their horses among this week’s fields at Addington are mare Feel The Money and gelding Tuapeka Trick, both 4-year-olds.
Some of the syndicate already had some involvement in racing, while for others it was completely new, O’Reilly said.
The witches range in age from their 20s to their 80s and live in various parts of the country, plus a few in Australia. They travel to race meetings as often as possible and have enjoyed several wins this year.
‘‘We just get to hang with a group of women and have some fun, enjoy making new friends, and have a day out at the races’’.
Witches hats adorned with raceday trimmings will be their headgear of choice for Cup Day. Some also bring along their witch’s brooms.
Keryn McElroy, of Addington Raceway, said it was great to see more women getting involved in the harness racing industry.
The witches have already enjoyed some success, but O’Reilly said winning was not crucial to a good cup week.
Other punters enjoyed seeing them and sometimes the commentators gave them a shout-out, she said.
‘‘Everyone wants a win, but whether we get any place or not, it’s not about the money, it’s about us as a group of ladies.
‘‘But if one of our horses comes across the finish line first this week, you will see us and hear us.’’