‘We need more details’
Winton Jockey Club officials are preparing for what may be the last thoroughbred race meeting in the town in October.
The Winton and Gore thoroughbred race tracks face the axe after recommendations in a national racing report, compiled by Australian John Messara.
Messara, a successful administrator and thoroughbred breeder, turned the once struggling New South Wales’ racing industry into Australia’s most profitable racing state.
Winton Jockey Club president Howard Clarke said he was disappointed at the announcement, but not surprised.
Gore Racing Club president Justine Abernethy made it clear at the weekend that the club would disband and sell up, rather than race at another venue.
It was recommended in the report that both clubs move their race meetings to Ascot Park in Invercargill.
Clarke thought factors that might have gone against the Winton track were that only one race meeting was held on it a year, and it was situated close to other courses in the region.
The whole racing industry knew changes had to be made to revitalise the sport nationally, and the report was not going to please everyone, Clarke said.
A reduction in race tracks throughout the country was expected, he added.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing chief executive Bernard Saundry told Clarke yesterday that clubs with tracks earmarked for closure would be given time to present their case for staying open.
Messara’s report recommends thoroughbred race tracks in New Zealand reduce from 48 to 28. The closures will be made over the next five seasons.
It also recommends the Winton Jockey Club moves its annual race meeting to Ascot Park next season, while the Gore Racing Club and its tenants, Wyndham and Tapanui Racing Clubs, move their combined five race days to Ascot Park in the 2024-25 season.
‘‘We need more details on the reasons for the closure before we can make decisions on what we do next,’’ Clarke said.
He hopes to call a club committee meeting this week, followed by discussions with members, to decide on a plan going forward.
A racing industry transition agency is being set up to implement the Messara report.
‘‘We’ll find the process we need to go through and present our views,’’ Clarke said.
‘‘Whatever the consultation process requires us to do, we will do it.’’
The Winton JC held its first official race meeting in 1875.
‘‘We’ll find the process we need to go through and present our views.’’ Winton Jockey Club president Howard Clarke