Nationwide interest in Southland’s richest race
Southland’s richest horse race could have more North Island entries this season.
The Southland Racing Club has increased the stake money for the Southland Guineas from $50,000 to $70,000.
Club president Sean Bellew said the increase might attract more entries for the feature race at Ascot Park, Invercargill, on February 15, next yeaer.
‘‘We’re looking at a six-figure profit [for last season] and our investments are doing well, so we thought we’d put the guineas’ stake up.’’
One or two North Island horses contest the guineas most years, but Bellew believed the boost in prize money would make more northern trainers think about sending horses south.
In three of the past five years, the guineas field has had eight or nine runners. Invercargill trainer Gay Robinson said her two fillies, Sandy Cool and Just Henri, might develop into guineas contenders. She applauded the prize money increase.
‘‘I think it’s great . . . it’ll make the field stronger.’’
Robinson trained the 2015 guineas winner Belle Miraaj.
The SRC’s events manager, Ana Corkery, confirmed 84 marquee sites had been hired out for the Christmas at the Races meeting (December 14) and four remain. The 84 booked marquees equates to about 4500 people attending.
Corkery said with fine weather, between 5000 and 6000 people would likely be on course.
Thoroughbred racing resumes in the south this season when the Gore Racing Club holds a meeting on September 27. It will be followed by the Winton Jockey Club fixture at Ascot Park on October 13.