More ownership of race horses needed
Courtney MacKinnon, a 25-yearold watch designer from Auckland, is thought to be the country’s youngest committee member of a racing club.
Earlier this year MacKinnon was successful in her nomination to become a committee member of Harness Racing Waikato/Bay of Plenty.
A resident of Auckland, with promotional experience in racing, she has been a part of the team at Auckland’s Alexandra Park. Coupled with enthusiasm, she will be a great asset to Cambridge.
‘‘I have always been around horses for most of my life, and so it’s a natural fit,’’ she said.
Her goals are very similar to the raceway chief executive Dave Branch’s.
‘‘Dave is trying to promote the raceway as an entertainment package.
‘‘He is looking to try different things never tried in the past in Cambridge.
‘‘With his passion and my enthusiasm, I am sure we can progress the raceway into the future.
‘‘I want to see if we can stem the downward trend in horse numbers competing,’’ she said.
‘‘Horse ownership can be an obstacle for some, but it needn’t be.
‘‘Every year we see and hear great stories of workmates, friends or other groups come together as a syndicate and purchase a horse.
‘‘It’s these sorts of people who are adding a different flavour to the industry.
‘‘Because these syndicates have invested in the horse, they are the ones who will be in the stands urging their horse on for a win, and it’s a great feeling when it happens.’’