Takings down but great day at trots
BY EMMA DANGERFIELD
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Kaikoura
Figures were down from last year at Monday's Tui Trotting Club Kaikoura Raceday, however club president Barry Ford said he was encouraged with the number of people through the gates.
Mr Ford said it was a good day and taking into account the current economic times it was a successful event, with at least as many punters turning out as last year, possibly even more.
The on-course turnover for the day was $409,739, which meant a drop of just $3000 to $4000 on each race, and the off-course figure was $38,000 down on last year, at $1,013,000.
"We're pretty happy with that," he said.
"People are spending less, which is understandable considering the tough economic times, but the pleasing thing is that at least people are still coming."
The event was enjoyed by all, with good racing and a fantastic atmosphere.
The weather at the seaside racetrack certainly spelled the start of summer. All those who opted for summer frocks and strappy sandals were not disappointed.
Although the day began cloudy and cool, by the time the racing got underway it was time for the shades and sunblock, and by the end of the day there were quite a few red backs and shoulders to be spotted.
The feature race of the day, the $50,000 Kaikoura Alabar Cup, was won by Canterbury mare Nearea Franco, driven by Craig Thornley. A $3.60 favourite, she was taken to the lead after about 600m of the 2400m race and stayed there, beating second place Rider On The Storm by half a neck.
Following the win, the TAB amended Nearea Franco's price for the New Zealand Cup to $21. It had stood at $31 prior to the race.
Other racing highlights of the day included the hotly contested Lobster Inn Handicap Trot with a stake of $25,000, which was won by Houdini Star driven by John Hay, and the photo finish of the last race of the day between Fine Holmes and Washingtonintime.
Fine Holmes, driven by David Butt, secured the win from Ricky May, who had come from the back of the field to take second place, less than a whisker behind. This kept the crowd entertained right to the end, and the track finally emptied with good spirits and friendly banter.
As for the off track events of the day, there was plenty of entertainment with a bouncy castle for the kids and food and drink stalls which all had a busy day.
The Most Appropriately Dressed competition was won for the second year running by a Kaikoura entrant, Fina McGovern who, along with her partner, Andrei, wowed the judges with their matching purple outfits to take home the $500 prize money.
As in previous years there was also one man game enough to dress up for the occasion; Busty Belinda came fifth, rewarded for his courage to wear the pretty frock and show off his legs, and occasionally more. Denise Yates, of Revamped, the Trash Fashion exhibition in West End, was thrilled to come fourth with her homemade recycled dress.
The day was once more a great start to summer, a good opportunity for Kaikoura to show off its hospitality and beautiful scenery, and a good precursor for the New Zealand Cup which is just around the corner on November 10 at Addington.
More photos pages 11, 12.
- © Fairfax NZ News
