Positive attitude towards racing club's woes

Annette Lambly-Robinson Reporter from Whangārei Leader

Hats off to Dargaville Racing Club's committee They tackled the recent issue with a clear head, battled for solutions and gained the respect of its punters and business suporters. Well done guys!!!
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Dargaville Racing Club's special spring meet which allows punters to bring their own alcohol is likely to become a thing of the past.

With corporate tents booked and busloads from Kaitaia, Mangonui, Kerikeri, Opononi, Whangarei, Tutukaka and Waipu scheduled, racing was called off on November 11.

The call to abandon the meet after race three was made after a soft patch surfaced on the 700 metre mark compromising the safety of horses and jockeys.

It was the second blow to be dealt to the club.

Only days out from the meet the club was told their special race day alcohol licence which normally allowed punters to bring in their own alcohol - something the event is well known for - had been turned down.

Club president Tim Antonio says he is baffled as to why the Whangarei police had opposed the BYO licence, especially as to his knowledge there had never been any trouble in the past. He felt it unlikely BYO would be permitted at future race meetings.

But the club remains positive about the day and its future viability.

"It could have turned really sour, but everyone rose to the occasion, many staying on well after the tote and bars were closed to enjoy the atmosphere ... I was thrilled at the behaviour and attitude... everyone embraced the new rules and made it work on the day."

After frantic discussions a compromise was reached and with limitations on where racegoers could drink the day went ahead.

Concerns punters would keep away due to the alcohol restrictions were alleviated when patrons turned out in their numbers including Northland MP Winston Peters and Sir Peter Vela, the president of New Zealand Bloodstock and principal of Pencarrow Stud who flew in by helicopter.

The track was checked twice by officials before race day, but a 50 metre patch cut up bad enough to make further racing on the day unsafe.

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has offered Dargaville the chance of another race day.

The opportunity is yet to be discussed by the local committee but it is likely to be a late summer or autumn meet.

NZTR will also reimburse travel costs to those trainers whose horses didn't start on November 11.

* Do you have fond memories at Dargaville's spring meet? Email them to jenny.ling@fairfaxmedia.co.nz