Full steam ahead for RACE Group as Awapuni finds its groove
AFTER a torrid 2015/2016 season with poor track safety, the Awapuni Racing Club and its governing body RACE Group has rebounded well and we’re seeing positives signs out of the central districts.
Racing was suspended last December at Awapuni after track officials, NZTR and numerous trainers and jockeys decided the track was unsafe, but Manawatu racing Club President Paul Humphries was against the decision, stating “the course was presented in a safe nature”.
Racing has since resumed at Awapuni which hosts its mid-winter Xmas meeting this Saturday and CEO of RACE Group Alasdair Robertson believes there has been many positives come out of the bad situation.
“What we did 18 months ago was in preparation for future refurbishments. We built an alternative inside bend, on the basis that we would be able to continue racing when we built the course proper and ultimately end up with New Zealand’s first short long course track, much like Sandown,” Robertson told HorseBetting.com.au.
“It was a blessing that we did that. When racing was suspended we were able to fast track the alternate bend and it’s since proved to be a miraculous surface.”
The track hasn’t come under the same criticism it once faced and a lighter schedule has certainly helped with the regrowth.
“It’s had nothing but praise from the riders and it’s been absolutely sensation,” Robertson said.
“We’ve protected it because it’s a new surface, so we’ve transferred the odd meeting to take the pressure off it, but we’re back there full time now and we’ll stay there permanently.”
Awapuni track manager Kim Treweek has also received positive results from the hard working ground team and the troublesome final corner is currently under construction as the spring racing season approaches.
“We returned to racing on the new inside bend at Awapuni on Friday 2 March following the halt to racing around the “old bend” in December of 2016,” Treweek told HorseBetting.com.au.
“To date we have also raced on the new bend on Sires day 31 March, Anzac Day 25th April and Rangitikei Gold Cup race day 19th May with positive feedback on the racing surface on each day.
“Safety issues related exclusively to the old bend (over a number of years) and this section of the track is now under reconstruction. The reconstruction has been halted during the winter months with completion of this project expected to be during spring.”
The reception from the public has been well-received by RACE and the Awapuni Racing Club, which moves towards a popular meeting for the locals this Saturday.
“I think we’ll get terrific fields (on Saturday) and we’ll also get a good crowd. We’ve virtually sold out in the Silks Function,” Robertson said. “It’s been well-received by the public as a product offer and I’m optimistic we’ll have a good day on Saturday.”
Winter racing in New Zealand can be a struggle for most clubs to return positive results, but RACE makes turning up to the track worthwhile for its member with a fantastic promotion.
RACE members can register on track to be in the draw to potentially win $50,000 – which is the biggest prize offered on a New Zealand race track, besting the NZ Punter of the Year competition by $30,000.
“I’ll tell you what’s going great, our $50,000 members promotion,” Robertson stated. “Any member of RACE, on every race day at any of our venues, can register at the office and we draw one out and give them four races to select the winner of.
“We choose the race of course and if they win all four, we write them out a cheque for $50,000 on the spot.
“No one has won it yet, but we’ve had two win the first three legs and down by a head in the final race. It’s good fun and those $100 lucky draw bets… they don’t appeal to people, but if you add some spice to it they all love it.”
Robertson believes Australian racing clubs don’t provide a similar service to its punting club scheme because there’s typically no interest in
“We always do a punters club and run it for the public,” Robertson said. “I worked in Australia for almost 12 years and it had no interest over there, whereas it does have significant interest over here.
“I don’t think it would work in Australia and I’m not sure why I’m saying that, other than the fact I never saw any desire for it when I was there.”
Punters across New Zealand and Australia can bet at Awapuni on Saturday with Ladbrokes.com.au.