Project Stamina according to Southland Racing

[Chief Stipe]

Discussion on Project Stamina

Tayler Strong

An assurance that Project Stamina was not a "land grab"  was conveyed to administrators of thoroughbred racing in Otago and Southland at a gathering at Wingatui today.

"We have no agenda and are trying to be collaborative," said Martin  Butler, of RCP,  the independent consultant appointed by New Zealand  Thoroughbred Racing, NZ Harness Racing  and the TAB on the future of NZ's racing infrastructure.

He was addressing 26  administrators from the Otago, Southland, Riverton, Central Otago, Kurow, Oamaru, Beaumont, Gore,  Tapanui, Waikouaiti, Winton, Wyndham and Wairio clubs.

"There is a perception that nothing has been done over past decades to address the issues affecting racings position in a progressive manner," said Murray Acklin a long time racing administrator and former president of the NZ Racing Conference (now NZTR)

"This couldn't be further from reality and Otago and Southland have, in many respects led the way regarding many of the issues up for discussion.

"Nationally thirty-five years ago, there were 96 racing clubs racing at 59 venues, today there are 50 clubs racing at approximately 40 venues.

"Rationalization and consolidation have been Club led through evolution, not revolution with great success.

"For example, in Otago four racing venues have closed, Waikouaiti, Central Otago (Omakau), Beaumont and Tapanui.

"Waikouaiti and Beaumont Racing Clubs race at Wingatui, Central Otago Racing Club join forces with Otago Racing Club for the two-day carnival at Cromwell and Tapanui race at Gore.

"Otago province race at four venues, Wingatui, owned and operated by the Otago Racing Club, hosting 15 race days across three individual racing clubs and one harness club [Forbury Park]

"Oamaru racecourse is owned by the government on lease in perpetuity for equine activity and administered by local Trustees. It is the home of the Oamaru Jockey Club who host three meetings over the winter months. Oamaru Trotting Club race several times on the grass and all-weather track along with Kurow and Waikouaiti Trotting Clubs.

"The Kurow Jockey Club race annually on 30th December at Kurow. This extremely popular meeting draws on a holiday crowd from more than 35,000 who holiday in the Waitaki Valley each year. The venue is owned and administered by a local trust.

"The Cromwell racetrack is owned by the local council and forms part of a sporting and recreational complex. Both horse codes race there over the busy holiday period, literally taking 'racing to the people' which would not be replicated to the same extent if moved to say, Wingatui.

"Waikouaiti racecourse is owned by the Waikouaiti Racing Club and has been closed for racing purposes for 5 years. The Club are keen to instigate a sale and are working with NZTR to affect a positive outcome for both parties.

"Beaumont Racing Club's venue at Beaumont was leased to the Club by local farmers and racing in 1986.

In summary, all four active venues are important to ensure racing has exposure all year round and three venues cater for both codes.

"The only active venue that could be sold is Wingatui and in doing so would effectively devastate racing in Otago and Southland and be problematic to Canterbury racing.

Wingatui is the main training centre in Otago.

"Racing in Southland has experienced similar consolidation in recent times and has only three thoroughbred racing venues.

"Gore racetrack is owned by the Gore Racing Club and is host to Wyndham Racing Club, Tapanui Racing Club and Gore Trotting Club.

"Gore is less than 2 hours from Wingatui and 45 minutes from Invercargill making it easily accessible within Otago and Southland.

"The Invercargill track at Ascot Park is home to all three codes and whilst owned by the Southland Racing Club, very long-term leases exist between the two horse codes.

"The venue is host to the Southland Racing Club, Wairio Jockey Club and Winton Jockey Club. Harness and Greyhound race there in number.

Ascot Park is the main training centre in Southland.

"The Riverton Racing Club own their own venue and provide excellent racing and training facilities on a large roomy track often described as one of the best in the country.

"The Easter Carnival is extremely popular with on and off course turnover exceeding that of major North Island Clubs. Their New Years Day meeting is gaining in popularity catering for many holiday makers at the seaside resort

"There are 13 individual thoroughbred clubs racing 36 days per year in Otago & Southland at 7 venues.

"Gallop South administers 16 race days by 10 clubs at 4 venues in Otago & Southland.

"Otago Racing Club administers 15 race days by two clubs at two venues [plus one joint venue with Gallop South at Cromwell]

"The Southland Racing Club administers their five meetings from Ascot Park.

13 Clubs racing 36 days per annum at seven venues administered by three entities who work collaboratively  for the betterment of racing optimises rationalisation and consolidation of a very large area of NZ.

"All 13 Clubs are in a sound financial position, cash and assets wise, are debt free and not a drain on resources from NZTR or TAB NZ.

"All Clubs conduct successful meetings [weather permitting] and contribute to the nation wellbeing of the thoroughbred racing industry.

"Club led rationalization will continue to evolve in the region. Any forced closures or downsizing will erode involvement at all levels," concluded Acklin.