New Year’s Eve racing event attracts all levels

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Horses from more than 100 trainers from across Southland, Otago and Christchurch took to the track as part of the annual Christmas circuit.

The event was one of several around the South Island during the holiday period, which include meetings in towns such as Roxburgh and Cromwell.

Enjoying the Winton trots on New Year’s Eve are (from left) Christine Farley, of Winton, Karen Milne, of Edendale, Tracey Norman, of Brydone, Diane Dynes, of Winton, Jackie Barron, of Invercargill, and Ellayne Kelly, of Ashburton. PHOTOS: ABBEY PALMER

Winton Harness Racing Club former president Neville Skinner said the Christmas circuit gave everybody the opportunity to get involved due to the diversity of terrain and distances at different tracks.

“Some of the lower-class horses can race on the grass at some tracks and there’s a lot of different track lengths, so everyone can have a go.’’

Geni and Leo Curtin, of Tussock Creek, had a good spot.

Despite a bit of rain, there was a great turnout for the last day of 2020 in Winton on Thursday.

The races were held later in the day to give those who did not have the day off the chance to come along after they finished work.

“We wanted to do the twilight races for that reason.

Taking it easy at the trots are (from left) Bevan Brown, of Lorneville, Paul McEntyre, of Makarewa, and Arty Shirley, of Invercargill.

“We’ve got a lot of the community here today, which has made up today’s big crowd.’’

There was no better time than the holiday season to attract people from across the region to racing events, Mr Skinner said.

“People might be travelling to Queenstown or somewhere rather and stop in at one of the races. It tends to draw a bigger crowd.’’

It was a family day which appealed to a whole range of people and brought the community together, he said.

He hoped next year’s circuit would be just as successful.

abbey.palmer@odt.co.nz