30 October 2017 | Graham Fischer
Harness Racing South Australia would like to make a Wayville meeting an annual event.
Following last Friday night’s Retro Night, harness racing’s return to Wayville, HRSA chairman Chris Hartwig said the response encouraged him to consider racing once a year at Wayville.
“Everyone who came along was so positive about the meeting,” Mr Hartwig said.
“The crowd, of about 8000, really became involved in the night, and the noise created during the races was unbelievable.”
Retro Night was the first meeting conducted at Wayville since April 7, 1973. It had been the home of harness racing since January 27, 1934.
Mr Hartwig said some had suggested trying to race at Wayville more often but he felt that would not work.
“To me, this is harness racing’s chance to create an event, a bit like Oakbank is to thoroughbred racing.
“I think running one meeting a year would be a chance to promote our sport. It is not just about the racing, but a chance to showcase harness racing.
“However, it will all come down to the balance sheet.”
Mr Hartwig said he believed the cost to stage Retro Night had been about $130,000.
“With our income from gate receipts, sponsorship and betting turnover I’m expecting to finish up with a profit or loss of no more or no less than $20,000 which, I believe, is acceptable.
“What you can’t put a figure on is the publicity harness racing gained.”
Mr Hartwig said part of this year’s cost had been the track surface which could be left on the circuit.
He said it would give HRSA a better starting base if another meeting was conducted.
“Personally, I believe the meeting would be better staged between December and February with a warmer night.
“We had few options this year and the night looked a bit ordinary early with the wind but fortunately it calmed down.”
Punters accepted the Wayville meeting with both on and off course turnover up markedly on a normal South Australian harness meeting.
There were six bookmaker stands on course and all reported good holdings.
Mr Hartwig said credit for running Retro Night should go to the current HRSA Board who took up the challenge.
“It was brought up at a meeting of the directors and everyone said to give it a try to help promote the code.”
However, it is understood that Mr Hartwig was the initial driving force having first come up with idea about two years ago.
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