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The North Island is about to launch into a full on four weeks of grass track harness racing, including the recently resurrected Wellington Trotting Cup.
Each meeting is held in its own unique setting, as the harness racing roadshow continues over the summer.
Below is a summation of each meeting in the upcoming northern grass circuit where all Cup races will be included for points in the new concept 2018 North Island Country Cups Championship.
Instead of a Country Cup Final being held in each region this season, points will be amassed based on performance in the Country Cup series races in each region. Upon the completion of the series in each region a winner will be found on points earning $6,000 and a dress rug, with second and third also receiving prizemoney.
Full details on the new Country Cup Series can be found here: https://infohorse.hrnz.co.nz/dochr/hrnz/CountryCupChampionshipRelease.pdf
Thames at Parawai – Saturday 13 January
A great option for any racing fan wanting to escape the big smoke, or venture down from the Coromandel and enjoy country racing. The Thames meeting will be held at the Parawai Racecourse this Saturday.
Situated just three kilometres south of the township of Thames, the feature race on the card is the $10,000 Parawai Cup.
Entry to the course is free and Kidz Kartz will be present to entertain with races throughout the day. It is a great way to enjoy some great racing action and quality time with friends of family this summer.
Te Awamutu at Waipa – Saturday 20 January
Providing a great picnic option for those wanting to jump in the car for a trip from the busy centres nearby, this meeting will be held on the grass surface at Waipa Racecourse in Te Awamutu.
After almost 30 years away from the Waipa course, harness racing returned to the venue in 2006 and provides race goers with picturesque settings in which to enjoy their day out.
The feature race is the Te Awamutu Grass Cup and for the family there will be a bouncy castle and face painting. Kidz Kartz will also be present on the day with exhibition races and entry to the course is free.
Tauranga – Sunday 28 January
Part of the Interislander Summer Festival the Waikato Bay of Plenty Harness Racing Club racing at Tauranga will give the kids an end-of-school-holiday treat.
A fun family day out, or great gathering for friends, rally your clan together, pack a picnic or sample the local fare and wine on offer and get set for a fun day in the sun.
With free kids entertainment, live music and thrilling harness racing, you’ll find something to entertain kids of all ages. There is a gate fee of $10 per adult, with hospitality options available also.
The Tauranga Cup will be the feature event on the card, and Kidz Kartz will be oncourse.
Kapiti Coast – Friday 2 February and Sunday 4 February
The first day of the Kapiti Coast meeting will see the running of the $12,000 Wellington Trotting Cup. A time honoured event, it was introduced to this meeting in 2016 after a fourteen year break since the closing of Hutt Park.
2018 Otaki Cup will feature on day two, and is part of the Interislander Summer Festival events. It will offer a picnic atmosphere and a wide variety of family entertainment, including exhibition races from the Hawera Kidz Kartz.
President Mary Colman said that race stakes were a key focus for the committee.
“Our minimum stake over the two days is $9,000 and that is something we really wanted to all out on. Stakeholders we feel need rewarding, and we are hoping to attract good fields from both the North and South Island with the stakes on offer.”
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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