Volunteers behind success of Marlborough Harness Club

Hot weather, a larger than normal crowd, capacity harness racing fields and excellent oncourse and off-course TAB turnover figures were a great introduction for incoming Marlborough Harness Racing Club chairperson Shirley Morrison.

The two-day meeting had racing on the Friday and Sunday which was greatly enjoyed by the Marlborough public.

Behind the scenes there was a lot of hard work by a dedicated band of volunteers working tirelessly to ensure Waterlea was prepared for the weekend.

“We had people who returned from elsewhere to come back and help with preparations” says Shirley.

Our thanks to Cathy Taylor and Daryll Fairweather, Susie and Steve Waddell and Lindsay Pearson.

Our local regular volunteers all worked extremely hard ensuring the entire facility was looking great – particularly working on the stables and track.

These included: Gary Bugler,

Di and Paul Scott, Alan Grant and Alan Marshall, Alan and Petrina Shutkowski.

Tony Thomas (trainer and on the committee) works extremely hard all year round mowing the track and grassed areas.

The track and grounds were looking great and were a credit to the work he does.

Mike Rangi (vice-president of the Harness Racing committee) worked long hours ensuring the parking, marquee facilities, catering and bar facilities were all organized.

He also ensured that the cleanup was done between days and after the meeting.

This was all handled very well with the areas well-managed on race day. Thanks Mike.

Lee Wilde, who is also on the committee, did a great job with the cleaning of the buildings, ensuring that all areas were clean – even arranging for the windows to be done.

Lee also arranged the food and crucially with such hot weather the water for the trainers, drivers and people working on the race days.

This was greatly appreciated by all.

Our secretary Lynne McIntosh had to work long hours prior to the meeting ensuring that all the people required were booked and importantly had a place to stay.

There are a surprisingly large number of people required including tote operators, crash crew, bar staff, gate personnel, office personnel and food providers.

All are important and we appreciate everyone who worked on the race days.

Of course, for a race meeting you need the racehorses.

The level of support from the trainers and owners was excellent – with great fields and exciting action on the track.

The other thing that made for great race days was the Marlborough public who attended the meeting.

It was wonderful to see the crowds enjoying a day out at Waterlea Raceway.

This weekend was a boon for local businesses with hotels and motels booked out and restaurants full with many locals and out-of-towners.

To keep harness racing in Marlborough the ongoing support of the community is crucial.

We would like to acknowledge the contribution of everyone who volunteered, worked, bought their horses and attended the weekend – your support is invaluable.

The club was thrilled to acknowledge some of our past members and volunteers with the John Taylor and Eric Percy Memorial races on Friday and the Graham Neill Memorial Trotting Cup and Ossie Hickman/Taimate Equine Marlborough Pacing Cup on Sunday.

To all our sponsors a big thank you also.