Cup week message from HRNZ Chief Executive Gary Woodham 

NZ Cup Week message from HRNZ Chief Executive Gary Woodham 

“It’s such a shame that the biggest day of our year will have to be run behind closed doors but we are not surprised by Addington’s decision. The writing has been on the wall for months now.

Canterbury had to be at Alert Level One for Cup day to be held as it has been traditionally and it has appeared increasingly obvious in recent times that this was not going to happen.

Addington has made the tough, but right, decision to make Cup and Show Day open only to essential staff, owners, sponsors and club members. We respect them for making the call so early and will do everything we can to make both days a success.

We really feel for everyone. The public loves a day at the races and Cup day at Addington in the second week in November especially is such a great occasion and a real celebration. People look forward to it for months.

The decisions are tough on fans, trainers, drivers, owners, breeders and everyone else that make this sport what it is.

But this is what Covid has thrown at us. This year has not been easy for anyone, especially those in the northern part of the country.

We can only hope that Alert Levels ease soon and we can get back to normality and that this time next year we can party like it’s 2022.”

Regards

Gary

HRNZ