13 race card locked in for Taupo harness debut

A 13-race programme has been confirmed for Taupo’s historic harness racing meeting next Monday.

On Auckland Anniversary day (January 26) the Taupo Racing Club’s track will host its first ever harness races in its more than 60-year history.

The meeting is being run by Waikato – Bay of Plenty Harness Inc (Cambridge Raceway),starting at 11.40am.

“It’s been very challenging  with a lot of logistics but we have had a lot of support from a lot of people.” says newly-minted Cambridge Raceway Chief Executive Nick Blundell, “and the place is humming”.

It’s Blundell’s biggest endeavor since starting as Cambridge Raceway’s new Chief Executive late last year.

“I’m a newbie who’s only been here for three months and I am learning a lot – and fast,” he says.

The decision to go to Taupo, a massively popular summer destination, was made last year.

The objective is to take the sport to new areas and at the same time enhance grass track racing over the summer months in the North Island.

“We really want this to a great advertisement for the sport,” says Blundell, “we are aiming for a family-orientated community country vibe.”

The response from owners, trainers and other licence-holders has been very encouraging with over 140 nominations. Because of the nature of the Taupo track field size is restricted to 10.

The track was inspected just last week and given the thumbs-up.

As always the weather will be key to the success of the day and the forecast is for some light rain and 19 degrees.

“We have fingers crossed,” says Blundell.

The plan is for Taupo to become an annual event. In this thoroughbred racing heartland getting off to a good start will be critical.

To see the fields for Taupo’s first harness racing meeting on Monday click here 

From Harness Racing New Zealand