All clear for Marlborough track

The Marlborough Harness Racing Club’s two-day meeting in January is all systems go, despite strong word that the meeting might have been in jeopardy.

Word had been making it around the harness racing circle in Canterbury that a potential change in date or venue was possible for the popular summer destination but Marlborough Harness Racing club president, Brian Wastney was keen to dispel any myths floating around.

“We are all good here and looking forward to holding our two day meeting in January,” he said.

“I understand there have been a few different scenarios making the rounds but I can 100 per cent say that none of them are true and we intend to hold our meeting as always at our own Waterlea Racecourse.”

The rumour mill kicked into gear courtesy of the tragic Kaikoura earthquakes last month with the current situation on State Highway One meaning that those coming from Canterbury and South would have to travel through the Lewis Pass as opposed to taking the coastal route through Kaikoura.

It means an extended trip for many with an extra hour added on from the normal trip to Nelson to get to Blenheim, but Wastney confirmed the club were looking into paying a travel subsidy to those affected.

“We had a committee meeting last night (Tuesday) and it was discussed that a travel subsidy could be given to those who travel through the Lewis Pass in an effort to try and ensure we get the usual number of stables travelling to the meeting.

“We haven’t completely locked that in yet, but I would expect we will be able to make an announcement on it next week.”

The closing of the week long gap between the Nelson and Blenheim meetings will come as a welcome one to those trainers planning on attending both meetings with the ability now to be based in the top of the South Island for the week and attend both meetings.

Over the past few years the meeting have had a weekend in between which was met with much dismay among licence holders.

“I think it’s beneficial to both clubs to have the two meetings back-to-back and with this current situation it may make the idea of travelling to the meetings a little more appealing.”

The Marlborough Club hasn’t programmed it’s flagship event, the Pelorus Classic this year after poor nominations last year saw the race abandoned.

Matt Markham