The Corner with Garry Chittick

Well, it was finally our turn. Mary and I shared in the joy of winning a race; we were there, of course. We could have settled in, in front of the TV – not driven the 50 minutes each way, but the emotions are entirely different. We shared our enjoyment with not as many as I would have liked, but a great deal more than would have been sitting in my lounge.

At this club, Waikato Stud sponsors the winners’ bar, not a big room but always one of shared joy – after all, you need to be winners to get in.

But what am I missing. On arrival on course, we were fortunate enough to be greeted by the club’s Board Chairman. On receiving our voucher for a pre-race drink, I then asked where do we go from here. The Chairman went to the desk and returned with members tickets. Now, what about if you are an owner with none of these contacts. My point, as unknowns, we would have ventured out to the exposed open seating, looked around and found our way to the public enclosure.

Now I know various clubs do have easy access to owners’ rooms, but not enough, and more importantly, not easily found or welcoming. Now we are well-known and not suggesting we are more entitled than others, no – a welcoming, easily identified facility is, in my view, the minimum clubs need to provide.

We spent our time in the members’ bar, it was a couple of years ago, we had two high-profile runners and once again in the members’ bar, without the appropriate tickets. It was embarrassing when ordered out by a gentleman just doing his job. We were rescued, but very few owners would be identified as we were; they would have wished they stayed in front of the TV.

So, priority one should be from the moment the owner arrives at the office, they should be welcomed and directed to where they can meet and enjoy their competitors.

Now, the Members’ Bar – this was comfortable with adequate food. We knew a number of people and so had a pleasant day. However, and we are two of them, it was a very aged group. I reminisced with many, but we have a real issue if this was a true reflection of our future. I suppose the perception is what are the advantages of membership, spend a day sitting outside.

Amazing how times have changed. My father waited 18 years to become a member at the Wellington Racing Club, which is now close to not racing.

I think an interesting innovation is the concept ‘fractional’ owning. I know a couple of recent participants who couldn’t resist chucking a small amount to be able to boast to their mates that they are owners. It must be an administrative nightmare, but as a racing enthusiast, either young or old, why not have a go.

Another nail in the Central Districts’ coffin, The Oaks is to be moved north. I think it’s a shame, but I had some time on the Graded Stakes Committee – it is a very difficult task battling an International Pattern Committee with the requirements of a minimum number of rated runners. The question is, will there be more qualified runners now? Maybe, but I would go a long way to win an Oaks. It is incongruous that we move the Oaks north then another of the races I would love to win, The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes south.

If I was running Riccarton right now, I would anxiously be watching and preparing to fight to retain their two Guineas. I can tell you I would, like the Oaks, go a long way to win either race.

I am pleased I had my years in racing administration 25 years ago. It was challenging then, different challenges now. Our sport is worth the fight; let’s hope we have the right contenders.

G

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