90 | Richard Loader Rich history flows into the future Race meetings are always well patronised at the Wanganui Jockey Club. COMMUNITY Wanganui Jockey Club Excited to be celebrating its 175 Anniversary this December, the Wanganui Jockey Club (WJC) has the honour of being New Zealand’s oldest horse racing club still operating from the same site. Wanganui’s central location in the North Island provides easy access for horse owners and punters alike to enjoy the eleven race meetings held during the year, including the coveted Wanganui Cup, held in December. Operations Manager Bret Field says that for a mid-size club, race meetings are always well patronised, in part because of the very strong racing community. “From the Jockey Club point of view, we’re both a thoroughbred training centre, as well as racetrack. I would say we’re in the top six best tracks in the country, because we have a free-draining sand base, which makes it good all year round.” Established in 1848, the club takes pride of place in the heart of Wanganui and incorporates a modern and versatile Function Centre as part of its campus facilities. In 1997 a major fire destroyed the main grandstand and from the ashes arose the Wanganui Function Centre encompassing four modern function rooms, complete with commercial kitchen facilities. “The Function Centre, is one of the two biggest events centres in Wanganui,” says Bret. “The multi-use function centre is a real jewel for us because we rely on non-racing income as well as income from racing and training. Pre-Covid we were very busy because of our central location, and we’re now beginning to return to that same level of activity in regard to events.” With rooms providing comfortable seating capacity for 500 to 60 guests, the Function Centre’s diverse range includes weddings and other special occasions, meetings and conferences, right through to funeral services. “Every room has a bar and obviously totes — we are a racecourse all said and done — and most rooms have great views of the race track. There are also a range of rooms at the Jockey Club end of the facilities that can be utilised, so it’s not just confined to the four Function Centre rooms. Those rooms can be used for standalone events or as break-out rooms for conferences. Because of our central North Island location, we’re very popular as a conference venue.” While the WJC offers basic food options, it has assembled a large list of preferred local catering suppliers that clients can select from, which Bret says is a fantastic opportunity for those suppliers to be involved in the venue, and offer diversity. “We’re also open to customers’ needs and very involved with our local community, and that’s why we’re patronised so well both at race days and in community events.” Complementing the Function Centre and other rooms in the facility, are the expansive outdoor areas, including a substantial free-carpark, that can be used independently for events or provide an indoor/outdoor dimension. A small garden area has been established and designated to weddings, so the ceremony can take place there if preferred, while the main function can be held inside. “Our main carpark is used for many events including circuses, shows, and drive-in movies. During the year we have indoor and outdoor markets. The Christmas markets were held on the lawns, as well as the main carpark. The carpark is very extensive and this weekend space has been set aside for the Wheels In Wanganui event and one hundred motorhomes for people attending the Vintage weekend. The lawns on the ‘home straight’ are often used for events and we also use the THE Next Generation Ford Ranger HAS ARRIVED Book youR test drive today - Taking orders now. wanganui motors: Proud Vehicle Suppliers for wanganui jockey club. THINKING ROOFING? THINK WANGANUI STEELFORMERS • Longrun roofing • Cut to length • 5 profiles available • Fast & efficient FREE NO-OBLIGATION QUOTE Ph 06 344 5142 • 0800 800 077 WANGANUI STEELFORMERS • 380 Heads Road, Wanganui www.steelformers.co.nz • chris@steelformers.co.nz Decompaction, Aeration, Turf Construction & Maintenance Your partner to turf excellence www.sportsturfrenovators.co.nz
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