120 | RACING INDUSTRY Motukarara Racecourse T T Karen Phelps Off and racing on Banks Peninsula The season’s pinnacle is on December 29, when the racecourse expects 5000-6000 attendees. Motukarara Racecourse is preparing to welcome thousands of racegoers with an action-packed 2025/26 calendar that combines thrilling harness racing with exceptional hospitality options. People tell us they love coming to Motukarara, due to its location and picnic atmosphere. It’s one of the bigger grass tracks at 1800 metres, and our big straight gives horses an equal winning opportunity,” says Banks Peninsula Trotting Club president, Chris Brown. “It leads to much more exciting racing and close finishes.” The venue’s unique grass track, which operates during summer months exclusively, offers spectators an authentic country racing experience just 15 minutes’ drive from Halswell and 30 minutes from central Christchurch. The Banks Peninsula Trotting Club will kick off its season on September 21 with the prestigious DG Jones Memorial Cup, honouring the late Derek G. Jones, who trained over 1000 winning horses, including outstanding performers such as Soangetaha, Rewa Scott, Hands Down and Blossom Lady. The calendar intensifies with the November 23 meeting, perfectly timed for the approaching picnic season. The season’s pinnacle is on December 29, when the racecourse expects 5000-6000 attendees. Live entertainment will feature musician John McCabe, and families can enjoy pony rides, lolly scrambles, bouncy castles and a mini farmyard for children. The 2026 portion of the season continues with meetings scheduled for February 15, March 15, April 6 and April 22, maintaining the club’s tradition of conducting six harness race meetings annually on the grass track. Additional entertainment enhances the family-friendly atmosphere, with kids’ carts featuring teenage drivers and their ponies providing short races at most meetings, adding variety to the traditional harness racing programme. Beyond the racing action, Chris says Motukarara offers a range of hospitality options designed to accommodate various group sizes and preferences. The Mot Hill, adjacent to the birdcage, provides premium race viewing, where marquees can accommodate up to 200 seated guests in the heart of the action. The Big Tree Enclosure, positioned beside the parade ring, offers close-up horse viewing under natural shade, with space for marquees catering to approximately 150 guests. This location features its own totalisator betting window for guest convenience. For those seeking trackside intimacy, gazebo sites measuring 6m x 5m are positioned directly on the race track fence along the home straight. ‘ These sites, available for purchase online from August, accommodate 10-15 people and operate as BYO-friendly areas outside the main enclosure. There is also a café, real fruit ice-cream, coffee and a bar on-site. Chris says the racecourse maintains strict regulations requiring all alcohol within the main grandstand embankment, Big Tree Enclosure, and main enclosure areas to be sourced from Country Feasts, which offers competitive pricing across all drink options. The club’s rich heritage dates back to May 2, 1884, when the first horse-race meeting took PROUD SPONSORS OF THE BANKS PENINSULA TROTTING CLUB Harness the power of a team. Bianca Davidson | 027 322 9055 Sam Sidey | 027 346 3500 Nathan Collett | 027 826 1535 Chris Jones | 027 220 5043 Sarah Eastmond | 027 234 2607 No.1 Sales Lifestyle Bayleys Canterbury No.1 Overall Team Bayleys Canterbury WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008 NEW BUILDS ALTERATIONS MAINTENANCE WET BACK SYSTEMS PUMPS & FILTERS GASFITTING ken@ktpl .co.nz 03 421 6829 or 021 2 TOOHEY SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN TO PREVENT AND HEAL GASTRIC ULCERS IN HORSES 20kg PREMIUM FORAGE FIBRE FOR OPTIMAL HEALTH SUITABLE FOR ALL HORSES ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Aids in the healing and prevention of ulcers in horses Highly digestible quality protein to build muscle and immunity High in digestible energy, but very low in sugar and starch Fresh cut lucerne with Xanotyde® 9 421011 530163 Registered pursuant to the ACVMAct No. A11059. See www.foodsafety.govt.nz for registration conditions. FOR ANIMAL TREATMENT ONLY Fiber Fresh products are available from quality equine and rural suppliers nationwide www.fiber-fresh.com
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