Riverton could return home

Bruce Stewart Journalist

The Riverton Trotting Club is currently looking at the possibility of racing at Riverton on the grass track for their February 2023 meeting. And the Riverton Racing Club are welcoming of the idea of the potential move.

“We feel returning to our community is an important step and beneficial in securing a solid sponsorship base,” said former RTC President Bruce Stewart.

The club last raced on the track in 2000 when two races were held as part of a galloping meeting. Double Damn beat fifteen rivals for Forbury trainer Brian O’Connor and local driver Allan Broomhall and paid $61.20. In the other race the Maurice Kerr trained Glenburn Prince won, paying $11.25. He beat fourteen rivals with five horses scratched from the original field of twenty.

“There are inherent risks in racing on grass - primarily the weather, but there’s a strong appetite for grass track racing which is close to the public and generally gets very good off-course betting. February weather patterns are generally pretty good in Southland these days.”

The Riverton Racing Club birdcage

The club hopes to get HRNZ Track Manager John Denton and HRNZ Racing Manager Catherine McDonald to inspect the track at the end of the month for any safety issues and possible start point options.

An all-weather option with similar starting points would also have to be organised if rain made the grass track unusable.

Many southern drivers have never driven on the picturesque course, famous for its Great Western Steeplechase and Riverton Galloping Cup. 

“I’m sure the meeting would receive great support from southern stables and the local community,” Stewart said.