Racing outlook hopeful

3rd February 2010

Organisers are optimistic the popular Castlepoint beach horse races will make a welcome return to the Wairarapa event calendar this year.

Castlepoint Racing Club secretary Jo Blyth said favourable beach conditions meant the races, planned for March 20, would most likely go ahead.

The races have been held only twice in the past seven years - the last time in 2007 - after storms swept away sand, leaving rocks exposed.

"2010 is looking very promising," Mrs Blyth said.

"The beach is looking fabulous and there is more optimism than there has been for many years."

The historic beach races date back to 1872 when local station hands competing on farm hacks would compete for bottles of rum and any stray coins.

However, in recent times the races have progressed into a family day out with the emphasis on entertainment and picnicking.

Thoroughbreds have replaced farm hacks and it's not unusual to see the usually quiet sea side settlement bustling with people carrying umbrellas, picnic hampers, deck chairs and chilly-bins all enjoying the day and the vista which includes the Castlepoint lighthouse.

"This is one of the most unique races in the country where the sea wall becomes the guard rail and the horses' rail is the waters edge," Mrs Blyth said.

"There's a quaint laid back atmosphere reminiscent of the old days and old fashioned games like a tug of war and three legged races for the kids."

Betting is allowed at the event but conducted as an equalisator, under which punters are allocated horses at random and tickets are purchased for $2.

"This system keeps the day low-key and enables fun betting," she said.

A special feature of this year's event will be the opportunity to purchase a NZ Post postage stamp that features an image of the races.

The private-issue commemorative stamps, printed by NZ Post through its Personalised Stamps project, feature the lighthouse and race official Charles White in the midst of the 2007 races.

Mrs Blyth said money raised from the stamps would bolster funds for the racing club.

The Castlepoint beach horse races are pencilled in for March 20, 2010.

For more information on this and any other events happening in the Wairarapa, visit www.wairarapanz.com