Trots on track despite demolition

The Nelson Harness Racing Club has moved to scotch fears that its two-day summer meeting could be scratched after a key facility was bulldozed recently.

Following an earthquake report in May, the Nelson A&P Association decided the Members Grandstand design and prohibitive costs weren’t conducive for restrengthening works.

“Rumours went around Canterbury that we wouldn’t be racing at Richmond Park after the grandstand, directly opposite the finishing line, was knocked down. The timing was a was a major inconvenience, but things are ticking along for the January 2026 dates,” says NHRC vice-president Kevin Musso.

“We are improvising, doing the best we can, and will bring in four portacoms for the race days.”

The members’ stand housed the judges and commentary box, photo finish links, stipendiary and judicial staff, the race day secretary’s office, and the president’s room which was used to entertain winning connections.

One of the portacoms has to be six metres tall to ensure the judge, photographer and race caller get the best possible angle of close finishes.

Ironically, the club had spent money last year reinforcing the walkway out to the box at the front of the stand.

“We probably had to do it at that time to make the building fit for purpose. We had no inkling that the demolition was imminent. Fortunately, we hadn’t begun work on the aging concrete below,” says Kevin.

Trotting was first staged at venue 134 years ago and the club has ruled out transferring its 7 and 9 January dates to another location.

“I have seen it before where clubs move away and then lose their local race day sponsors as there is no benefit for them,” confirms Kevin, who is also the racetrack caretaker. The club’s staging a Trophy Day trial meeting on 14 December as a lead up to Christmas-New Year racing on the West Coast, Nelson and Marlborough circuits.

There is no word yet from the association on future plans for the now vacant lot next to the finishing post.