- outdoors
The Racy Appeal of a Country Club
Levin Racing Club, Levin, country races, race day
Ladies in hats and sharp dresses, sponsored marquees, pre-race impromptu cricket games and that cold beer in the hot coastal sun. And screaming your horse on. This is racing day razzmatazz. For the Levin Racing Club there's a greater calling.
It's Coast Time
Levin Racing Club
A: Mako Mako Rd, Levin (races at Otaki Racing Club)
T: 06 368 3068
E: secretary@levinracingclub.co.nz
Once a year in November, Horowhenua people close their businesses and head for the races. For them, the Levin Classic is an occasion for community pride.
One of 22 Group One races held in New Zealand, the Levin Classic puts Levin on the national stage - which is strange because all four of its races are held further south at the neighboring Otaki Maori Racing Club. While racing 20km south of Levin at Otaki is a challenge, the loyalty of the Horowhenua community to their Club of 150 years has never waned.
The Horowhenua region, especially Levin, has a long successful tradition in thoroughbred racing and breeding. National names in racing have come from here - the Skeltons, Searles and many more household names of people and horses.
"People still love the races. It has a special appeal. We make sure the horse owners, the punters and fans have a good time. That's our job," says Levin Racing Club President, David Archibald.
The Ryders Stakes is the winter event while the Classic is a chance to bask in the national sunlight. Christmas at the Races in December is designed to attract the wallets of the Wellingtonians. "Being close to Wellington, we offer a country club experience and attract over 1000 people. The mid-week event rolls out the red carpet to corporate Christmas staff functions," says David.
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