Geraldine rapt with reprieve

The Geraldine Trotting Club says it is determined to make the most of the decision allowing it to host a meeting at its Orari course in November.

As part of a wide-ranging review into racetracks around the country Orari was originally left without a meeting at its home track in the 2020-21 season, with their one and only meeting to be transferred to Methven.

Now, TAB NZ has agreed that the Geraldine Trotting Club, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, can host a meeting after all. The Christmas at the Races meeting will be held on November 28.

“It’s a chance to redeem ourselves,” says Geraldine TC president Mark Weaver, “ we want a good crowd, good turnover and everyone to have a relaxing fun time.”

“And we are hoping that Mother Nature will play her part.”

Weaver says the feedback to the decision has been very encouraging.

The meeting will be subject to a review that will determine its future.

"It’s our one chance," Weaver says.

As well as the 150th milestone the meeting will also be the first since the death of club stalwart and commentator Lochie Marshall. He died in March after a battle with leukaemia.

“We are keen to honour him with a race, and it would have to be a trot.”

From 1992 - 2019 Marshall only trained trotters, and among his 13 winners (196 starts) Missie Castleton was the square-gaiter he was most associated with (6 wins from 81 starts).

For more information about the day, bookings etc contact :

[email protected] Phone:0274 357398