Entertainment
First-time race goers are being invited to experience harness racing at Ascot Park with a new initiative designed to make the sport more accessible.
Firsties is landing in Invercargill this Sunday, offering newcomers and casual fans a relaxed introduction to the trots with no pressure to know the ins and outs of the sport.
The event features a dedicated Firsties Zone inside the main stand, serving as a base for the afternoon where visitors can watch racing, ask questions, and learn about the day's events at their own pace.
"There's no pressure to know everything, no dress code, and no need to stay all day," organisers said.
Jason Broad, General Manager of The Trots, explained the initiative aims to change perceptions about harness racing.
"The initiative was started at the conference last year, and HRNZ are doing it to bring people into the industry" Broad said. "Even if you've been once or twice, they've been to our Christmas race, which is quite a big event, just to get them along and come see what it's like and be an interest all year round, rather than just those one-offs."
Broad said there are misconceptions about race attendance. "Because there's a lot of misconception around there, around you have to go to the race, you just be there for race one, you have to compete to race ten. That's more of a showing how you can come and go, you don't have to be there all that time, you can just have a social outcome with it."
The event includes stable tours, behind-the-scenes access, and chances to meet trainers and drivers. One highlight is the opportunity for a lucky guest to win a share in a racehorse for the day, experiencing race day like an owner with a meet and greet with the horse, trainer and driver, plus a drink in the President's Room.
"So you have a horse that might be called Moro, like one of mine was called Moro, but her race name is completely different," Broad explained. "And identify those horses and kind of get the connections, because everyone who has their horses loves their horses, but it's just kind of that isn't kind of shared across the wider community that it is like that."
Perks include free parking, hosts to answer questions, mobile rides, Firsties-only draws and giveaways, punting help for beginners, and $1 off drinks from 1-2pm. The first 50 people through the gate receive Firsties socks.
Food options include an exclusive Firsties Burger for $18 with fries, available in classic cheeseburger, satay chicken, or slow-roasted beef brisket varieties.
The event coincides with ILT's sponsored race day, with 15 ILT vouchers being given away to punters throughout the afternoon.