Clutha-Southland MP Hamish Walker welcomes the news of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s (NZTR) venue plan final report, with thoroughbred racing to continue at Gore.
“At the same time the announcement is disappointing for Winton, with the club set to cease racing at the track from the 2019/2020 season,” Mr Walker says.
“The people behind the Messara report need to talk a leaf out of NZTR’s venue plan and understand how important the Gore track is to the racing industry and the community.”
“It is a shame for the Winton community to lose the thoroughbred racing but the harness racing track is well utilised and I’m hopeful this will continue long into the future.”
“There had been huge community support for both of these tracks to be saved, and a lot of people had gotten behind my Save Southland’s Racetracks petition.”
“I’m glad New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has taken on board my concerns.”
“The Messara report now needs to follow suit, and understand the value of the Gore racetrack by keeping it open.”