On track at Opaki

FOR most people racing is all about colourful silks, the excitement of the punt, a glass of chardonnay or a hot dog smothered in tomato sauce but for around 30 Masterton people its more about dedication.
It means daily before- dawn trips to Opaki training track ? rain hail or shine ? hard work and hope.
The 30 strong contingent of professional trainers, hobby owner-trainers and track riders rely on the Opaki course not only for stabling but also as a means of preparing their horses for that day when they just might be able to break out the chardonnay.
As they go about their daily business the economic spin-off of their presence at Opaki benefits Masterton way beyond a million dollars a year.
The livelihoods of feed and grain merchants, veterinarians, farriers and float owners are greatly helped by the racing fraternity at Opaki.
On an average morning about 40 horses are worked there and the Masterton Racing Club also gains some income from grazing cattle on the in-field and planting crops to help the course pay its way. Jude Nikolaison and Don Farmer visited the track earlier this week.