Opinion: Things ain't what they used to be: Thank goodness

By embracing change, the racing industry has contributed to New Zealand growing up.

Things ain't what they used to be. So the song goes.

That's not necessarily a bad thing.

Change can be good and complaining "it wasn't like that in my day" suggests a wish to remain comfortable with the familiar.

I sometimes wonder if the good old days were that good anyway. Just because something has served us well over the years doesn't mean we shouldn't be open to change.

Over decades change in virtually every area of our lives means we now have more time to do the things we want to do. Things we care about and enjoy. Innovation will ensure change remains constant.

I did think of the past this week when I went to the Rotorua Races. Along with 5000 other people. What we experience at today's race meetings is a far cry from those of yesteryear.

Fifty years ago race meetings in New Zealand were quite different to today's events. Then racing was serious business. Meetings were rarely held during the week, it was a Saturday happening.

Rugby, racing and beer. That about summed up Saturdays for the New Zealand male.

Nearly every town of a decent size had a race club with their own racecourse. Race commentators were well known household names. Commentators had to speak fast and accurately, all without the aid of TV screens. Dave Clarkson, Reon Murtha, Peter Kelly, Reg Clapp and Syd Tonks, all legends in racing circles.

Local Totalisator Agency Boards (TAB) thrived. TABs were not located in bars as the majority are now, although you could spot illegal bookies at work in most bars.

Today it is easy for punters to sit for hours placing bets when they can buy a beer or two between races. But studying the horses and their form still remains the priority.

When you walked past a TAB your nostrils were assailed by the musty, smelly tobacco fumes coming from the hundreds of cigarettes being smoked inside.

On the racecourse it was no different. Bars tended to be sited under grandstands. Walking past, the mix of fumes from beer drinking and cigarette smoking was overpowering.

I pity staff who worked in those conditions. Passive smoking was unheard of then.

People would get dressed up to go to the race meetings. Men in suits, many wearing hats. Ladies in their summer or winter outfits with hats, gloves and often matching coloured shoes.

I can't recall seeing children at the races. This was adults' activity and children would have been discouraged.

Thankfully all that has changed. Racing is now entertainment for the whole family.

Of course you still get race meetings, such as the Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch Cup days when everyone dresses up, "putting on the Ritz".

But now the dress code is casual chic and comfortable. Entertainment is provided, there are food stalls to choose from and fun activities keep children amused. Members and public bars serve alcohol.

But the best part of this week's race meeting was the festival atmosphere. It was billed as family entertainment and didn't disappoint. There were nine in our group. We took our deck chairs, picnic hamper and BYO. A family group fun day out.

And it was fun watching everyone else having a good time. I took particular note and didn't see where anyone noticeably abused the beer and wine BYO limit on numbers imposed.

A few smokers stood back from the crowd but it appeared the meeting was almost smoke free.

Horse racing is part of New Zealand's DNA. We have grown up with it. But other forms of gaming have made it difficult for racing to survive.

By being part of the Interislander Summer Festival promotion the Rotorua Racing Club has provided a fun day out for the whole family.

From my observation the public had a great time. With racing I'm pleased "things ain't what they used to be".

By embracing change, I think the racing industry has contributed to New Zealand growing up.