Racing: Change of pace in sunshine

If you think you are happy that summer has finally arrived, consider how the country's best horsemen feel.

Just a few weeks ago many of them could not even see where their horses were going as the annual grass-track country racing circuit started at Rotorua on December 30, with torrential rain turning that meeting into a trying mudbath.

But at Te Aroha yesterday, a week of sun turned the Morrinsville Trotting Club meeting into a dream event.

"This is a bit more like it," said reinsman Maurice McKendry after winning three races, including the Morrinsville Cup, on Classic Flyer.

Like most grass racetracks, the Te Aroha circuit is usually reserved for thoroughbred racing, with yesterday's annual meeting the only time harness horses use the picturesque venue.

"It really is perfect for the horses and that is how grass track racing should be," said McKendry.

There was one downside to the otherwise perfect day's racing, with drivers required to wear bulky safety vests under their racing colours.

Te Aroha locals, entranced by the novelty of harness racing, turned out in numbers to support the meeting, which soon resembled a giant picnic.

Harness racing's summer country circuit continues next Sunday at the Parawai track in Thames before culminating in the Tauranga meeting at Gate Pa on January 30 with a $10,000 bonus to the most consistent performer at the four meetings.