The announcement that Wanganui Jockey Club is to lose its Hospice Cup Day is a real blow.
The special race day for the hospice has been a great way for the charity to raise funds and people to have a lot of fun.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has pulled thepin on the race day, instead opting to have the traditional Saturday of Labour Weekend meet moved to Otaki.
The reason seems to be money. More can be made if the Saturday race day is held at Otaki, presumably because it is closer to the greater Wellington region and the crowds. And in the great shuffle board that is the racing calendar, perhaps the racing industry is giving an extra push to Otaki, for whatever reason.
But you would expect that the New Zealand Racing Board and the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing would be proud to be associated with Hospice Cup Race Day. It seems odd to sever ties with such a fantastic cause and such positive exposure. The day is a great family outing and draws in a crowd that may not usually be on the course.
Events such as the Hospice Cup Day Race are crucial to keep places such as hospice going. In the past six years, the meet has raised about $60,000 for the cause. And it not only raises funds but also raises awareness.
The Wanganui Jockey Club is livid at the change of venue and is leading the charge to get the date changed. New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has said the decision to take the race day away is not final. Experience shows that, unless people kick up a fuss, it usually is.
A petition organised by the jockey club is open. Submissions to the racing powers-that-be must be made by March 21. So let's save our Hospice Cup Race Day. Let's make some noise.
