Galloping to big weekend

BIG CARD: Organisers say conditions are "fantastic'' for this Saturday's Castlepoint beach races.

Castlepoint Beach is said to be in "fantastic condition" with plenty of sand coverage for the annual beach race meeting on Saturday.

Secretary of Castlepoint Racing Club Emma Gardiner said the club has had a high increase in nominations this year, promising big race fields. The first of eight races will start at 10.30am.

The feature event will once again be the Castlepoint Cup, sponsored by Fagan Motors, being the fourth race on the card and has drawn a field of 16, compared to only seven that raced last year.

In between races there will be games for children and a big dig will be held at the end of racing.

A fashion contest is to be held between race five and six which this year is open to the public to enter. Hebe Fashion Boutique will be doing the judging with first prize being a night's accommodation with breakfast and a bubbly high tea sponsored by Trust House.

The runner-up will receive a $100 voucher from Hebe Fashion Boutique and the third placegetter a bubbly high tea courtesy of Trust House.

To enter, potential contestants need to go to the secretary's office, opposite Castlepoint Store, before race five.

Castlepoint beach racing is regarded as one of the best family days on Wairarapa's social calendar with groups staking out a spot along the beach for picnics.

Refreshments and food will be available at the Castlepoint Store or from The Golden Chip.

The club is asking that people who intend bringing dogs keep the animals on a lead and not to allow them on to the beach itself.

This rule is enforced to avoid injuries to horses, riders and to protect the public.