Booze crackdown for Christmas race meeting

Jumping the gun on celebrations for Christmas at the Races festival at the Wanganui Jockey Club on Saturday will not be tolerated.

Following a national trend, the club has tripled security for the Wanganui Cup race meeting where business houses traditionally treat staff and clients to yuletide festivities.

Party-goers intending to pre-load on alcohol before arriving on course will be turned away at the gate, while over-indulging visitors will be quickly sent packing.

Jockey Club operations manager Bret Field said rooms were fully booked, although the general public had been allocated the spacious Eulogy Lounge where live music from Darren Wallace, the popular Fashion in the Field competition, and large screens to watch races would offer plenty of entertainment.

"Under the nationwide Christmas at the Races brand, we are required to charge a gate fee and this year it will be $10," Mr Field said.

"It is the only day during the season we charge to get in, and we will not entertain people arriving drunk.

"So, to avoid embarrassment and disappointment, don't pre-load at home first."

Similar restrictions have applied at the recent New Zealand Cup Week at Riccarton and at the Wellington Cup carnivals.

Meanwhile, the annual Repco Mascot race sideshow is shaping up as a real grudge match between extended family members.

"The inaugural mascot race was won by my nephew Matt Field who raced as Turbo Man, mascot of the Manawatu rugby team," Mr Field said.

"He lives in Palmerston North and works for trainer Kevin Gray.

"He has since had a kidney transplant donated by his sister Ruth and won seven medals, including six gold at the Australasian Transplant Games, so he's recovered well.

"He was also named an ambassador for the World Transplant Games in Spain next year.

"I have invited him back to race here and hopefully take the winner of the last two down a peg or two."

Mr Field's stepson Jordan Baldwin, racing as The Beer Baron, has easily won the last two Repco-sponsored events and while substantial prizes are up for grabs, bragging rights too are on offer.

In some quarters Mr Baldwin has lightheartedly been accused of taking the bragging rights a step too far and needed to be put back in his place.

"That's why I've invited Matt back and Jordan is not so confident now," Mr Field said.
The race will be run just after 2pm on Saturday.