Racing more than good day out

Kelly Myers rides Hunterville galloper Mungo Jerry to victory in the NZ Cup in Christchurch on Saturday.

During last week's parliamentary recess I was fortunate to have the opportunity to see the New Zealand Trotting Cup for the first time in a number of years.

There was a huge crowd, estimated to be more than 25,000, and it was a beautiful day at Addington Raceway.

Of course, it was made even better for me when local horse Te Kawau won the lead-up race.

Shortly afterwards, Adore Me took out the Cup in a spirited race. She is owned by one of New Zealand's best-ever equine veterinarians, Charlie Roberts, along with his daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Paul Kenny.

I also enjoyed watching Terror to Love, one of the best pacers of all time as he came close to winning the Cup for the fourth time.

On Thursday, we again ventured to Christchurch to spend the day at the Canterbury A&P Show, which is clearly the largest animal show in New Zealand and a trade show that matches all but the National Fieldays.

Show week in Canterbury is a wonderful week of entertainment, education and rural life and features some of New Zealand's best breeding farm animals and some wonderful racehorses.

The 151st running of the New Zealand Cup (gallopers) was held at Riccarton on Saturday. It saw a continuation of an amazingly successful year for horses and owners from our region as Adrian and Harry Bull's horse Mungo Jerry, ridden by Kelly Myers, won the race.

This continued a winning streak of four consecutive NZ Cup wins for trainers or owners from the Rangitikei electorate - Kevin Myers from Turakina was victorious last year with Spring Cheer.

In fact, the Auckland and Wellington cups are also held by Rangitikei-owned horses, an incredible feat.

My role as chairman of the primary production select committee includes the racing industry and it is great to see minister Nathan Guy also taking a real interest.

The racing industry makes a significant contribution to the New Zealand economy.

The combined income from thoroughbred racing, harness racing and greyhounds in 2010 was $1.635 billion which represents 0.9 per cent of our gross domestic product. In addition, thoroughbred breeding has an estimated export value of more than $130 million.

In terms of employment, the industry creates the equivalent of 16,930 full-time jobs, while it also contributes to the accommodation, travel, fashion and entertainment sectors. By comparison the wine industry generates 16,500 full-time jobs and the forestry and mining sector 11,000.

In 2010, it was estimated that 52,700 people were involved in some capacity in supporting the racing industry in New Zealand, including breeders, trainers, jockeys, apprentices, staff, owners, syndicate owners, stablehands, attendants, handlers, track riders, administrators and TAB staff.

Racing is certainly an industry that is important to New Zealand and to Rangitikei. The fact we're also remarkably good at it is a real bonus.