Cup is highlight of meeting

SHE'S BACK: Pukekohe visitor Millview Sarah will attempt back-to-back Wanganui Cup wins when she takes her place in the time honoured race on Sunday.PHOTO/FILE

SECURING a spot in the final line-up of the $8000 Schnapps Bar @ National Park Wanganui Cup on Sunday is at a premium with 21 pacers nominated for the time honoured annual harness event.

Wanganui Trotting Club president Carole Terry said the final field would be available tomorrow following today's Hawera meeting, although last year's winner Millview Sarah was among the nominations.

"We have 143 nominations in total, so we are not sure whether we will have nine or 10 races yet, but 21 for the cup is great. Not all 21 will get a start, though," Terry said yesterday.

"Sunday's harness meeting is part of the lower North Island circuit and we are first cab off the rank for the Country Cups Series with the final set down for early next year. We are fortunate to have a great bunch of sponsors on board, including Spud Crosse who owns the Schnapps Bar at National Park.

"He's a keen harness fan and, in fact, holds a full amateur driver's licence. Spud has sponsored the cup for the last three years," Terry said.

While not one of the official 50 New Zealand Racing Christmas at the Races meetings, Sunday's Wanganui club event is being billed as a summer family day out. starting at noon.

"We have a lot of things planned to make it a fun day out for the family. It's free entry for a start and we have free face painting for the kids, bouncy castles and the Taranaki Kidz Kartz will also be racing. These involve youngsters who have gone through workshops and training camps to ensure both they and their ponies are capable of competing up the front straight," Terry said.

For the punters there is also a second chance draw.

"People can enter their losing betting tickets and a draw will determine second chance winners. The Wanganui Trotting Club is 133-years-old and one the oldest in the country."