It was a close to home NZMCA rally for us over the weekend, with just a short 9kms drive to the Trentham Race Course. The instructions said “No admittance before 4pm” and we joined the queue of law abiding drivers lining the street outside the grounds.
Lined up on the road outside
A large group of assorted motor-homes and caravans followed the parking wardens as they placed us in rows on the hard surface in front of the Tote. Latecomers were tucked here and there into corners and the final count for the weekend was 57 rigs.
On site at the rally
The Wellington Racing Club has been running race meetings on this site since January 1906. Work started in 1922 on three stands, with one since being demolished. The reinforced concrete cantilevered public and members stands still dominate the race course and provide excellent viewing today. The records show that in a rush to have the stands completed for the January 1924 cup week, the workers were "compensated" with chocolate and nylons to work extra hours over the Christmas and New Year period which ensured the stands were opened on time.
Concrete stands from 1924 still going strong
It was a nice sunny Saturday afternoon and a group of us felt the need to stretch our legs. We took a walk around the block, past the stables and then around the race course. There were just a few horses on site and they were interested in checking out what this group of strangers were doing on their patch.
Keeping an eye on the walkers
We knew we were almost back at the caravans when the winning post came into sight. There was just time for a cuppa before meeting up in the hall with the rest of the group.
The Winning Post, Trentham Race Course
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