The Beaumont and Tapanui Racing Clubs have decided to combine their race meetings this year to create a “Super Saturday” where a higher level of stakes will be on offer.

With the Gore racetrack, the usual home of the Tapanui meeting not being available due to remedial work being undertaken, the search was on to find an alternative venue for this year’s meeting, programmed on Saturday December 4.

For a combination of reasons no suitable venue could be identified. Wingatui the most logical choice is programmed to host three meetings in a month and an additional fixture at the track would have been a far from perfect solution.

With just five days separating the Beaumont and Tapanui race dates the option was there to combine the meetings. Both days, although very successful, have suffered a decline in horse numbers during the past few seasons and rather than risk two “hit and miss” meetings at Wingatui, it would be more beneficial to everyone involved, for this year only, to host one meeting at Wingatui where the two Clubs can work together to create a good, strong event.

It must be emphasized that the Clubs view this joint race day as a one off occasion and that next year the Tapanui meeting will hopefully return to the South Otago town’s neighbouring racetrack, Gore.

Saturday – December 4, 2004
Beaumont RC / Tapanui RC “Super Saturday” at Wingatui

The Publican’s Cup  Open    2200m   $12,000
The Tapanui Cup  Open    1400m   $12,000
    Progressive   1600m   $7,500
1-3 Win    1200m   $7,000
    Intermediate   1600m   $6,500
    Intermediate   1400m   $6,500
    Maiden    2200m   $6,000
    Maiden    1600m   $6,000
    Maiden F&M   1400m   $6,000
    Maiden    1200m   $6,000

Each race will be followed by a trophy presentation. A rug will also be provided for each winning horse and what is the tradition of both Clubs involved, additional prizes on the day will be awarded to the following:

Jockeys: The leading jockey, the leading female jockey, the leading apprentice, and a special prize for the jockey who delivers what is considered “the ride of the day.”

Trainers: The leading trainer, all winning trainers, trainer of the best presented horse.

Owners: Sponsor’s prize for each winning owner in addition to their trophy and a prize for the connections of the winning horse with the largest place dividend.

The day will have a strong focus on family entertainment, with kid’s rides and activities.  Another facet will be a Bonecrusher Punting Challenge for teams of 6-10 people.