Kumara RC
Contact the club
- Secretary
- Colin Stevenson
- Postal
- Box 340, Greymouth
- Phone
- 03 768-4274
- Fax
- 03 768-4278
- bwcracing@xtra.co.nz
The Club first raced at Kumara on the 28th & 29th December 1887, with just 58 members. They had each paid the sum of 2 pounds, 2 shillings for their membership at a time with an ounce of gold was worth 3 pounds, 16 shillings. In today's prices that is around $350.
For that period there were two meetings a year – a Christmas meeting and an Easter meeting. In the late 1940’s the Club moved to a January meeting and& has since then raced annually in January.
The raceday is a great day out with many families who have moved out of the district returning for the raceday to be with family and friends.
The Club caters for all groups including corporates, weddings, birthday parties, family and school reunions. Free buses are provided from Greymouth and Hokitika to transport patrons to and from the course.
All races have trophies and dress rugs presented to the winning owners. There is good entertainment for children with a kiddies tote, performing clowns and different food experiences such as whitebait or venison. The Club provides live bands on the day including the famous Kokatahi Band and Dateless and Desperate which play from the Pioneer Rotunda. Fashion in the Fields is held for both men and women and these carry good prizes. Local crafts are allowed to sell and support for these products is strong.
In recent years the track has undergone a major overhaul and in fact has been rebuilt. The resulting surface is in an excellent condition and we look forward to a large crowd and good racing next January.
