The Gore Harness Racing Club celebrate 125 years this weekend with a special function on Saturday evening (14 Feb) while on Sunday (15th) the public are invited to come along to this significant milestone race meeting and celebrate 125 years of trotting.

Adding to the significance of the occasion is the fact that the Gore HRC was the first Harness Racing Club formed in Southland.

In addition to a classy race programme which features the Kim McDowall Painting & Decorating Ltd 125th Anniversary Gore Trotting Cup and the Gore Town & Country Club 125th Anniversary Summer Cup there is a great day of entertainment planned.

Ladies can enter the Frocks At The Trots fashion competition with the theme of a Summer Touch of Teal. The teal theme is part of a national initiative that harness racing carry out in aid of the fight against Ovarian Cancer each year.

Gore is just one of three heats in the country for Frocks At The Trots with the top two placegetters receiving a trip to Christchurch for the big final at Addington on Friday 13 March.

The winner of the final in Christchurch will win flights and accommodation to the Mooloolaba Peninsular Resort in Australia. 

Gore Harness Racing Club celebrating 125 years this weekend. Credit: Monica Toretto

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 There is also prize for third place and the Best Hat while in keeping with the 125-year celebration there is a special vintage section, although the winner of that does not qualify for the Christchurch trip.

Entries for the competition will be taken on course at the Secretary’s Office after Race 2.

There is much, much, more happening on the day. There are two Olympic watches to the value of $500 to be won as well. Just pick the first three past the post in order in the Olympic Watches at Van De Water Jewellers race.

Should more than one person pick the order all correct entries will go in a draw to find the winner.

Someone will leave the course with a $250 Prezzy card after the popular Heads & Tails game. It could not be easier. Just pick heads or tails each coin toss until finally our winner remains.

The club’s history will be on show with a special easily accessible memorabilia display. The display will include the 1914 New Zealand Cup trophy.

Kidz Kartz pony racing will complement the on-track the programme with the Robin Dundee Cup up for grabs while there will be a special Dual Sulky race featuring a lucky auction winner and one other recipient.

For the kids there is a free bouncy castle, sumo suits and bumper balls plus a lolly scramble in what will be a great day out for the whole family as the club celebrates their history in style.

Entry to the course on the day will be free with the first race expected to start at 12.20pm.