Family Day At Races

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32359, 27 July 1970, Page 2

Family Day At Races

The Christchurch Hunt’s steeplechase meeting at Riccarton on Saturday was an informal family day, when scores of children had their introduction to racing.

Most of them came from the country; some had followed hounds on their ponies and ridden in shows. Others watched a family horse compete on a racecourse for the first time.

Judging by the enthusiastic and knowledgeable chatter round the birdcage and on the stands, it was obvious that horse-sport was an interest they shared with their parents.

For many children, watching horses leap over big brush fences and skim over hurdles was a new thrill. And as one of them was heard to comment: “Much more real that television. Dad." Carside picnics and hot pies from the stall made this a day out for one to remember.

Racing, one of the three top Saturday pastimes for the “typical Kiwi,” does not look like losing ground to the other two in the next few generations.

An informal meeting, mainly for those who live close to horses and put performance before the dividend, the Christchurch Hunt does

not need high fashion to attract women patrons. Good tweeds are the thing for this setting. Checks, plaids and hopsack tweeds predominated on Saturday, worn with boots of all lengths or country-life shoes. Suede jackets and skirts, many fringed, gave some competition to the wool coats and suits.

There were surprisingly few trouser suits and only a sprinkling of maxi-coats. Berets in fur and fabrics, vied with wide-brimmed felts, swept up at the back or front at jaunty angles. Because it was a mild day many women went hatless, confident that their wellgroomed heads would not be disturbed by a tantalising breeze.

Guests at the meeting included farmers and their families over whose properties the Christchurch Hunt had followed during the last season, as well as representatives from the Starborough Hunt (Marlborough), the Ashburton branch of the Christchurch Hunt South Canterbury, Waimate, and Brackenfield hunts.