Westland profit down

Press, 30 August 1979, Page 20

Westland profit down

Greymouth reporter

A substantially reduced profit was compensated for to some degree by a memorable and enjoyable year of racing, the president (Mr J. F. Keenan), reported to the annual meeting of the Westland Racing Club at Hokitika on Tuesday night.

A reduction in on-course turnover accounted for the substantially reduced profits, Mr Keenan r dd. Good fields were carded for each of the club’s three days, and Mr Keenan said it was particularly gratifying that at the January meeting, when fields are usually small due to its following so closely to Reefton and Kumara, the number of horses increased from 80 in 1978 to 102 in 1979.

“Stakes were increased by $llO5 over the previous year and I feel certain the support we are getting from owners, trainers and the

general public is in large part due to the level of stakes offered.” On-course betting was down $14,674 on the 1978 figures, which contributed to a reduction in profit of $7621 from $9932 to $2311, Mr Keenan said improvements to the track and course during the last year had been satisfying. “At a cost of $5lOO the bend into the straight was upgraded, minor drainage work was carried out on the main track, and the sand track was top dressed with fresh sand,” he said. The major capital work was the construction of a new administration block comprising a secretary's office, president's and stewards’ room and jockeys’ canteen.

“The building, which is valued at about $20,000 was built at a cost of $10,255 thanks to many hours of voluntary labour," he said.