Race days, in 1990, were great social occasions. The old course was near Rangiuru, in Otaki, and was known as “the Rikiriki”. (Turnbull Library Photograph)

RULES OF THESE RACES 1 Men owning horses and wishing to enter them must deposit money in the hands of the Secretary. 2 Men who have taken too much drink will not be allowed on this course. If any man disobey this rule he will bring the whip of the Club down upon him. 3 No girls will be allowed to ride as jockeys in these races. 4 Do not bring any drink to these races. 5 No jockey must knock any other jockey off his horse or touch the reins of any other jockey, or strike any other jockey with his whip during a race, or strike any other horse other than his own, or swear at or threaten any other jockey. 6 Jockeys must wear trousers in all events. 7 Any jockey breaking these rules will be driven from the course if he does not pay 20/- to the Treasurer. 8 You must not change the name of the horse, or suppress the fact of a win at any other race meeting. You can be expelled or fined not more than 50/- if you break this rule. 9 Persons allowed to see these races must not say rude words to the Stewards, or swear at jockeys who do not win, or otherwise behave improperly. Watching the finish of a race; L. Royal, official time-keeper, J. Puti, Patron of the Club, and the newly appointed President, J. Martin