Sponsor support outstanding for new season of grass track harness racing

5 August 2022

Chris Morrison (Strappers Synd - Maren Franco)

On behalf of owners the Strappers Syndicate, Chris Morrison accepts the award for Motukarara’s Colleen Breen Memorial Best Filly/Mare of the Year 2021/22

Banks Peninsula Trotting Club’s traditional Sponsors and Awards Evening went off with a bang last week when all 64 races on the club’s 2022/23 summer season had their sponsorship confirmed. Not only that, our track and Awards sponsors have all signed up for another season, all together demonstrating once again the close ties the club has with its community.

“It was a most successful evening with over 100 guests – a great way to spend time and share stories with our generous sponsors,“ Club Chair Cam Bray said. “Securing sponsorship remains a critical part of operating at Motukarara, and without that great support we would really struggle.”

BPTC’s core sponsors group are all back again, and some new names also went up on the boards when those present were invited to commit for the season ahead. “It’s a get-together held for many years now. We’ve always found it a good way to thank our sponsors and celebrate our successes. We find the relaxed occasion with good old-fashioned hospitality works well to maintain our connections with the business sector and community organisations,“ said Cam.

Junior Drivers Winner - Sam Thornley

Club patron Lindsay Blackmore presents Sam Thornley with the Royce Court Memorial Trophy as BPTC’s leading junior driver of the 2021/22 season

Last season’s club competition winners were recognised with the presentation of awards: Robert Dunn and Jenna Dunn as leading trainers, John Curtin for best trainer’s UDR, John Dunn as leading driver, Sam Thornley leading junior, and Maren Franco as our Mare or Filly of the Year.

Guest speaker this year was Mike Cron, former All Blacks forwards coach and highly respected sports mentor. Mike gave an entertaining talk about not only his rugby but also his racing involvement, sharing some of his wisdom about leadership along the way.

This year the event took place at Spectators’, Addington. “It was a great venue for the occasion and BPTC would like to thank Addington and Spectators staff for helping ensure everything worked smoothly for a great evening out.“

Banks Peninsula Trotting Club’s six race day season kicks off on Sunday 25 September – our feature day with the 58th running of the Group 3 DG Jones Banks Peninsula Trotting Cup sponsored by Alabar NZ.