Banks Peninsula Trotting Club’s premier contest of 1969 included several notable features including an incremental stake increase, lifting prize money to $2,150 in support of the event’s expanding profile. A modest form of sponsorship appeared as Banks Peninsula’s Trotting Cup was rebranded the Markalan Handicap, pursuant to receipt of a $100 trophy donated by committee man Mr. E. T. [...]

An increase in distance to a mile and three quarters occurred when Banks Peninsula’s premier event for trotters took place on the second Saturday of October 1970. The resumption of racing at Motukarara followed last year’s temporary relocation to Rangiora Raceway. Also reinstated was an original race title of Banks Peninsula Trotting Cup, when the Club conducted its fifteenth [...]