Tauranga Racecourse

Black Opium (No. 11 in yellow) storming home to win on debut

By Jill Lunn (Waikato/BOP President)

A group of committee persons from the Waikato/Bay of Plenty region of the NZTROF had a fabulous day out at Tauranga Races on 16^th March 2024. It was a beautiful day and everything at the venue was sparkling and colourful.

As it was the day before Saint Patrick’s Day, this was the theme and many people were sporting the green tones of Ireland. There were gazebos and tables out in the sunshine and the inside lounges were full of people there to have a good time on course.

As I viewed this wonderful sight I asked myself, what is it that makes this such a popular outing for families and people of all ages? There were many children having fun with lots of space to run and play and most of them were eating. Suddenly the many food outlets came into focus, and people had also brought picnics along. There was an ice-cream truck and a coffee bus. The cafeterias were full with many goodies to purchase and the ladies behind the counter were doing a sterling job refilling the food cabinets as they emptied. There was a band that played Irish music; it wasn’t placed near the horses but rather down the course, a bit further past the gazebos where those who were keen for a sing-along could go and join in. While the music drifted down to where the business of horse racing was happening, it was pleasant and not so loud that it, along with the race announcer etc, caused sensory overload for participants. 

Those involved in the Racing Tauranga Committee all knew their jobs and took them on with a professionalism that made the day tick along nicely. The racing public felt welcome and the hospitality was of a high standard. The Tauranga Racing Club is one of the finalists for the Provincial Club of the Year award, a competition run by NZTR, and it is no wonder this Club is one of the finalists.

Black Opium and jockey Billy Jacobson - job done!

The Waikato/Bay of Plenty branch of NZTROF sponsored Race 1. This was a Maiden race over 1200 metres. The winner of the race was Black Opium who was on debut. She is a 3YO filly by Embellish out of Jonquil. The story of Back Opium is a heart-warming story.  Jonquil is a granddaughter of the valuable mare Spring who is the mother of Daffodil, a very good race mare who won over one million dollars. Jonquil was put up for sale on Gavelhouse and Margaret Cartwright and her husband Chris (farmers from Rangitikei) bought her, in foal to Embellish, for $800. Margaret was on hand to foal Black Opium when she was born. They sent her to Lance OSullivan and Andrew Scott at Matamata to be trained and, as with most young horses, she had a period of training, then turned out, then brought back in etc until she was ready for race day on 16^th March 2024.

Celebration time!

Following three trials she stormed home to win at her first race day race. Margaret was again on hand to see this momentous occasion. She got up at 4.00am in the morning and drove herself from Rangitikei to Tauranga to be there for the first race.

We were thrilled to be able to present Margaret with the Trophy so she can always remember Black Opium’s first win. I am sure there will be many more wins to come.