We are a small town with harding working people that bring this annual Harness race meeting together.
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With a long histroy and a fantastic day for the whole family to enjoy harness racing The Central Otago Trotting Club (COTC) first raced in 1965. We are run by a volunteer group with great support from our local community. COTC holds an annual harness racing event on January 2nd at the Omakau Racecourse. The days main race is a $30,000 Group 3 race attracting some of the top pacers from around the
South Island, the highlight of a great program of harness races. The Omakau Trots cater for all ages with free children's entry and entertainment, a Fashion in the Field contest, plenty of food and beverage stalls, and of course, some "edge of your seat" racing. There is a great family atmosphere and you can bring a picnic along if you wish and enjoy a great day out. While we can't guarantee the weather, we'll give it our best shot to provide a sunny, fun-filled, Central Otago day!
Harness Racing Unhinged THIS IS EVERYTHING !!
Thank you for capturing this, is truely what this industry is about 🥹
Nigel - what you do is simply amazing! So thank you truely, for being a massive club supporter - 2024 is going to be BIGGER and BETTER than ever. 🔥🔥🔥
Ps, can someone get Tony on board to get OBM to Addington 🤣
Southern Harness Racing
Harness Racing New Zealand
A true legend of his kind, the original ‘Outback Man’ of Harness Racing, Mr President Graham Sinnamon of the COTC:
‘It was a crowd that as an organiser you dream of. Nothing creates an atmosphere like this - and you guys created an atmosphere that I’ve hardly ever seen, on any other course in NZ… EVER.’
Southern Harness Racing
Harness Racing New Zealand
Thank-you for all our entries for the photo comp !
Congratulations to our winners Danielle Maloney
(1X Double pass to Gibbston Valley Concert) who had their kids showcasing kiddies tote tickets, infront of the Sulkies on the home straight, and even had our club logo in the background 🔥
And
Sheree Macpherson show casing the ‘Big Kids’ from Kaka Point with matching outfits, Racebooks and dogs lined up the home straight 🔥 (1 X scenic flight from Alexandra for 3 people)
Here are all this years entries - each year just keeps getting better !!
Race 11 - MAINLAND MINERALS / AGRICENTRE SOUTH MOBILE PACE
Winner, #2 Point Break
Had to share the video for the last race, what a finish 🕺 just listen to the crowd !! 🔥🔥
FEATURE RACE
Race 9 - ‘RANFURLY TRANSPORT LTD / RD PETROLEUM’ FFA Mobile Pace
Winner - #2 Franco Indie
Race 8 - ‘DAVE COCKBURN CONSTRUCTION / CENTRAL LAKES AUTO’ Trot
Winner - #6 Aroha Kenny
Race 7 - W S HICKEY MEMORIAL HANDICAP TROT
Winner: #5, Our Pinocchio
What a way to end the day - with the BIGGEST lolly scramble EVER! Thanks to all kids for coming out.. and to the parents for bringing them out 🤩
Race 10 - ‘Andrew May Contracting / Alexandra New World’ mobile trot
For the Gallagher Gold Cup
Congratulations - Smokin Bandar 🔥
Race 6 ‘Property Brokers/ Luke Cunliffe building’ mobile Pace
Winner - #4 Tempo Warrior
Race 5 - ‘Alexandra Four Square / Harness Racing unhinged’ mobile pace
Winner - #9 Captain Meister
I didn’t get a photo - but took a video of the crowd cheering in the race!
Race 4 - Macca Lodge / Craig & Marie McNeill Mobile Pace
Winner - # 9 Hooroo
Race 3 Omakau Auto Centre/ Omakau Fuel Services Winner 🔥
# 13 Built for Glory
Race 2 ‘Jim Love Memorial Trot’
Winner - #1 Special Effects
Race 1 Beckers Transport / Flooring Xtra - winner #9 Off The Edge
What a race to start the day 🔥
Gates are OPEN ! 🔥
Todays hot picks in todays paper for our Raceday 🔥
Although, my moneys on Race 1 - number 1 😉
Gates open at 10am, the suns out ! See you soon.
“The Gallagher Trophy” dates back to our inaugural race meeting in 1965, it was won by Mr T Allison’s horse, ‘Dorothy Jean’
Sadly, this is the first year Paul won’t be present to award this trophy being sick at home with Covid. We wish him a speedy recovery, and all the horse racing tomorrow good luck!
Our recently deceased committee member Jim Love, won it in 2003 with ‘El Woods J Blues’
The trophy is now on our FFA trot tomorrow… Who will win it tomorrow ? 🔥
Our day wouldn’t be possible with out all of our sponsors - we are extremely grateful for each and every one of them and appreciate their continued support 🔥
Make sure you take the time to check them out 🙌
As we sign off for 2023, we remember to take some time to reflect on the past few years and how lucky we are to be able to hold out Races at Omakau for 2024. The journey has been long, but come Jan the 2nd it will all be worth it 💪
We are highly proud of our record numbers for our Motorhomes staying this year 🙌 as we now offer a new years package and look forward for to another year working with the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association Inc - NZMCA. This really is a huge achievement and we are excited to see another successful year with them🤩
We are extremely fortunate to have sponsors who are always too happy to partner with us, a community that always get behind us, support our race day and we have an exceptional committee who with out them wouldn’t be possible. We thank you all ☺️
I also want to specially mention Graham, his time he has put into the organising behind the scenes for Raceday can be very thankless and endless. So I take this moment to thank you ❤️
On behalf of the Central Otago Trotting Club, we wish you all a safe and prosperous new year. We hope you’ve got sunscreen, and a good attitude packed and make Omakau your New Years resolution. We can’t wait to see you all.
Fingers crossed 🤞 the weather gods are on our side this year!! ☀️
Happy New Years to all, over and out !! 🤩🙌
I’ve been fielding a lot of questions around BYO, so would like to clarify this matter.
Yes, you are perfectly welcome to BYO your own food and alcohol on Raceday. It is completely legal. BUT as always - we ask people to RESPECT this aspect of our day. And please ensure whether you BYO or have a beer at the bar, your sober driver is sorted at the START of the day.
There WILL be breath testing as you leave. There is a high police presence on the roads - both coming to and from the races.
If your going to loose money, we would rather it be on the tote on course 😂😉
So be safe, have fun and come support our Race day 🔥
KIDS! This ones for you 🤩
Have you convinced your parents to bring you down on Jan the 2nd ?? Our promise to you is, you won’t have to pay for ANYTHING! Not even admission to race day 🙌
Check out what we have planned for you 🥳
- FIRST 250 KIDS ON COURSE RECEIVE A KIDS PACK
- Our FAMOUS Trail Journeys SCAVENGER HUNT (you can win a new BIKE!!)
- BIGGEST BOUNCEY CASTLES OUT
- SUMO SUITS
- MINI JEEP RIDES
- AQUA BUBBLES/ WATER WALKERS
- KIDS TOTE over 2 races, everyone wins a prize here 🤩
- FAMILY SULKY DERBY RACE (Highlands Race way pass up for grabs!)
- HUGE BLOWUP OBSTACLE COURSE
- To finish the day, the BIGGEST LOLLY SCRAMBLE EVER 🤩🤩🤩
AND YES ITS ALL FREE !!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR Harness Racing Unhinged COMP WINNERS
If your name is drawn below, you are a semifinalist to win a share for you and your tagged friend for the Unhinged syndicate. Please message the page with your email address so I can send your tickets 🤩
This year if your horse gets in the top 2, you and your friend are winners !!
Remember, if your horse scratches that’s just really bad luck. But your still invited to part of the Race!
Thanks again for playing, and to Nigel and Brenda for making this competition possible 🔥 See you on the day !
🔸Maree Smith - #1 Southern Starr (I can’t help but be a little biased here, go the local horse!)
🔸Jacqui Latimer - #2 Edge Sheeran
🔸Dean Swain - #3 Taxman
🔸Lord Ross Cleland - #4 Mayson Shard
🔸Nathan MacRae - #5 Dalness Arizona
🔸Pauline Huddleston - #6 Oneloveonelife
🔸Matt Fowler - #7 Poetry in Motion
🔸Ty Ford - #8 Ballygar
🔸Terry Reeves - #9 Captain Meister
Finishing touches on the course coming together, Raceday must be soon ! 🤩😉
Thank you to all our Paid up Members of 2023🔥
And congratulations to this years WINNERS of the betting vouchers -
1) Wes Flannery of Poolburn
2) P Little of Dunedin
You have both won a $50 betting voucher.
If you can message the page acknowledging this post and for further instructions, otherwise will do a redraw.
Thanks again to all our members and for their support!!
Here’s a sneak peek of what’s to come for all those Adults out there planning to come to our Raceday 🤩
- Annual ‘photo comp’ showcasing your day at the races (Gibbston Valley Double Pass & 1 hour scenic flight for 3 people as prizes)
- Fashion in the Fields (see attached for prizes)
- Ford and Mazda number plate draw, if you own a Ford or Mazda make sure it’s at the races to win this. ($100 voucher up for grabs)
- Lucky Punter
- Loosing Ticket Draws ($50 up for grabs each race and if your a COTC PAID member, we will double it!!) + the Narellan Pools splash for cash on feature races (these races will have a $250 betting voucher up for grabs!)
- Central Ap Mobile Barrier Rides (this is also drawn from the loosing ticket!)
- Unhinged horse ownership competition
- Fully Licensed Bar on site
- 51 Betting Windows plus additional staff
- FREE KIDS ENTERTAINMENT ALL DAY so you can relax and enjoy yourself 😍
Fashion in the Fields is BACK and BETTER than ever with amazing prizes !!
But first, a word from our judges 🔥
“Racewear sits in its own distinct sphere within the realm of fashion. It is lady like, elegant, sophisticated, stylish
and feminine and must essential daywear. Racewear is sometimes confused with eveningwear, with women from time to time dressing more appropriately for a night out than a day at the races. It is a bit more conservative - nothing too short, no midriffs, nothing too revealing. It is essential that consideration be given to the complete coordination of the outfit.”
Outfit must be appropriate for a COUNTRY DAY meeting
🔥Appropriate for a day at the country races
🔥Co-ordination
🔥Attention to detail
🔥Style & originality
🔥Hat / Facinator / hair piece
🔥Hair in place
🔥Appropriate make up
🔥Polished and Poised
Thank you again to our sponsors to making this happen 🕺
**ENTRIES NOW CLOSED. Winners will be drawn soon !
This year we are mixing our annual competition up a bit and opening it up to MEN and LADIES 🕺🔥
Want to be an owner FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON?? We have THREE amazing opportunities to be part of the Harness Racing Unhinged syndicate for you and a friend.
Be in to win a share in a syndicate of the Unhinged team courtesy of Nigel and Brenda Armstrong & Central Otago Trotting Club.
This is your opportunity to ‘own’ an all-expenses paid share in your own racehorses for at least this season.
How exciting is that ??
You will not have to contribute any money at any stage to pay for the syndicate.
This is an opportunity to be involved in racing horses throughout New Zealand and Australia.
At the end of it you may even receive a pay-out – if the horses do well enough, though we can’t guarantee that.
This is a fantastic no risk opportunity for you to experience the thrill of racing as an owner.
You will receive regular communication to know where and when any of the horses are racing, and you will be entitled to ownership privileges that any club offers when any of these horses start.
To enter you all you need to do is type ‘Unhinged’ in the comments, tag a friend (male and female thus year!) who will be with you on Raceday and share this post.
Entries close 30th December, noon sharp! We will do a random draw from here, selecting finalists who must be on course Jan 2nd to be part of a sweepstake draw we will hold.
All selected finalists will be notified and will receive emailed free admission, drink and nibbles in the Presidents Room, escorted trip to the stables. And will get to watch their race live from the owners stand.
On Race day entries will be drawn against a horse in the ‘Unhinged’ sponsored race. The persons drawn against the winning, 2nd and 3rd place getting horses in that race will receive a share each. In the event of a dead heat for 2nd, the club will try to get an additional share, otherwise it would be decided by coin toss.
Entries close 30th Dec 2023
Terms & Conditions of ‘Witches of West View Syndicate’
1. Open to MEN and WOMEN
2. Be 18yrs or over to enter
3. Only one entry per person
4. Enter on page
5. Must be on course at Omakau Racecourse, 2nd January 2024 to be eligible to win the main prizes or it will be redrawn.
6. Photos & names may be used by the COTC or syndicate for future promotions.
7. To have photo ID on the day
8. All bona fide finalists will go into the sweepstake style draw for a horse drawn on Race day.
9. COTC committee members & partners are ineligible to enter.
GOOD LUCK
Racecourse Road
Omakau
9376
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A true legend of his kind, the original ‘Outback Man’ of Harness Racing, Mr President Graham Sinnamon of the COTC: ‘It was a crowd that as an organiser you dream of. Nothing creates an atmosphere like this - and you guys created an atmosphere that I’ve hardly ever seen, on any other course in NZ… EVER.’ Southern Harness Racing Harness Racing New Zealand
Race 11 - MAINLAND MINERALS / AGRICENTRE SOUTH MOBILE PACE Winner, #2 Point Break Had to share the video for the last race, what a finish 🕺 just listen to the crowd !! 🔥🔥
What a way to end the day - with the BIGGEST lolly scramble EVER! Thanks to all kids for coming out.. and to the parents for bringing them out 🤩
Race 5 - ‘Alexandra Four Square / Harness Racing unhinged’ mobile pace Winner - #9 Captain Meister I didn’t get a photo - but took a video of the crowd cheering in the race!
It’s all go with the kids entertainment 🔥🕺
I’ve been fielding a lot of questions around BYO, so would like to clarify this matter. Yes, you are perfectly welcome to BYO your own food and alcohol on Raceday. It is completely legal. BUT as always - we ask people to RESPECT this aspect of our day. And please ensure whether you BYO or have a beer at the bar, your sober driver is sorted at the START of the day. There WILL be breath testing as you leave. There is a high police presence on the roads - both coming to and from the races. If your going to loose money, we would rather it be on the tote on course 😂😉 So be safe, have fun and come support our Race day 🔥
‘A Jig-saw has so many pieces to it, and only looks good when it’s finished and everything is in place.’ - Graham Sinnamon COTC
Congratulations Taxman 🔥winner of our first race! Could you hear the boys from Waimate cheering their horse on ?? 🙌
Race 1 about to to get underway 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Central Boarding Kennels & cattery
Omakau/Chatto Creek Road
