Club

Marton J.C.

One of the most memorable racedays in the Marton Jockey Club’s proud history took place in 1935 when Prince Henry, the Duke of Gloucester, who was the son of the reigning monarch King George V attended the Club’s New Year’s day race meeting at Marton.
It was reported that over 10,000 patrons attended the Marton races that day and when the military band struck up Land of Hope and Glory and the National anthem everyone oncourse burst into song. Not only did his Royal Highness Prince Henry attend the races that day, at the invitation of his host Sir Thomas Duncan, arrangements were made for the Duke to ride a horse called Black Man in the one mile and 137 yard Ladies’ Bracelet race for amateur riders which carried a stake of 50 pounds plus a trophy. Black Man and the Duke of Gloucester led clearly in the early stages, but the favourite began to wilt as the field turned for home under his big weight of 13 stone 2 pounds and they faded to finish fourth.
Later that day the Duke presented the Marton Cup trophy won by the very good mare Cuddle to her Hasting owner-trainer C J Stowe. After her win in the 1935 Marton Cup, Cuddle went on to be one of New Zealand’s very best staying mares, winning two Auckland Cups, the New Zealand Cup and Doncaster Handicap in Australia. Wellington Racing Club’s Cuddle Stakes is still run in recognition of her prowess.
The Duke was obviously impressed with the hospitality he received from the Marton Jockey Club and later presented a trophy to be known as the Duke of Gloucester Cup, for competition amongst amateur riders. The Duke of Gloucester Trophy is still competed for annually in New Zealand. Amongst the many names to have won the Duke of Gloucester Cup is that of the past Marton Jockey Club President Douglas McK Duncan, who was also President of Rangitikei Hunt Club and past Chairman of the RACE Board. Douglas Duncan’s grandfather Ken rode against the Duke of Gloucester back in 1935.
Today the Marton Jockey Club committee is still very well known for their warm hospitality on raceday. The Marton Jockey Club has conducted their race meetings at Awapuni since 1980, despite considerable opposition at the time from a vocal group of the Club’s members who opposed the move. Marton has the four racedays at Awapuni with the biggest day being there Premier day in January with the $55,000 Listed Marton Cup. Another feature day for the Club is in September with the $70,000 Group Three Boehringer Ingelheim Metric Mile.

Membership
The colour, atmosphere and excitement of a day at the races provides an entertainment experience unlike any other. There is no better way to be part of the action than to become a member at one of the Racing clubs that race at Awapuni. Join today and you and your guest will be able to come racing at Awapuni racemeeting throughout the year. Membership at Awapuni can also entitle you to rights at Wellington Racing Club racemeetings.

Membership Options Include:

1. Race Premier membership $150
2. RACE (full) membership $100
3. Young Member (Under 30) $75

The Awapuni Lounge situated on the first floor of the members stand is for our valued members only. Members will also have opportunity to reserve a table at a discount to advertised rates on those days that the Silks Lounge is available.

Hospitality packages are on offer at most meetings throughout the year. This is an opportunity to entertain guests, clients, staff or friends in style, with first class facilities and uninterrupted views of the course.
For more information on hospitality options, visit:  https://awapuniracing.co.nz/ 
Patrons please note NO BYO ALCOHOL ALLOWED on Awapuni Racecourse.

Members and patrons need to be aware that Awapuni Racecourse as part of its obligation under the Sale of Liquor Act operates a total ban on BYO alcohol anywhere on the Awapuni racecourse grounds.

The policy was introduced after discussions with the New Zealand Police and local liquor licensing authorities. On-course patrons may still bring picnic hampers with food and non-alcoholic drinks on any day. All patrons and their possessions will be subject to searches before entering the racecourse. Patrons with prohibited items (alcohol) will be asked to dispose of the alcohol or have the items confiscated.

Patrons who refuse to participate in searches may be denied entry. Patrons found with BYO alcohol on the grounds will have the alcohol confiscated and may be evicted from the venue.