This week’s announcement that Northland will be the only region in the country that will be left in the red traffic light setting after December 30 will see the Whangarei Racing Club abstain from hosting their usually popular January 6 meeting.

Given the COVID event crowd restrictions applicable for Northland, and the likelihood of travel delays, the Club has decided that the risk to conduct the January 6th race meeting is too great to proceed with the meeting.

NZTR has agreed with that position and to provide greater certainty and opportunities for the public, owners, and industry participants to attend, the meeting will now be held at Rotorua as a Roturua race meeting. 

“The Whangarei Racing Club, like many Northland sports clubs and event businesses has been significantly disadvantaged by the Covid restrictions,” Chairman Mike Beazley said.

“The decision to cancel its biggest attended meeting of the year was made with major disappointment for our local owners, sponsors, trainers, members and the many holiday makers who include the day as part of their vacations.”