Dalgety Open Day a Beacon of Positive Marketing for Harness Racing

One man’s opinion.

As a passionate harness racing supporter, one of my biggest gripes is how certain participants within the industry publicly attack other participants, particularly when those individuals or groups are simply trying to contribute to the sustainability of the sport.

It can leave the impression that we are fragmented, not all on the same page, and divided by discontent, frustration and disappointment. That is not to say practices or decisions should not be challenged by those most directly affected, but surely there are processes and channels for such matters that allow the industry to move forward together.

If anyone wants a clear example of what it looks like when the industry does move forward together, they only needed to attend the second running of the Dalgety Family Open Day, held on 21 February at their Kentuckiana Lodge.

To begin with, the property is kept in immaculate condition. One former employee once retold a story to this writer that plenty of time was spent sweeping the concrete, perhaps almost as much as working with the equine product. Well, it shows. The property is a credit to Cran, Chrissie and their staff.

On the day there were a number of contributors to an excellent format, all of whom clearly share a deep passion for the sport. From Matt Cross as MC, to Nigel and Brenda Armstrong (from Unhinged) working the BBQ and providing complimentary food for those in attendance, there was a genuine sense of hospitality and welcome. Drinks were on the house, a hot drinks cart was available, and there was even a free Mr Whippy on site. It was hard not to feel looked after.

Former stable star and now a young sire in the making Krug made a guest appearance and he looked quite magnificent.

Also on show was Tour Party, one of last year’s yearlings and now a one start, one win two-year-old of 2026, who debuted successfully just two days earlier. Tour Party is the full brother to Horse of the Year Republican Party, and it was easy to see why those connections are creating so much excitement.

Near neighbour Angela Boyd, wife of trainer Stephen Boyd, took a share in Tour Party at last year’s Open Day, hoping to put together a small syndicate to share in the fun. After advertising on Facebook, she received 26 responses. That “Girls On Tour” syndicate now has plans to support the horse when it heads north to Auckland.

All other yearlings in that first Open Day presentation were fully subscribed on the day. In this most recent version, number two, the visiting public had to be escorted away from the horses so the day’s welcome could begin.

Like well-drilled sheep, the crowd had quickly made its way to the stable block housing the yearlings, most likely keen to make sure they did not miss out on a potential racehorse from one of the country’s leading stables.

In total, 11 yearlings were paraded, purchased from both the Auckland and Christchurch yearling sales, comprising fillies and colts, trotters and pacers. And just like last year, when the day’s events began to wind down, the entire draft was all but fully subscribed once again, in just under three hours.

There were those who took 100 percent of a horse, and those who took two percent. Some horses had one owner. Some had 10 or more.

What a concept.

No pressure. Just find the one you like and put your name on the stable door, indicating the share you wanted.

Once you made up your mind, official ownership paperwork was available to sign right there at the stable complex, and you walked away with that cool feeling that something awesome might unfold over the next 12 months.

It was a great example of positive cohesion, with those in charge making it as easy and as positive as possible for those willing to take the risk.

Why aren’t more people doing something like this?

And yes, I signed up for a share in a horse.