History of the Methven Trotting Club and Mt. Harding Racecourse

The first race meeting ever to be held at the course was on January 1 1907, so the course is into its second century of use. The race meeting featured trots, gallops and hurdle races but also included races for humans. There were running races for married men and single men, first prize being one pound($2). As well, boys raced for a prize of 5 shillings (50c) and girls raced for a box of tea.

The Methven Racing Club ran galloping events annually during the first few years of the course's existence. The racecourse land was originally owned by the Holmes family, but parts were bought during the early 1920's off the family. However early records suggest the Galloping Club over-committed themselves and a meeting was held in 1927 to disband the club. As this meeting was about to close a group of trotting enthusiasts (including members of the Galloping Committee) suggested their code could make a go of it and consequently the Methven Trotting Club was formed.

At the first meeting 280 horses were nominated for eight races and the bright future of the Club was set in motion. The inaugural Methven Trotting Club president was Sam Holmes, who did a ten year stint. Over the years the presidents have proved great stayers. Indeed over the first 28 years there were only seven presidents.

The Holmes era was followed by the Harrison era with Tom Harrison senior filling the 'hot seat' for 18 years. Nearing the end of his stint they doubled the race meetings to two a year. The Club continued to make giant strides under the leadership of Jack H McKendry, John O'Connell, Allan Smith, Alec Milne and Bill Thomas. Club stalwart George Kelly was president from 1969-1971, beginning his involvement in 1950 and he regularly attended meetings up until his passing in 2009, donning his white racing cap and shouting the tote girls at the end of the day.

The second generation of Harrison's almost dominated the 1970's. Three sons of Tom Harrison senior, Harry (1971-74), Dudley ('74-'76) and Tom junior ('78-80'). The latters son Kelvin is a leading trainer in the United States.Tom Harrison still harbours fond memories of committee meetings which were to become very 'social'. The catalyst to lengthy after-match proceedings was the standing rule of any committeeman owning a winning horse was expected to shout a bottle of whiskey.

The Harrison era was actually split by Jack B McKendry junior who was president for the 50th anniversary meeting in 1977. Every President since has made invaluable contributions. They were as follows-Ron May, Maurice McTigue, Tom Lemon, Don Anderson, Martin Nordqvist, Barry Molloy, John Stackhouse, Vic Lamb,David Isherwood and Neville Goodwin. Current committeemen who have more recently served as president are , Gavin Saunders, Neil Owen,Cliff Dynes and current president Kerry O'Reilly. With a hard-working volunteer committee and their families, the Methven Trotting Club will continue to prosper.

Property subdivision 2010

In keeping with the equine aspect, the subdivision has been named Equus Park.Street names in the subdivision reflect the best Methven based horses in major races,to date. NZ Trotting Cup winners in Morello,Loyal Nurse and Inky Lord together with Inter Dominion winners in Tactician and Fraggle Rock.

RACING AT METHVEN

The Methven Racing Club commenced meetings at the Mt. Harding Racecourse in 1915. Prior to this picnic-style gatherings were held. The Trotting Club was formed in 1919 and the first non-betting meeting was held in 1920. October 1927 saw the first totalisator meeting with an eight race programme.

Currently, four Sunday race meetings are held each year.

METHVEN CUP WINNERS

The Methven Cup was granted Group 3 Status in 2009.

It is now recognised as a key lead in race for contenders in the N.Z. Trotting Cup.

Notable Achievements

Arethusa is the only three year old to have won the Methven Cup. Away back in 1930 having won three races at two, including the Sapling Stakes , she made it four in a row when winning the Methven Cup. A very special three year old filly.

The race record over 3200m is held by Rapa Boy who scored in 4.13.5 in 1994.

Arapaho reputedly landed some hefty bets when winning in 1971. He went on to win the NZ Cup.

Morello,1936, went on to win the NZ Trotting Cup in 1938.

Recent NZ Trotting Cup winner Flashing Red started his winning run at Methven in 2006 scoring at useful double figure odds, before repeating the dose three weeks later in the Ashburton Flying Stakes. Flashing Red's time of 3.52.6 is the current race record over the 3000m distance.

In 2011 Natalie Rasmussen, having her first drive ever on a grass track, also became the first lady driver to win a Methven Cup with Vi Et Animo, who started off the 30m mark.

2009 Corka Dream

2010 Ohoka Dallas

2011 Vi Et Animo

( With thanks to Martin Nordqvist)