Organisers are hailing yesterday’s inaugural Fast10 meeting at Addington Raceway in Christchurch a success.
Under the concept, fields of 10 horses competed in quick-fire mobile races.
The Fast10 model was designed by Canterbury owners Glenn Hames and Tony Russell. The pair spent two years refining the concept which they branded as harness racing’s version of twenty20 cricket.
Addington Raceway general manager Brian Thompson gave the meeting a tick of approval.
“Turnover was positive and it was what we were hoping for.”
The crowd enjoyed an array of entertainment and promotions developed under the Fast10 banner.
“I think the people that were there enjoyed it and I think it brought a few people that hadn’t been here before to Addington because of the reduced time,” Thompson said.
“I would put it down as a success, for sure. We will definitely support Fast10 and we will support other clubs looking at it as well.
“It was especially pleasing seeing all the trainers and drivers — and even the track guys, too — there was a sense of urgency with everyone working together to get the best result.’’
“We were tested. There were two false starts and an inquiry and we still ran to time,’’ Hames said.
“It was a real vibrant feel and I was really happy with how it went. Everyone across the industry was so positive and I had people ringing me up and saying well done.”
The timing of the meeting, between 11.52am and 2.34pm, meant it could be shown on Australia’s prime racing channel Sky1.
The concept’s developers are keen to try it again.
“We can’t wait,” Hames said.
“We have had some clubs approach us about the idea. We don’t want to take over traditional racing. We just was to make it a bit more exciting on the odd occasion.”
