Student Raceday Function Cancelled

by Jon Andrew // September 14 2009

Press Release

There will be no Student Function at Riccarton Park Racecourse this year. The Club after considerable debate and review has cancelled the event which would have taken place on Saturday September 19th.

Over recent seasons the behaviour of students has been of concern with serious issues involving track invasion, damage to property and a general lack of consideration for other racegoers with 2008 showing a further decline.

The Student organisers to their credit acknowledged these issues and worked with their own bodies and the police in an attempt to rectify these concerns however ultimately the Club could not be assured that incidents would not reoccur.

A $10 gate charge is in place for the September 19th race day as are a security and police presence. Entry is by the main Racecourse Road gates (the Steadman Road entry is closed) and no “carry on” liquor is allowed. This is similar to last season however attendees should also be aware that congregation in the car park at the rear of the course is also not allowed, a new policy this year.

STEVE JUKES RESPONDS TO CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB PRESS RELEASE

“I am disappointed in the response of the Jockey Club, however do understand its position.”

“Along with Andrew Klahn I met with the various stakeholders and outlined a plan to limit the chances of antisocial behaviour, however it seems this was rejected”

“It is clear that confined and controlled environments are best for drinking, and to remove the very mechanism to achieve this seems to ignore the issue.”

“I urge all attendees at the event to act responsibly. Only then will there be a chance for the iconic event to return in the future.”