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Greymouth trots at Victoria Park.1950.
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DescriptionJohn Coffey
I remember a horse called Bluff winning the Greymouth Cup. A quick bit of research reveals it was January 6, 1964, held over two miles. That's four circuits. a wonder he didn't get dizzy! I would have been 17, four years under the then age to have a bet and a beer.
From Geoff FitzGerald's albumDate of Photo1950Map[1] Contributor Steve Fitz-Gerald
I remember a horse called Bluff winning the Greymouth Cup. A quick bit of research reveals it was January 6, 1964, held over two miles. That's four circuits. a wonder he didn't get dizzy! I would have been 17, four years under the then age to have a bet and a beer.
From Geoff FitzGerald's albumDate of Photo1950Map[1] Contributor Steve Fitz-Gerald
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Location (city or town)GreymouthLandmark (Place)Victoria ParkEventGreymouth trots at Victoria Park.1950.
From Facebook
Date Created30th December 2019CommentsHeather Newby what a lovely sight!
Gina Gray So sad we are losing our racetracks,
George Gardner Which one is Billy Skelton on?
Mary Fenemor Loved those Outings.
Gypsy Rover Good time had by all
Viv Sheehan Show a photo from the same area now.?
Phil Millar Just a bloody mess and the owners are blaming everyone except themselves!
Barbara Fitzsimmons Picked up many a race ticket there .Annette Martin Use to dog show there in 70 80 it allways rained
Irene Tiller Those were the days lots of fun
Courtney Bullimore-Wallace Remember Tuesday night trots.
Kevin Voigt Good crop of gorse broom must be good sale for this?????
Brian McIntyre
Brings tears to my eyes.
Barbara Fitzsimmons
Brian McIntyre your mum dad lived there Brian Rught
Barbara Fitzsimmons
Right
Brian McIntyre
Barbara Fitzsimmons yes Dad was the last caretaker there until the big 1988 flood came through. He had the place looking like a park
Paul Agnes Smith
Brian McIntyre Those tears always happen when you are holding non winning slips...
Brian McIntyre my dad Roly Keehan was President of the Trotting Club at one time. We all spent many many hours cleaning and picking out stones on the track, even cleaned all the crockery downstairs after the floods! Terribly sad to see the state it’s i… See More
=Helen Fielding
Del Godfrey my Dad Tom Fielding was great mates with Roly
Brian McIntyre
Del Godfrey I remember Roly very well. He and Dad often caught up on the track as he did laps as you say picking up stones and tossing them into the in field. I have some video of Roly and your Mum at my Mum and Dads 50th wedding annv.
Trish Rennie
Such a shame for Greymouth that this place looks nothing like it did back then....a wasteland now
Phil Millar
Trish Rennie Yeah look at the owners,typical!
· Reply · 2h
Erin Dense
Trish Rennie they would rather it be a wasteland and make no money than reduce their rates and be a community asset
David Carty
I worked for the contractor that installed the lights there when it changed to night racing, shame to see it now!!!!
Dianne Johnson
I am sure my Dad would have been there that day.
Anne Milligan
That area could be used for a housing development. People are desperate for accommodation.
Andrew Elphick
Anne Milligan No the fill of that lagoon like messenger park is random foundations would sage let alone stand up to liquefaction in an earthquake best thing for most of it would be trees, however, no one in their right mind would pay the lease being as… See More
Michelle Patterson
Andrew Elphick I like your wetland idea
Jakh Heremia
MOVE GREYMOUTH - get out of that Maori Lease
Ivan Murray Wilson
Jakh Heremia yep, that's an idea - Mayor Barry Dallas was keen back in the day and some businesses have moved away from the river.
Jakh Heremia
The number one problem with Greymouth when I lived there (Born and bred) was the high cost leasehold AND the floods. Both negatives would be solved by moving Greymouth - up High Street.
Barbara Fitzsimmons
Fantastic wonder if mum was there or the .McBretty ward .about the only outing she got back then .
Anne Miller Mcmillan
Barbara Fitzsimmons
Anne Miller Mcmillan
Anne Honey
Don't build on the flood plain build new houses inland. They have had over 100yrs to shift greymouth.
Kevin Gwatkin
Plant natives on it using Ngai Tahu money. They have millions
Rose Green
Very sad
Lois Little
Mmm had some great times at greymouth trots is such a shame to see it now yep
Dave Perry
Dust on the track in Greymouth? Unbelievable!!
Tony Warner
My uncle ......George wheatley used to take photos for the owners and trainers all the race meetings over the coast
Dave Perry
Tony Warner Was he one of the Wheatley’s from Christchurch that had trotters?
Brian McIntyre
Day time races were the best. I think that night trots were the start of a decline in popularity
John Paget
I bet on my computer and watch the races on TV. That is why the races have declined. But in saying that i only attend country meetings now.
Raylene Smith
bean there with my mumandad anmy uncle
Maureen Burnett
I really miss going to the races there. The condition of the area now is horrendous!
Shona Ratana
Schools used to hold their sports days there. I spent many a time there at horse races. Happy memories Used to pick up the tickets hoping to find some reward, like money Did not happen?
Trevor Wylde
Was down in Greymouth in March and drove past and was disgusted at the state of the area?? All overgrown what a waste???
Brian McIntyre
Trevor Wylde growing bloody gorse
Trevor Wylde
Brian McIntyre Yes should be a law against what happens.
Like Grey Main School & gates??
Alison Syder
i thought the same last time we went past
Sandra Arnott
Sight never to be seen again!
..Sue McCallum
Saw Victoria park 3 yrs ago couldn't believe the state of it so heart breaking . I believe industries fair no longer held since park was torn apart and left to go wild
Barb Rodway
Yes he did Brian it was well cared for under his watch
John Coffey
I remember a horse called Bluff winning the Greymouth Cup. A quick bit of research reveals it was January 6, 1964, held over two miles. That's four circuits. a wonder he didn't get dizzy! I would have been 17, four years under the then age to have a bet and a beer.
Sue McCallum
Saw Victoria park 3 yrs ago couldn't believe the state of it so heart breaking . I believe industries fair no longer held since park was torn apart and left to go wild
Barb Rodway
Yes he did Brian it was well cared for under his watch
John Coffey
I remember a horse called Bluff winning the Greymouth Cup. A quick bit of research reveals it was January 6, 1964, held over two miles. That's four circuits. a wonder he didn't get dizzy! I would have been 17, four years under the then age to have a bet and a beer.
Priscilla-Chang Newton
They were great days the Greymouth Races I remember Bill Cummings owned a couple horses I always followed they always got boxed in ran second,
Mary Fenemor
Priscilla-Chang Newton Bill & My Father, were great Mates. Bill often Drove, Supers Horses, at the Coast Races. Which often meant, visit to Home, for Dolly famous ,Sunday Roast Meals , then, Men ,Up to the Gilmer to finish of the Day . Yes the Good Old Days
Mary Fenemor
Priscilla-Chang Newton I'm sure u will remember, Bill, did a Fine Job Winning on His Horse, in the Main Race, One Year, at Victoria Park.That Race was Named ,after, His Late Wife, Faye, who was Bill's , Love of His Life. The Crowd went Wild.
Kerry Keating
I had some truly memorable days on that track.
Bill Garth
Top trainers and drivers would bring horses from Canterbury. Greymouth had night trotting before Addington. Great men wre involved in both galloping and trotting on the Coast
Monica Harvey
It doesn't look like that now sadly \
Peter Armstrong
Looks like they need the water cart out there, must have been summer
Brian McIntyre
Peter Armstrong The standard forecast was probably for rain so didnt water, but as so often was the case they were wrong and still are
Sandra Rooney
Smallest corse in NZ. Harold Park in Sydney shorter. Suited nimble movers
Sue McCallum
Sandra Rooney a beautiful park now a waste land I was shocked when I visited coast 4 yrs ago and saw its run down Horrid state
Sandra Rooney
Sue McCallum yes, disgusting
Gina Gray So sad we are losing our racetracks,
George Gardner Which one is Billy Skelton on?
Mary Fenemor Loved those Outings.
Gypsy Rover Good time had by all
Viv Sheehan Show a photo from the same area now.?
Phil Millar Just a bloody mess and the owners are blaming everyone except themselves!
Barbara Fitzsimmons Picked up many a race ticket there .Annette Martin Use to dog show there in 70 80 it allways rained
Irene Tiller Those were the days lots of fun
Courtney Bullimore-Wallace Remember Tuesday night trots.
Kevin Voigt Good crop of gorse broom must be good sale for this?????
Brian McIntyre
Brings tears to my eyes.
Barbara Fitzsimmons
Brian McIntyre your mum dad lived there Brian Rught
Barbara Fitzsimmons
Right
Brian McIntyre
Barbara Fitzsimmons yes Dad was the last caretaker there until the big 1988 flood came through. He had the place looking like a park
Paul Agnes Smith
Brian McIntyre Those tears always happen when you are holding non winning slips...
Brian McIntyre my dad Roly Keehan was President of the Trotting Club at one time. We all spent many many hours cleaning and picking out stones on the track, even cleaned all the crockery downstairs after the floods! Terribly sad to see the state it’s i… See More
=Helen Fielding
Del Godfrey my Dad Tom Fielding was great mates with Roly
Brian McIntyre
Del Godfrey I remember Roly very well. He and Dad often caught up on the track as he did laps as you say picking up stones and tossing them into the in field. I have some video of Roly and your Mum at my Mum and Dads 50th wedding annv.
Trish Rennie
Such a shame for Greymouth that this place looks nothing like it did back then....a wasteland now
Phil Millar
Trish Rennie Yeah look at the owners,typical!
· Reply · 2h
Erin Dense
Trish Rennie they would rather it be a wasteland and make no money than reduce their rates and be a community asset
David Carty
I worked for the contractor that installed the lights there when it changed to night racing, shame to see it now!!!!
Dianne Johnson
I am sure my Dad would have been there that day.
Anne Milligan
That area could be used for a housing development. People are desperate for accommodation.
Andrew Elphick
Anne Milligan No the fill of that lagoon like messenger park is random foundations would sage let alone stand up to liquefaction in an earthquake best thing for most of it would be trees, however, no one in their right mind would pay the lease being as… See More
Michelle Patterson
Andrew Elphick I like your wetland idea
Jakh Heremia
MOVE GREYMOUTH - get out of that Maori Lease
Ivan Murray Wilson
Jakh Heremia yep, that's an idea - Mayor Barry Dallas was keen back in the day and some businesses have moved away from the river.
Jakh Heremia
The number one problem with Greymouth when I lived there (Born and bred) was the high cost leasehold AND the floods. Both negatives would be solved by moving Greymouth - up High Street.
Barbara Fitzsimmons
Fantastic wonder if mum was there or the .McBretty ward .about the only outing she got back then .
Anne Miller Mcmillan
Barbara Fitzsimmons
Anne Miller Mcmillan
Anne Honey
Don't build on the flood plain build new houses inland. They have had over 100yrs to shift greymouth.
Kevin Gwatkin
Plant natives on it using Ngai Tahu money. They have millions
Rose Green
Very sad
Lois Little
Mmm had some great times at greymouth trots is such a shame to see it now yep
Dave Perry
Dust on the track in Greymouth? Unbelievable!!
Tony Warner
My uncle ......George wheatley used to take photos for the owners and trainers all the race meetings over the coast
Dave Perry
Tony Warner Was he one of the Wheatley’s from Christchurch that had trotters?
Brian McIntyre
Day time races were the best. I think that night trots were the start of a decline in popularity
John Paget
I bet on my computer and watch the races on TV. That is why the races have declined. But in saying that i only attend country meetings now.
Raylene Smith
bean there with my mumandad anmy uncle
Maureen Burnett
I really miss going to the races there. The condition of the area now is horrendous!
Shona Ratana
Schools used to hold their sports days there. I spent many a time there at horse races. Happy memories Used to pick up the tickets hoping to find some reward, like money Did not happen?
Trevor Wylde
Was down in Greymouth in March and drove past and was disgusted at the state of the area?? All overgrown what a waste???
Brian McIntyre
Trevor Wylde growing bloody gorse
Trevor Wylde
Brian McIntyre Yes should be a law against what happens.
Like Grey Main School & gates??
Alison Syder
i thought the same last time we went past
Sandra Arnott
Sight never to be seen again!
..Sue McCallum
Saw Victoria park 3 yrs ago couldn't believe the state of it so heart breaking . I believe industries fair no longer held since park was torn apart and left to go wild
Barb Rodway
Yes he did Brian it was well cared for under his watch
John Coffey
I remember a horse called Bluff winning the Greymouth Cup. A quick bit of research reveals it was January 6, 1964, held over two miles. That's four circuits. a wonder he didn't get dizzy! I would have been 17, four years under the then age to have a bet and a beer.
Sue McCallum
Saw Victoria park 3 yrs ago couldn't believe the state of it so heart breaking . I believe industries fair no longer held since park was torn apart and left to go wild
Barb Rodway
Yes he did Brian it was well cared for under his watch
John Coffey
I remember a horse called Bluff winning the Greymouth Cup. A quick bit of research reveals it was January 6, 1964, held over two miles. That's four circuits. a wonder he didn't get dizzy! I would have been 17, four years under the then age to have a bet and a beer.
Priscilla-Chang Newton
They were great days the Greymouth Races I remember Bill Cummings owned a couple horses I always followed they always got boxed in ran second,
Mary Fenemor
Priscilla-Chang Newton Bill & My Father, were great Mates. Bill often Drove, Supers Horses, at the Coast Races. Which often meant, visit to Home, for Dolly famous ,Sunday Roast Meals , then, Men ,Up to the Gilmer to finish of the Day . Yes the Good Old Days
Mary Fenemor
Priscilla-Chang Newton I'm sure u will remember, Bill, did a Fine Job Winning on His Horse, in the Main Race, One Year, at Victoria Park.That Race was Named ,after, His Late Wife, Faye, who was Bill's , Love of His Life. The Crowd went Wild.
Kerry Keating
I had some truly memorable days on that track.
Bill Garth
Top trainers and drivers would bring horses from Canterbury. Greymouth had night trotting before Addington. Great men wre involved in both galloping and trotting on the Coast
Monica Harvey
It doesn't look like that now sadly \
Peter Armstrong
Looks like they need the water cart out there, must have been summer
Brian McIntyre
Peter Armstrong The standard forecast was probably for rain so didnt water, but as so often was the case they were wrong and still are
Sandra Rooney
Smallest corse in NZ. Harold Park in Sydney shorter. Suited nimble movers
Sue McCallum
Sandra Rooney a beautiful park now a waste land I was shocked when I visited coast 4 yrs ago and saw its run down Horrid state
Sandra Rooney
Sue McCallum yes, disgusting
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West Coast New Zealand History (1st May 2024). Greymouth trots at Victoria Park.1950.. In Website West Coast New Zealand History. Retrieved 26th Apr 2026 07:56, from https://westcoast.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/26739