This is my biggest pet peeve and why I did not renew my membership. They rest on Cup day too much and couldn't give a toss about any other day of the year. I'm late 30's with children and race a few nags (probably the last time as well) with a few other mates in similar age group and children. Kids hate coming to the races with us because there is nothing for them to do whatsoever, has anyone at Riccarton thought about investing in a bouncy castle, or I'm sure within the industry contacts they could wrangle up some pony rides or something to put on to at least give the kids something to do? Rangiora Harness know how to do it right, my kids will jump at the chance to go (even though I have zero interest in harness) every time as they put activities on, pony rides, face painting, kids zones, even a kids tote where they win lollies if there horse wins/places, hell occasionally out of the blue they will ask if there is any harness racing on today during a weekend.
My earliest memories of racing were as a kid going to the Hawera races on easter, they put on a easter breakfast, run a kids tote where you won easter eggs, it honestly planted the seed for me as I look back with some fond memories, whereas my kids look at the races as a boring miserable afternoon with zero atmosphere, half the time they are not even interested even if I have a runner.
Hopefully this is the kick in the pants Riccarton need to reevaluate the entire running of events year round, however sadly I dont hold much hope.