barryb 2,064 Report post Posted September 25, 2016 I went along yesterday to watch a couple of my horses run, I think I have mentioned this before on here that Pukekura Park is one of the nicest race tracks. Easily sits in my top 2 of races tracks across the country. Bouquet. 1) Decent sized crowd and lively atmosphere, other clubs should work out what they do right at this venue to get people along. 2) Facilities are clean, tidy and comfortable. 3) Owners are treated very well and all the TRC team are pleasant and willing to help. 4) The number of TV screens is superior to most other venues and the viewing of the track is excellent. Bricbat. 1) The food from the cafe leaves a lot to be desired, almost uneatable and selection the pits. It was about what you would have seen in a coffee house in the 1970's. 2) Everything about the after race treatment for owners was superb apart from again the food, I don't know who is advising them but I have never see a hard boiled egg cut in half served before to owners. Much more appropriate is either Cheese/Crackers, little pies, or club sandwiches. I do wish clubs would take seriously the catering, it is so off putting going to a days races and having to try and eat something that was made so long ago or is barely able to be distinguished as something you can eat. We're Doomed, slam dunk and chevy86 3 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohokaman 5,825 Report post Posted September 25, 2016 Do they do their own Catering Barry, or use outside suppliers..?? Nothing turns people off quicker than crap food. Might be worth having a word to Carey Hobbs and see what he can do about it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
barryb 2,064 Report post Posted September 25, 2016 This is what the selection was: 1) Pies. 2) Sandwiches - Pork, Ham or Egg (No Chicken, No Beef etc) 3) A Chocolate slice that looked a week old & was all broken, & 2 cakes (1 of which was out of the freezer & stale) 4) Chips which run out early & were back later after 2pm. Hardly decent fare for what was a very large crowd. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bimbo 734 Report post Posted September 25, 2016 14 minutes ago, barryb said: 2) Sandwiches - Pork, Ham or Egg (No Chicken, No Beef etc) You would have had to be pretty brave to go for a chicken sandwich if things looked old. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
barryb 2,064 Report post Posted September 25, 2016 yes exactly Bimbo, my wife bought one of the cakes (the stale one) it got thrown outside for the birds and even they were reluctant for ages. haha. Bimbo and Insider 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turny 1,224 Report post Posted September 25, 2016 The fare is pretty hopeless on all courses Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bimbo 734 Report post Posted September 25, 2016 14 minutes ago, turny said: The fare is pretty hopeless on all courses The other code appear to do it better. Always found Alexandra Park much better than Ellersie and Addington is way better than Riccarton. One year at Ellerslie on Easter Handicap day there was a guy selling hot dogs (not even very good ones) and he ran out of buns and sausages after about the third race. I think it was the only edible thing for sale on course apart from hot chips. Couldn't believe he didn't run down to Countdown and get some more buns and sausages. He would have made a killing.that day. Instead he just sat there trying to sell off bags of crisps and other things he had in his van. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turny 1,224 Report post Posted September 25, 2016 Agree Bimbo Addington good but Riccarton very average - just no variety and largely sponsors products Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chevy86 2,704 Report post Posted September 25, 2016 2 hours ago, Bimbo said: The other code appear to do it better. Always found Alexandra Park much better than Ellersie and Addington is way better than Riccarton. One year at Ellerslie on Easter Handicap day there was a guy selling hot dogs (not even very good ones) and he ran out of buns and sausages after about the third race. I think it was the only edible thing for sale on course apart from hot chips. Couldn't believe he didn't run down to Countdown and get some more buns and sausages. He would have made a killing.that day. Instead he just sat there trying to sell off bags of crisps and other things he had in his van. Unbelievable! There were probably only 12 punters on-course, but I'm guessing his supplies were severely depleted by the previous Racing manager. Overall I agree the fare is patchy around the courses but have always found the Polo Bar grub at Ellerslie good, Te Aroha, Te Rapa, Counties all very acceptable but Matamata and Tauranga marginal at best. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
barryb 2,064 Report post Posted September 25, 2016 One of the best food joints I have found at the races was Timaru, but agree with chevy86 on Matamata & Tauranga. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelseacol 2,488 Report post Posted September 25, 2016 Agree re Timaru Barryb - last time I was there they had whitebait fritters in the public stand ! Weird that catering doesn't get more attention isn't it. The selection of red wines at most racecourses (or lack thereof) always surprises me. Usually just 2 bottles of cheap red available..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...