Story: Wairarapa region

This film clip from the 1950s shows the Castlepoint races.

The following ditty by ‘Neuchamp’ is thought to have been penned after the 1894 Castlepoint races. Neuchamp is a pseudonym, but research suggests it was the Tīnui labourer Henry (Harry) Newcomb, the ‘New Champ’.

‘Lines on the Whakataki races’

Did you visit the Castle Point races?
If you didn't you missed a treat,
For although I've seen the Melbourne Cup,
It was nothing like ours for a meet.

The tide was at dead low water,
And the beach like a good spring turf.
With a gentle breeze from the southward,
That just put a crest on the surf.

The beer was the best in the country,
Served out by a beautiful maid,
And Stewart our genial young landlord,
Was there to see that you paid.

[10 stanzas follow]

We gave three cheers for old Harry,
And carried him shoulder high.
For he rode the flat like a ‘young-un’
And gave them all the ‘go-by.’

So good luck to the hard-working starter.
Who from his duties never did budge.
Good luck to John Osborne and Stewards;
Good luck to the lynx-eyed judge.

Good luck to the public for coming,
And the ladies for adding their graces;
So fill up your glass to the brim,
And drink to the Castle Point Races.