The Samoa Racing Club hosted its Vailima New Year Races event yesterday as their last project to end the year.

The race was divided into four different categories: Kerisimasi Sprint, New Year Challenge, Vailima Faiga Popo Handicap and Tofa Race.

The Samoa Racing Club president, Lesa Richard Keil, said the club has a long history and since its establishment has hosted the Vailima New Year Races event. 

“This is not the first time we had this program. The club was established more than hundred years ago and since then we have been doing this,” he said.

The Samoa Racing Club is a not-for-profit organisation and it host fun activities for members of the public — all revenue generated at the events are then donated to various charities in Samoa including Loto Taumafai.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Mr. Keil said the objective of the club’s activities is to enable members of the public to enjoy themselves. 

“The purpose of this racing program is to give the chance to the public to come and enjoy and do some betting. It’s like a funding for the family."

“We do activities and serve food for everyone who love to come and enjoy with us,” he added.

The Samoa Racing Club acknowledged the continuous support of their sponsors, especially main sponsor Vailima Breweries. 

“I would like to thank our main sponsor, Vailima Breweries for supporting our club for the past many years and to all our other sponsors out there who helped us throughout the year,” he added.

The vice presidents of the Samoa Racing Club wishes to advice old members of the club and people who are interested to join the club as there are only five members.

“The club started off with about hundred members and as of now, there is great reduction. There are only five of us and we wish for more member to join.”

Results (horse owner in brackets)

Kerisimasi Sprint - 600m

1st: Sole Soia (Tanuvasa) - $800

2nd: Faleolo (Kaisa) - $400

3rd: Young Love (Falani) - $200

New Year Challenge - 1000m

1st: Holiday (Tanuvasa) - $1200

2nd: Teuila (Falani) - $600

3rd: Young Queen (Falani) - $300

Vailima Faiga Popo Handicap - 

600m

1st: Vailima (Tanuvasa) - $800

2nd: Ave Ma Oe (Falani) - $400

3rd: Konati (Junior) - $200

Tofa Race

1st: Idol (Pokati) - $1200

2nd: Holiday (Vaotogo) - $600

3rd: Rachel (Siggy) - $300