For Harcourts' Peter Lissington, racing is much more than a day out. It's a lifelong passion, a family affair and an industry he's proud to support.
With more than 30 years in rural real estate across the Waikato, most recently with Harcourts, and a similarly long association with thoroughbred racing, Peter Lissington knows a thing or two about the importance of strong relationships and community connections.
And as Racing Te Aroha prepares for Tuesday's Harcourts Cup Day, Peter is looking forward to combining two of his greatest interests.
Peter purchased his first racehorse at around 25 years of age and hasn't looked back. Over the decades, he's been involved in racing clubs, owned horses individually and through syndicates, and recently celebrated his 60th winner as an owner.
"It's been a lifelong involvement. I've always enjoyed the camaraderie, but racing has been in the blood," says Peter.
"My old man loved his horses and my brothers are all involved in the racing industry in some way or another. My younger brother, Michael, for example, is the Chairman of Matamata Racing Club."
Peter's involvement extends well beyond the ownership ranks, having previously served on the committee of Morrinsville Trotting Club, including a stint as President. He's also been a familiar face at Te Aroha for more than three decades, even racing horses alongside well-known local racing identity Danny Shine.
"I've always enjoyed going to Te Aroha. I've been coming here for over 30 years and I've enjoyed my real estate and my racing along the way. It's a big part of my life."
For Peter, it's the people and the thrill of racing that have kept him coming back.
"There's nothing quite like winning a race, even a maiden. It's just such a thrill. But it's also the social side of racing. You meet a lot of people and I get around the country with the horses, so there's always something happening."
These days, Peter has a team of six horses in training with Cody Cole and continues to enjoy the excitement of racing through syndicate ownership. He's also found particular satisfaction in watching the next generation of horses he's previously raced make their way onto the track.
"I've now got sons and daughters of horses I've raced over the years, which is pretty special. I enjoy keeping them in the family and seeing the next generation come through.
"It's in the blood and I can't get rid of it!"
It's that genuine love of the sport that also drives Peter's commitment to supporting racing at a grassroots level.
Having spent three decades working in rural real estate, Peter understands the value of local businesses getting behind their communities and sporting organisations.
"I know how hard the people in the racing industry work to keep things going. Without sponsors, it's tough for the smaller clubs, and I think it's really important that local businesses get behind them.
"A lot of hard work goes into these things, much of it voluntary. All we're trying to do is support the clubs so we can keep having local race meetings. And when people come to town for a day at the races, there's a benefit for the wider community too. It's a win-win."
For Peter, Harcourts Cup Day is also an opportunity to share his passion for racing with clients, many of whom have their own connections to the rural and equine communities.
"I'm looking forward to sponsoring a race and bringing some clients along for a great day out. The hospitality is great and it's a chance for everyone to get together and enjoy some good racing."
And while sponsorship can create business connections, Peter is quick to point out that it's not the reason he gets involved.
"It's always nice to get a call from someone who's seen your name associated with supporting the local club and then looks to you to help them sell a farm. But that's not the biggest reason I do it. It's really just my love of racing. I want to be involved and help keep it going."
When it comes to Te Aroha Racecourse itself, Peter believes its appeal lies in the combination of its unique setting, accessible facilities and the people who make the club what it is.
"It's a great location under the mountain there. The facilities are good, I enjoy George Simon's banter and I know a lot of the locals and former committee members. It's a great community racecourse and there are some really good people involved."
He's also particularly pleased to see jumps racing continuing at Te Aroha, having owned jumpers himself and enjoyed that side of the sport over the years.
And while a winner of his own would always make a raceday that little bit sweeter, Peter reckons a great day at the races is really about seeing everyone enjoying themselves.
"The hospitality is great, but for me, I love the good racing. I know a lot of the jockeys and trainers, so it's quite social, and I get a lot of enjoyment out of watching good horses race. And having a winner never hurts!"
As for anyone considering heading along to Harcourts Cup Day for the first time, Peter's advice is simple.
"These smaller, local racedays are a great way to give racing a try. You don't have to bet or spend a lot of money. Just come down, have a day out and enjoy what you see."\
With Peter, his Harcourts colleagues and guests set to be oncourse next week, it's another opportunity to celebrate everything he loves about the sport.
Join Peter and the Racing Te Aroha team for Harcourts Cup Day on Tuesday, 10 November, with the Harcourts Cup featuring as part of the Prezzy Card Northern Country Cups Bonus Series. Admission and parking are free.
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