But now there is good news. During last Thursday’s council meeting, Mayor Martijn Smit said that the horse race can continue. He did that after Vrij! Councilor Kelly Uiterwijk had asked whether the shortage of agents could perhaps be compensated by bos, possibly from the neighboring municipality of Heemskerk, or by renting private security guards.
How the shortage is resolved is not yet known. But Hans van der Linden, chairman of hard trotting, is happy with the mayor’s commitment. He does, however, keep a small blow around the arm. This ruling is still followed by an official letter, which is expected next week.
Flowers at the finish
“The hard trotting is the event of our city party, it is not for nothing that it has been around for a hundred years,” says Van der Linden. For the organization of the race it is important that there is quickly clarity and confirmation. “It takes a lot to organize such an event, flyers have to be made, sponsors arranged, the fences and the sand have to be reserved, we really have to get started quickly.”
What Van der Linden is mainly concerned: “We see a lot of enthusiasm with pikeurs and stable holders with horses. I want to keep that enthusiasm in it to prevent them from registering elsewhere.”
Van der Linden hopes to see the commitment quickly black and white, but has faith in it. “You can nevertheless assume that if the mayor says in a council meeting that it will continue, it will really take place. Certainly in the presence of all parties, the college and the public.” Van der Linden says he will give a lot of gas with the organization. “And like every race, there will be flowers at the finish.”