Waipuk back!

[curious]

 

 

[Pete Lane]

Return to Racing in Hawke's Bay for Spring 2026

Sent on behalf of Hawke’s Bay Racing and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing

This evening, trainers and members were updated on the return to racing strategy for Hastings, following the temporary closure of the track last September after a horse slipped on the second day of the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival.

Pending approval by the NZTR Board, we can confirm that work will progress on a partial re-cambering of the bends leaving the home straight (1600m & 1400m) of the Hastings racetrack.

Notwithstanding any unforeseen circumstances, this significant, expert-led investment will allow for a safe and confident return to racing in Hawke’s Bay for spring 2026. This work is essential to ensuring a sustainable future for racing in the region.

In parallel, further planning is underway to determine the long-term vision for racing in the wider Hawke’s Bay area. NZTR and Hawke’s Bay Racing expect to share more detailed updates with members and the public in July.

We would like to thank our East Coast racing clubs who continue to work together to shape a strong and sustainable future for the industry and the community.  We look forward to racing returning to the Hawke’s Bay Region.

[curious]

Yes. That sounds sensible. Why it wasn't done in the first place when it has been mooted for 20 years, is hard to fathom.

[Chief Stipe]

37 minutes ago, Pete Lane said:

Pending approval by the NZTR Board, we can confirm that work will progress on a partial re-cambering of the bends leaving the home straight (1600m & 1400m) of the Hastings racetrack.

Bend or Bends?!  Correct me if I'm wrong but there is only one bend leaving the straight.  Also haven't there been abandonments because of slipping not just on the home straight exit i.e. on other parts of the track?

The cambering isn't the only problem on that bend though - drainage and soil compaction also.

15 minutes ago, curious said:

Yes. That sounds sensible. Why it wasn't done in the first place when it has been mooted for 20 years, is hard to fathom.

Probably no money.  But I suspect it was a leadership issue.  Not that it matters.

[Huey]

Should be re-opening plenty more not just this track, utilise all available venues .

 

[Freda]

Fear not,  everyone.  It's ' expert-led' ..it'll be grand.

[curious]

9 hours ago, Chief Stipe said:

Bend or Bends?!  Correct me if I'm wrong but there is only one bend leaving the straight.  Also haven't there been abandonments because of slipping not just on the home straight exit i.e. on other parts of the track?

I think they are referring to the bend exiting the home straight at the 1600 and the bend entering the back straight at the 1400. Those have always been the main problem areas with the camber since the home turn was fixed.

[Special Agent]

5 hours ago, Huey said:

Should be re-opening plenty more not just this track, utilise all available venues .

 

Let's face it, if a track is good enough for jumpouts or trials the track surface must be okay.  There must be sufficient tie up stalls.  Some of the stands at these places are sub-standard but, I think that is irrelevant as the industry really needs to look at some of these venues running race meetings with minimal crowds for now so we at least have racing.

Does anyone know how many courses are not funded by NZTR?

Can anyone work out why the racing industry isn't self funded?

[Chief Stipe]

4 hours ago, curious said:

I think they are referring to the bend exiting the home straight at the 1600 and the bend entering the back straight at the 1400. Those have always been the main problem areas with the camber since the home turn was fixed.

Ok.  Was a bit ambiguous in the press release.  But I was probably just reading it wrong!

[Special Agent]

4 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

Ok.  Was a bit ambiguous in the press release.  But I was probably just reading it wrong!

Writing is an art that not everyone has grasped.

[Freda]

2 hours ago, Special Agent said:

Let's face it, if a track is good enough for jumpouts or trials the track surface must be okay.  There must be sufficient tie up stalls.  Some of the stands at these places are sub-standard but, I think that is irrelevant as the industry really needs to look at some of these venues running race meetings with minimal crowds for now so we at least have racing.

Does anyone know how many courses are not funded by NZTR?

Can anyone work out why the racing industry isn't self funded?

That is a separate matter that has been debated for years.  There are a few who have their heads around it well, but unfortunately they didn't - and still don't - get listened to. 

[mikeynz]

Question is with Waipukurau is if Hastings returns does Waipukurau get the heave ho again?

Having said that it still comes down to whether the locals patronize it but racing needs to have a presence, and same for my other hobby horse, Blenhiem, it's proven if you get the right days you can get the public support, Kaikoura harness on anniversary proves that, can't be that difficult, surely, harness takes racing to the people, gallops seem to be taking it away.

[Huey]

4 hours ago, Special Agent said:

Let's face it, if a track is good enough for jumpouts or trials the track surface must be okay.  There must be sufficient tie up stalls.  Some of the stands at these places are sub-standard but, I think that is irrelevant as the industry really needs to look at some of these venues running race meetings with minimal crowds for now so we at least have racing.

Does anyone know how many courses are not funded by NZTR?

Can anyone work out why the racing industry isn't self funded?

Minimal crowd happens all on its on , probably most of the venues not being used are more likely to get a crowd than the current ones.

[Chief Stipe]

12 minutes ago, mikeynz said:

Having said that it still comes down to whether the locals patronize it but racing needs to have a presence,

That isn't the first priority - its giving owners and trainers an opportunity to race their horses.  If locals turn up to watch then well and good but you only have to look at the Trentham crowds to see that there is a general patron malaise.

Wouldnl't it be a novel idea though for local Hawkes Bay businesses and supporters to promote a Waipuk meeting and send a message to the industry.

Custers Last Stand at Waipuk! 

[Murray Fish]

11 hours ago, Special Agent said:

Does anyone know how many courses are not funded by NZTR?

Not sure, Ascot Park presented well the other day! One of the D bros was keen to tell me how they had gone and brought some land with profits from them previously sell some of their land off!

[Murray Fish]

11 hours ago, Special Agent said:

Can anyone work out why the racing industry isn't self funded?

...the long historical drift to urbanisation, negating a relationship with the horse is one long term force at play.

Economically, over the last 40 years,  the disposable economics of more than 50% of nz'ers has Decreased! racing ability to captor its % has Shrunk on a massive scale.. its rather sickly if you graphed it!

S.A, all that means, that  for many at the coalface, it continues to be a ever grind...