LATEST: Industry Update | RACE Awapuni Track 11 March 2026

[Chief Stipe]

Industry Update | RACE Awapuni Track

NZTR and RACE Inc. would like to thank participants, memfor their patience and support during what has been a difficult period for racing at RACE Awapuni.

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing | March 11, 2026

Background

The RACE Awapuni track had been experiencing performance issues, which ultimately led to a full reconstruction of the surface. After several years of work, the track returned to racing on 25 April 2025. Unfortunately, a slip in the first race resulted in the meeting being abandoned, and there has been no racing at RACE Awapuni since.

New to the role, NZTR’s Chief Executive Officer Matt Ballesty, with the approval of the Board of Directors, engaged independent specialist and internationally respected track adviser Liam O’Keeffe.

Given the investment was significant, the decision was made to determine whether the new surface could be remediated to provide a safe and consistent racing surface. A range of initiatives were trialled, including verti-draining and surface treatments designed to soften the track profile.

While some progress was made, a further slip some months later during morning gallops confirmed that the surface could not be signed off as safe for racing. The track was proving inconsistent - capable of performing adequately one day and presenting unacceptable risk the next.

What Has Been Learned

A review of the original project has highlighted a number of challenges in both governance and delivery.

Issues relating to design accountability, engineering oversight and overall project coordination contributed to the outcome. In hindsight, additional racecourse construction expertise could have been better integrated into the project.

NZTR acknowledges that elements of the original RACE Awapuni track design were not aligned with the performance expectations of a premier racing venue hosting 20+ meetings annually.

However, the work completed has not been entirely lost. Key components of the drainage system, irrigation infrastructure and parts of the base profile meet the required standards, meaning elements of the existing investment can likely be incorporated into the long-term solution.

Independent Technical Review

Following NZTR’s decision in November 2025 that there would be no further racing at RACE Awapuni this season, NZTR engaged Evergreen Turf, the specialists responsible for the successful Hastings track remediation, to undertake a comprehensive independent technical review.

Working alongside local track managers, the RACE Inc. Board and NZTR consultant Liam O’Keeffe, Evergreen Turf conducted detailed soil testing, forensic analysis and investigations into suitable sand sources.

Evergreen Turf’s technical assessment confirmed that while parts of the existing infrastructure remain sound, the underlying soil profile presents a fundamental constraint to achieving the long-term performance required of a premier racing venue.

The Path Forward

NZTR and RACE Inc. are now working closely together to determine the most appropriate long-term solution for RACE Awapuni.

Planning work is well underway, with both organisations aligned on the need to deliver a track that meets the performance, safety and reliability standards expected of a metropolitan racing venue. Our vision is for RACE Awapuni to become a metro-standard track, capable of hosting racing to the standard expected of a premier venue.

The collective objective is to implement a solution that will enable a return to racing at RACE Awapuni by late 2027.

Importantly, the independent work undertaken over recent months has significantly improved the industry’s understanding of the site and the technical requirements needed to deliver a high-performing track surface.

Looking Ahead

While the past year has been frustrating for participants and stakeholders, the work completed has provided the clarity required to move forward with confidence.

NZTR remains committed to the long-term future of racing at RACE Awapuni and to ensuring the venue can fulfil its important role within the Central Districts racing landscape.

The recent success of the Hastings track remediation demonstrates what can be achieved when specialist racecourse expertise is integrated early into a project. Those learnings will play an important role in shaping the next phase of work at RACE Awapuni.
NZTR and RACE Inc. thank the industry for its patience and support as this work progresses.

A further update will be provided to the industry once the preferred delivery pathway has been finalised.

Issued by the Office of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing
18 Dick Street, Cambridge 3434
Tel: 0800 WINNER (946 637)
International: +64 4 576 6240
office@nztr.co.nz

[curious]

Haha.

NZTR engaged Evergreen Turf, the specialists responsible for the successful Hastings track remediation,

It looks promising but they haven't held a race meeting on it yet have they?

[Chief Stipe]

27 minutes ago, curious said:

Haha.

NZTR engaged Evergreen Turf, the specialists responsible for the successful Hastings track remediation,

It looks promising but they haven't held a race meeting on it yet have they?

Think positively @curious the industry is on the up.  I hope your horses are in the North Island.

[jess]

Disgraceful.  So much spin.  Starting with the first date mentioned in their timeline being 25 April 2025 - how about we dial that back to 2023 when they started digging it up ....that is the more relevant date for the long suffering CD & particularly Awapuni-based trainers & owners.  That makes it over 4 years - and that's IF they make their next projected target of racing @late 2027

Also no mention of how long the track will be out of the commission for horses to work on.

It's been the worst kept secret that this has been on the cards for months now - that further major work is required - I guess it's taken that long for NZTR Corporate Communications to craft that crock of ....

"think positively" you say CS - clearly you have no skin in this CD racing game..

 

[Chief Stipe]

1 hour ago, jess said:

"think positively" you say CS - clearly you have no skin in this CD racing game..

Correct not in the CD.

But I don't think @curious and @Freda have either then again they are working feverishly and effectively to fix issues in their home patch.

[Chief Stipe]

1 hour ago, jess said:

that is the more relevant date for the long suffering CD & particularly Awapuni-based trainers & owners.  That makes it over 4 years - and that's IF they make their next projected target of racing @late 2027

At least they are getting it right now.  Things are on the up.  Investment in Hastings and Trentham to be fixed soon - gee the CD will be the place to be.  They've even got a great AWT!!!  Trials at Foxton, Jumpouts at Levin and Otaki to be sold to help fund the improvements.

Central Districts the place to be!!

[curious]

20 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

Correct not in the CD.

But I don't think @curious and @Freda have either then again they are working feverishly and effectively to fix issues in their home patch.

Haha. Just sent one down to Freda that I had in work at Hastings and ran another less than a year ago at Trentham and Wanganui. Remain a member of a CD club also. At this stage though only have one in work in the NI and that's further north as you know.

[Special Agent]

2 hours ago, Chief Stipe said:

Central Districts the place to be!!

It hasn't been.  Let's hope the only way is up.

[Chief Stipe]

52 minutes ago, Special Agent said:

It hasn't been.  Let's hope the only way is up.

Start saving those coins and get to the next R2R sale.

[jess]

I don't know who you are Curious - but I hear ya!  I would be open to sending a horse to Freda too - no doubt about it.. But I'm hands on - they spell with me - I've had them since they returned from the stud with my mares - my phone is full of photos & videos every step of the way - I just couldn't have them that far away.  Call it my weakness - it's the way it is & I can't see it changing.. 

[Murray Fish]

1 hour ago, jess said:

it's the way it is & I can't see it changing

yip, I have over time had some interesting 'offers', but like you,  perhaps not as actually hands on,  but I want to be that close I get to actually get to know the horse by spending quality time with it!!  A friend of mine recently reflected how things have changed so much in the now 50 years he has owned!! Like all the first ones there were a max of three owners, often it was two!  Now a min of 10. All were raced out of a Local Stable, where you could turn up whenever! if no one was around you could plod away doing your thing, all nice and low key!  No now, Locked Gates...  

[Chief Stipe]

1 hour ago, Murray Fish said:

All were raced out of a Local Stable, where you could turn up whenever!

More polite to phone ahead.  Easier to do that now with modern technology.

1 hour ago, Murray Fish said:

if no one was around you could plod away doing your thing, all nice and low key!  No now, Locked Gates...  

Understandably.  If you don't do that today then you are open to all sorts of issues.  That is the society we live in now unfortunately.  To be honest I'm surprised there isn't even more security.  Many seem to rely on anonymity and being unseen in plain sight. 

[Murray Fish]

8 hours ago, Chief Stipe said:

o be honest I'm surprised there isn't even more security. 

sadly so..
talking lack of security etc,  growing up in Waltham Chch in the early 60's,  a couple of 100m down the road from our house was  a fella (cant recall his name) who  had a small stable with a few harness horses in it,  he would get in a sulky, with a couple of other horses in tow,  he was taking them the 4 ks  around the back streets to Addington for fast work! including crossing to cross the busy  Lincoln Road.  I recall,  how often we would get on our bikes and have mock races with him!  There would be a couple of streets where we would be going as fast as we could!!! Giving ourselves names,  Cardigan Bay and Caduceus,  were a couple on my favs...

[Freda]

1 hour ago, Murray Fish said:

sadly so..
talking lack of security etc,  growing up in Waltham Chch in the early 60's,  a couple of 100m down the road from our house was  a fella (cant recall his name) who  had a small stable with a few harness horses in it,  he would get in a sulky, with a couple of other horses in tow,  he was taking them the 4 ks  around the back streets to Addington for fast work! including crossing to cross the busy  Lincoln Road.  I recall,  how often we would get on our bikes and have mock races with him!  There would be a couple of streets where we would be going as fast as we could!!! Giving ourselves names,  Cardigan Bay and Caduceus,  were a couple on my favs...

I used to walk/trot my ponies from Cashmere down Barrington Street and across Lincoln Road to Addington to get them shod.  Blacksmiths Peter Jones, Johnny Dalzell...you might have been one of the cheeky kids yelling smart comments at me on the way!

[Murray Fish]

18 minutes ago, Freda said:

.you might have been one of the cheeky kids yelling smart comments at me on the way!

lol   man we were Feral! and had So Much Fun being so..   

19 minutes ago, Freda said:

down Barrington Street

now was Barrington nice and wide?  it was along one of those roads where we would try and meet them coz then you got a bit of speed up! I can still hear that Clip Clop...

 

21 minutes ago, Freda said:

Blacksmiths Peter Jones, Johnny Dalzell..

sigh, my memory just don't recall the names from back then.. Dad at the time was foreman at George H Woods Grain Merchants,   they mixed feed for a lot of trainers!!  the only one that I recall, (and I think that was because I was in awe of him) was Jack Litten, hence my  fandom of Caduceus.  The one that scared me was CC Devine!  not sure why! but Mr Litten, he was the Man!!! Later Dad told me he was Sworn to Secrecy!  Mr Litten was on hand for every mix!

[Freda]

15 minutes ago, Murray Fish said:

lol   man we were Feral! and had So Much Fun being so..   

now was Barrington nice and wide?  it was along one of those roads where we would try and meet them coz then you got a bit of speed up! I can still hear that Clip Clop...

Might have been Lyttelton Street?  parallel, but wide with trees and grass berm...plenty of room for a canter!

15 minutes ago, Murray Fish said:

 

sigh, my memory just don't recall the names from back then.. Dad at the time was foreman at George H Woods Grain Merchants,   they mixed feed for a lot of trainers!!  the only one that I recall, (and I think that was because I was in awe of him) was Jack Litten, hence my  fandom of Caduceus.  The one that scared me was CC Devine!  not sure why! but Mr Litten, he was the Man!!! Later Dad told me he was Sworn to Secrecy!  Mr Litten was on hand for every mix!

 

[Freda]

2 minutes ago, Freda said:

Might have been Lyttelton Street?  parallel, but wide with trees and grass berm...plenty of room for a canter!

 

My dad was involved with the old Canterbury Park Trotting Club, before it and New Brighton amalgamated and became the Met.   I heard tales of CC Devine, Lord Module's habitual tardiness at the start could be dealt with by CC rattling chains behind him...

[Murray Fish]

17 minutes ago, Freda said:

Might have been Lyttelton Street?  parallel, but wide with trees and grass berm...plenty of room for a canter!

Yes! I think that might have been the one!  just for the record! I won my share of races!   love fighting out those close finishes!!!  I am active in my local community around recycling bikes and scooters!  Amusingly,  the only thing that I actually got from the family estate was the 1962 red scooter!  It gets brought out to show how we did it 'old school'!!! It has been taken to 'show something old' day a few times!  For the record! The modern ones are 1000% better,  brought two at the Police Auction the other day,  $10 bid! 11.70 with com...   I was happy to find out one of them is a 'real fast' one! I keep to a safe speed on my first go!!!

[curious]

10 years on and where are we?

Industry Update | RACE Awapuni Track

NZTR and RACE Inc. would like to thank participants, memfor their patience and support during what has been a difficult period for racing at RACE Awapuni.

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing | March 11, 2026

Background

The RACE Awapuni track had been experiencing performance issues, which ultimately led to a full reconstruction of the surface. After several years of work, the track returned to racing on 25 April 2025. Unfortunately, a slip in the first race resulted in the meeting being abandoned, and there has been no racing at RACE Awapuni since.

New to the role, NZTR’s Chief Executive Officer Matt Ballesty, with the approval of the Board of Directors, engaged independent specialist and internationally respected track adviser Liam O’Keeffe.

Given the investment was significant, the decision was made to determine whether the new surface could be remediated to provide a safe and consistent racing surface. A range of initiatives were trialled, including verti-draining and surface treatments designed to soften the track profile.

While some progress was made, a further slip some months later during morning gallops confirmed that the surface could not be signed off as safe for racing. The track was proving inconsistent - capable of performing adequately one day and presenting unacceptable risk the next.

What Has Been Learned

A review of the original project has highlighted a number of challenges in both governance and delivery.

Issues relating to design accountability, engineering oversight and overall project coordination contributed to the outcome. In hindsight, additional racecourse construction expertise could have been better integrated into the project.

NZTR acknowledges that elements of the original RACE Awapuni track design were not aligned with the performance expectations of a premier racing venue hosting 20+ meetings annually.

However, the work completed has not been entirely lost. Key components of the drainage system, irrigation infrastructure and parts of the base profile meet the required standards, meaning elements of the existing investment can likely be incorporated into the long-term solution.

Independent Technical Review

Following NZTR’s decision in November 2025 that there would be no further racing at RACE Awapuni this season, NZTR engaged Evergreen Turf, the specialists responsible for the successful Hastings track remediation, to undertake a comprehensive independent technical review.

Working alongside local track managers, the RACE Inc. Board and NZTR consultant Liam O’Keeffe, Evergreen Turf conducted detailed soil testing, forensic analysis and investigations into suitable sand sources.

Evergreen Turf’s technical assessment confirmed that while parts of the existing infrastructure remain sound, the underlying soil profile presents a fundamental constraint to achieving the long-term performance required of a premier racing venue.

The Path Forward

NZTR and RACE Inc. are now working closely together to determine the most appropriate long-term solution for RACE Awapuni.

Planning work is well underway, with both organisations aligned on the need to deliver a track that meets the performance, safety and reliability standards expected of a metropolitan racing venue. Our vision is for RACE Awapuni to become a metro-standard track, capable of hosting racing to the standard expected of a premier venue.

The collective objective is to implement a solution that will enable a return to racing at RACE Awapuni by late 2027.

Importantly, the independent work undertaken over recent months has significantly improved the industry’s understanding of the site and the technical requirements needed to deliver a high-performing track surface.

Looking Ahead

While the past year has been frustrating for participants and stakeholders, the work completed has provided the clarity required to move forward with confidence.

NZTR remains committed to the long-term future of racing at RACE Awapuni and to ensuring the venue can fulfil its important role within the Central Districts racing landscape.

The recent success of the Hastings track remediation demonstrates what can be achieved when specialist racecourse expertise is integrated early into a project. Those learnings will play an important role in shaping the next phase of work at RACE Awapuni.
NZTR and RACE Inc. thank the industry for its patience and support as this work progresses.

A further update will be provided to the industry once the preferred delivery pathway has been finalised.

Issued by the Office of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing
18 Dick Street, Cambridge 3434
Tel: 0800 WINNER (946 637)
International: +64 4 576 6240
office@nztr.co.nz

[Stagman]

I thought this was a joke when I first saw it.

Well, there certainly needs to be a change in the management of NZTR & the Racing Board.

All I 'll say is that I wouldn't employ any of these people in my company.

They should put their hands up and walk the plank.

How much money is going to be poured into this situation so that these plonkers can save fa

 

[Chief Stipe]

12 minutes ago, Stagman said:

I thought this was a joke when I first saw it.

Well, there certainly needs to be a change in the management of NZTR & the Racing Board.

All I 'll say is that I wouldn't employ any of these people in my company.

They should put their hands up and walk the plank.

How much money is going to be poured into this situation so that these plonkers can save fa

 

What's the alternative?  

[curious]

1 minute ago, Chief Stipe said:

What's the alternative?  

It sounds like it's now pretty much a greenfields job by the sound of it. The public infrastructure is also financially unsustainable and very tired. I'd say rebuild a CD track elsewhere for similar cost rather than try to make that one in a swamp workable. Enough time and money has been wasted on it.

[curious]

Sorry, I didn't mean to repost the headpost above. I meant to post this from 10 years ago. Different sunrise. Same problem. And the industry response is still to try to shut down the dissidents but fail to fix the problem. Incredible.

New Zealand jockeys, horses 'at risk' over state of racetracks

BARRY LICHTER August 29, 2015 • 4:01pm

 

 

Touche and Rosie Myers are lucky not to fall as they slip badly on the home turn at Awapuni . Photo: Trackside / Stuff

Damning evidence on the state of the country's racetracks emerged during the Kevin Morton hearing this week, with claims of riders and horses being regularly put at risk on unsafe surfaces.

During the course of the hearing, where former jockey and now trainer Morton faced racing's most serious charge for posting comments about co-chief stipendiary steward Ross Neal on the racing chat site Channel X,  it was alleged that a Racing Integrity Unit steward had refused to officiate at Awapuni meetings where the rail was out wide, because he believed it was exposing horses to unsafe ground.

And Morton had support from leading jockeys who, in statements not read at the hearing, raised serious concerns about substandard tracks, one saying he often did not ride in the first race because he did not want to be a guinea pig.

Morton's January posting saw him charged with uttering insulting or abusive words against an official,  a serious racing offence which incredibly carries the same penalty that a cobalt doper could receive - disqualification for up to life and a fine of up to $50,000.

In it Morton, 61, commented on the appearance of Neal on the Trackside TV show Weigh In where Neal was asked to explain the circumstances surrounding the Awapuni meeting on January 10 when Touche slipped three times in the first race and, miraculously, did not fall.

Morton posted, among other things, that in his view, the current stewards did not cut it. "I thought R Neal came across as incompetent and out of his depth as a co chief steward."

In his brief of evidence Morton told the Judicial Control Authority committee he was astounded that Touche had not fallen at the 600m.

With the track rated a dead 4 and the rail out four metres, Morton said that placed Touche, scouting wide, right in the "danger zone" eight metres from the true rail position.

Morton testified it was well known that the RIU's Neil Goodwin would not officiate at Awapuni meetings where the rail was out more than eight metres on a good or dead track because the ground there was unsafe.

An affidavit from leading jockey Hayden Tinsley referred to the same refusal by officials and said it had been a problem at Awapuni for the last six to eight years and had not improved.

Tinsley said he knew his home track well and that on some parts of the home turn there was a negative camber and when the rail was out more than five metres and the weather was not favourable, it could produce uncertain footing.

Veteran jockey David Walsh, who last year broke Lance O'Sullvan's record for the most winners in New Zealand, was even more scathing in his statement, saying his biggest concern in racing was the condition of many of our courses.

"Many of our venues are well into their second century and time has certainly caught  up with the outdated infrastructure.

"I believe that not enough is being done to ensure that raceday conditions are of a safe and expected standard. Some tracks have had their time, with many having had half-pie patch-up jobs.

Walsh said in his statement there had been numerous occasions in recent years when he had expressed his concerns to the stewards about a particular area or the whole track in general.

"There have been several instances in recent times where I prefer not to commit to a ride in the first race as I do not want to be a guinea pig."

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing chief executive Greg Purcell on Saturday took issue with the safety claims and said a substantial amount of irrigation and drainage work had been done in recent years on the vast majority of the major racetracks.

"I am unaware of any safety issues at any racecourses in New Zealand and if these jockeys have a problem they should come and talk to me about it."

Purcell said the problem at Awapuni, where January's incident occurred, was being fixed.

A new inside bend, with a 3 per cent camber, had been constructed at a cost of $280,000 which was being seeded. It was hoped it would be ready to use after November. NZTR had funded half the work and loaned the club the remainder.

When the new surface was ready, the old outer track would be completely recambered. Awapuni had had a number of issues, he said, including a mixture of soils which did and didn't absorb water.

Purcell said NZTR was totally committed to safety at every racetrack and racing would not take place at venues considered unsafe.

Major work was ongoing and had already been undertaken at Pukekohe, Ruakaka, Matamata, Taranaki, Otaki, Te Rapa and Wingatui which was plagued by unsafe conditions and abandonments earlier this year.

Purcell said NZTR was battling a 35-year legacy of under investment on the infrastructure of the country's racetracks but the racing surfaces had had priority.

Another witness called by Morton's counsel Paul Dale, Massey University senior lecturer Brent Gardiner, pointed out that Morton's comments followed a posting on Channel X about the questionable decision by Neal to not allow Trackside to show film of Touche's home turn slip which led to a two-hour delay before the meeting resumed. It was later explained that Neal had done so to avoid the connections of horses influencing riders' decisions which might lead to an abandonment based solely on the film.

"While I understand that rationale, it seems to aim at a goal of reducing abandonments over ensuring safety," Gardiner said. "I think transparent provision of all information to owners, trainers and jockeys might be a better option."

Gardiner, who has an extensive background in racing and breeding, said a letter had been sent by the trainers' association to the board and executive of NZTR a year ago threatening disruptive action because clubs were not providing regular and safe racing and trialling surfaces, evidenced by a record number of abandonments in the previous 12 months.

There had been no sign of improvement a year later, he said,  with a string of abandonments in 2015 where riders and horses raced on unsafe tracks before it was determined they were unsafe.

"Given there seems to have been no improvement, and possibly deterioration, since that strongly worded letter of May 14, 2014, it is understandable that the level of frustration among owners and trainers is now even higher. If it has not been addressed following such approaches as a formal letter it is hardly surprising that affected and concerned parties turn to expressing their concerns and frustrations publically through other channels like social media."

Gardiner said he shared Morton's concerns about horse and rider safety and would much rather see NZTR's resources used to address that and its overall performance than use "an antiquated rule to shut down public critique."

Gardiner said a better method of ensuring racing only occurred on safe surfaces urgently needed to be found. "Testing the safety of tracks by running races on them is unconscionable. So if the finger is pointed at the stewards responsible on the day that is surely reasonable. They made a mistake and they are clearly responsible. At the least, that must mean they have demonstrated a moment of  incompetence, especially if the explanation does not seem to excuse that."

Gardiner said one incident like Awapuni was "one too many".

"Any of us connected to families of jockeys killed or maimed as a result of stewards' decisions to race on unsafe tracks know that."

Morton told the committee he had taken a close interest in jockey safety and horse welfare since 2006 when his close friend Judy Lawson was left permanently disabled after a serious fall at Rangiora.

Morton, who was appointed Riding Master in Canterbury for two years and tutored Lawson, said he read the report on the Rangiora crash and it was clear the meeting should not have gone ahead.

"So wrong was the decision to race that they have not raced there some nine years later."

Morton said he made the statement on Channel X because he was concerned Neal did not appear to be on top of the track safety issues. His performance on the Trackside interview did not inspire any confidence.

"I have the utmost respect for stewards and racecourse inspectors and had no intention of offending them."

Morton rebuffed repeated suggestions by Steve Symon, acting for the RIU, that he had been fired up and upset and had intended to insult Neal.

 Symon put it to Morton that instead of concentrating on the issue of track safety he had instead resorted to attacking Neal by calling him incompetent and a former grocer.

Morton said he did not believe it was insulting to call someone a grocer, a reply which chairman Murray McKechnie obviously agreed with when he joked he knew a grocer who had made a lot more money than he had.

Dale countered that Morton's remarks were made in measured language without profanity or exaggeration to which McKechnie noted more colourful language could be heard on any day in the birdcage after a race.

Dale said the RIU complaint fell at the first hurdle because the words Morton used were neither  insulting nor abusive.

"Of course Mr Neal will feel hurt when he's been criticised but that doesn't elevate it to an insult. I understand the need for limits but when issues of public safety are concerned we have to be more tolerant. These charges ought not to have been brought."

Morton had offered a subjective comment and his observation that Neal came across as incompetent, not was incompetent, was an expression of opinion. The charge appeared to conflict with a person's legitimate right to make public criticism. And any provision of the racing rules that conflicted with any other statute or general law of New Zealand, including the Bill Of Rights, was invalid, Dale submitted. 

It was unlikely the industry could be damaged by a posting on an industry website where views were freely exchanged.

Officials such as Neal must be open to scrutiny without fear of prosecution, Dale said.

McKechnie, who reserved his decision, was critical of Neal's absence from the hearing - he was on holiday in Fiji with his family.

-Stuff

Edited 1 hour ago by curious