New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and RACE Inc. would like to thank trainers, owners, participants, members, sponsors and volunteers for their patience and support during what has been a difficult period for racing at RACE Awapuni.
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