Horse racing: Plans to resume racing at Waipukurau and Hastings
Racing is set to return to the Waipukurau Racecourse in the next racing season, while a resumption of racing on the Hastings track is planned in time for the Hawke's Bay Spring Carnival next year.
These were part of two statements released by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing on Wednesday.
The
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NZ Herald
23-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Horse racing: Plans to resume racing at Waipukurau and Hastings
Racing is set to return to the Waipukurau Racecourse in the next racing season, while a resumption of racing on the Hastings track is planned in time for the Hawke's Bay Spring Carnival next year. These were part of two statements released by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing on Wednesday. The
NZ Herald
09-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Winter woes may bite racing early with Rotorua meeting under threat
'But there is a lot of rain expected tonight so we will come back first thing in the morning to ensure there is no surface water and it is safe.' If the meeting has to be postponed it would have to be rescheduled for Monday or Tuesday because there are already two thoroughbred meetings on Sunday. New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing officials would prefer to hold a postponed meeting rather than abandon it, not just because of the lost revenue for the industry and participants but because of the black type races. While plenty of those in today's $100,000 Campbell Infrastructure Rotorua Cup are just getting warmed up for some winter wars, many of the mares in the Rotorua ITM Stakes are using today's meeting as their last shot at black type for the season and will want today's meeting over and done with. One of those is Marotiri Molly, whose trainer Matt Dixon said this is her last major goal of a superb season. 'We have targeted this race and I don't want her ploughing around in the mud through winter,' says Dixon. 'I think it is an ideal race for her. She needed her run last start and has come in much better off in the weights against a horse like Tomodachi, who she conceded 6kg to last time. 'She handles heavy tracks okay so that doesn't worry me. But if it gets really heavy down on the inside later in the day, I am a bit concerned about her ace draw. 'Initially, it sounded good but it won't be if the track gets cut up on the inside. 'One thing that might help her is she has natural speed early so she might be able to get in front of plenty of them and dictate what line she takes around the home turn.' The race becomes harder to work out with every hour of rain but the best-backed mare yesterday was Lux Libertas, who was $7.50 into $6 after the track was downgraded to heavy, a surface she is unbeaten on in four starts. Trentham race on a heavy 10 today, while Ascot Park tomorrow will also be in that range. The only track not starting the weekend rated heavy is Whanganui, where the jumps racing season kicks off on Sunday. Tomorrow's meeting will host two hurdle races and one steeplechase, with the jumps racing community buoyed by the three-year lifeline it has been given after a NZTR review. There have been good numbers of newcomers trialling over jumps and at least three or four overseas jockeys are expected to come to New Zealand for the winter to ride, helping ease the critical shortage of jumps jockeys. The good news for the struggling discipline continued yesterday when the Canterbury Jockey Club announced the stake for this year's Grand National Steeplechase will rise to $200,000, double last year's stake when West Coast won the race for the third straight season. West Coast starts his path towards securing a fourth Grand National title when he contests a maiden flat race at Whanganui tomorrow. West Coast back, heavy 10 tracks and jumps racing. Yes, winter is here.
NZ Herald
04-05-2025
- NZ Herald
On The Up: Arawa Park track renovated and ready for Rotorua Cup Day
'This is all done to open up the profile of the track.' Radesic said once the surface preparation work was done, the track was reseeded with sports oval grass seed and irrigated on a strict schedule to support grass propagation. The propagation process took about 10 days before shoots were seen and when the seed had taken hold of the track, the entire surface was mowed to 60mm with a rake on it so the grass stood up and no matting occurred. 'This process is one that the club commits to each season to ensure we're investing in our most important tool, the track itself,' Radesic said. 'We make a commitment to our stakeholders to present a surface that's fair and safe and our track renovation each year allows us to do so.' The club said it had a 'renewed commitment to engaging with the local Rotorua community'. This approach led to about 3000 people attending the Holiday Raceday in December, marking a significant increase in turnout this season. Radesic said it was the best Holiday Raceday he had seen in many years. The day's strong performance was also reflected in financial results, with total turnover up 24%. The statement said the broader New Zealand thoroughbred racing industry has also experienced significant growth, particularly following the TAB's 25-year partnership with international wagering operator Entain. This collaboration has led to substantial investments aimed at enhancing the industry's sustainability and competitiveness. New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) also announced a $20.3 million increase in stakes funding for the 2023/24 racing season, followed by a further $10m for 2024/25, elevating the total to $90.8m. Rotorua Racing Club said these developments had boosted prizemoney and fostered a renewed sense of professionalism and growth within the industry, benefiting clubs like Rotorua and enhancing the racing experience for participants and fans alike. Radesic said as the club prepared for the Campbell Infrastructure Rotorua Cup Day on May 10, the focus remained on delivering an exceptional experience for attendees. 'Campbell Infrastructure Rotorua Cup Day remains a highlight on the Rotorua sporting calendar with both of the club's feature races held on this day, including the time-honoured Rotorua Cup.' General admission is free and there will also be free entertainment for the younger crowd, including a bouncy castle, face painting, and a range of fun games. The club will host its winter meeting on July 2 and final meeting of the season on July 19.
