A significant decision has been reached regarding the establishment of a new racing Club, named Waikato Thoroughbred Racing (WTR), following the official merger approval between Waikato Racing Club, Cambridge Jockey Club, and Waipa Racing Club.
The amalgamation was endorsed by the Board and members of all three Clubs during their respective Special General Meetings (SGMs), with the intention of bringing extensive benefits to the racing region of the Waikato. The merger will take effect on August 1 2023.
The overwhelming majority of members present at the three SGM’s voted in favour of the merger, as they firmly believe that this formation will give rise to a robust and well-resourced super Club in New Zealand's largest thoroughbred racing and breeding region.
At the helm of the merger is Waikato Racing Club Chairman, John Elstob, who as the WTR Working Group Chair commented on the formation of Waikato Thoroughbred Racing.
“Collectively, the merger of the three Clubs places the newly formed Club in a significantly better position to accomplish our primary objectives, surpassing the capabilities of any individual Club or combination of two Clubs.”
“The merged Club will have improved scale and strength, as well as the flexibility to advance its racing and training operations.
“These positive effects will extend beyond the Club itself, benefiting the racing industry throughout the entire country,” Elstob said.
The amalgamation is strongly supported by both the Cambridge Jockey Club and Waipa Racing Club.
“Without doubt it is now the time for these discussions to result in a tangible step forward for thoroughbred racing in the region, the engine room of the of the sport in New Zealand,” commented Bruce Harvey, President of Cambridge Jockey Club.
“The three Clubs have also obtained support from key thoroughbred racing bodies providing a great step forward in achieving a sustainable New Zealand thoroughbred racing industry,” said Waipa Racing Club President, Carolyn Christian.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Sharrock, also endorsed the game-changing union and the benefits it has on the domestic racing industry.
“I would like to acknowledge the Chairs of the respective Clubs for their vision, leadership and hard work in executing this merger.”
“The Boards and members have illustrated with overwhelming support that, whilst each Club has a proud history, together they set themselves and the industry up for a brighter future.
“This is another very significant step forward for the industry in gaining efficiencies and better utilising assets as a collective,” Sharrock said.