Due to ongoing delays with the restoration of power at the Avondale Racecourse, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and the Avondale Jockey Club (AJC) have made the decision to relocate Avondale’s next scheduled race day on Thursday 7 November to Pukekohe Park.

Following the fire to the grandstand in 2023, AJC have been working through the significant work to restore power to its grandstand, but unfortunately the contractor has been unable to confirm completion of the work in time to ensure a meeting could go ahead with confidence next week.

“The decision is very disappointing for the AJC given the time and resource they have dedicated to getting the track back ready for race day.”-NZTR COO Darin Balcombe

“Unfortunately, the contractor completing the work has missed several deadlines and, although they have made assurances the work would be completed by Friday, it would not allow enough time to relocate the meeting should the work not be completed in time.

“The decision to move the meeting needed to be made today to give stakeholders confidence the race day would go ahead.”

Avondale have completed their necessary Track Return to Racing protocols and, once power is fully restored to the venue, will be available to run their next scheduled race date. The course will still be available for trials through this period.