New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has announced significant enhancements to its Regional Track Adviser (RTA) Programme for the 2025-26 racing season, including a partnership with the Victoria Racing Club (VRC).
The VRC and its Head of Racecourse, Liam O’Keeffe, will now support NZTR and racing Clubs across New Zealand.
Providing turf consultancy services for an average of five days per month, the partnership will deliver knowledge sharing across maintenance and renovation planning, construction and turf management, track inspections, audits, and raceday surface preparation.
The partnership is designed to share international best practices and elevate track management standards across New Zealand.
“The VRC is thrilled to provide turf expertise to NZTR Track Managers, sharing our insights into the world-class standard of Flemington Racecourse,” said Leigh Jordon, Chief Racing Officer at the VRC.
O’Keeffe will consult with Regional Track Advisers, as part of a partnership that reflects NZTR’s commitment to strengthening track infrastructure and improving surface consistency across all racing venues.
NZTR Chief Executive Officer Matt Ballesty commented on the appointment.
“Bringing in the expertise of the VRC and Liam is a major step forward for our track programme, and the partnership is about strengthening local talent and addressing the areas where we know improvement is needed.”
“We’re fortunate to have experienced and highly skilled Track Managers across the country, and Liam will work alongside them to provide additional support, share international insights, and help us continue lifting standards nationally for the long-term benefit of the industry,” Ballesty said.
The RTA Programme continues to serve as a critical support network for Club Track Managers. While Track Managers remain responsible for delivering a safe racing surface, RTAs provide mentoring and advisory support and meet regularly with NZTR to plan and review upcoming racing activity.
2025-26 Track Adviser Club Assignments
- Jason Fulford (Auckland Thoroughbred Racing) – Avondale JC, Racing Te Aroha and Whangarei RC.
- Bart Cowan (Waikato Thoroughbred Racing) – Matamata RC, Racing Rotorua, Racing Taupō and Racing Tauranga.
- Jamie Phillips (RACE Inc.) – Foxton RC, Hawke’s Bay RI, Ōtaki-Māori RC, Waipukurau JC, Wairarapa RC and Woodville-Pahiatua RC.
- Colin Cromarty (Waverley Racing Club) – Egmont RC, Taranaki TR and Wanganui JC.
- Alan Chapman (Canterbury Jockey Club) – Ashburton RC, Greymouth JC, Kumara RC, Reefton JC and Timaru JC.
- Wayne Stevens (Otago RC) – Central Otago RC, Gore RC, Kurow JC, Oamaru JC, Riverton RC and Southland RC.