New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), in conjunction with the Racing Integrity Board (RIB), has today confirmed that all trials and race meetings at the RACE Awapuni track will cease for the remainder of 2025, as RACE Inc. and NZTR work towards a long-term plan for the sustainability of the track.

NZTR Chief Executive Officer Matt Ballesty said the decision followed extensive efforts to restore the track and careful consideration of its impact on participants. 

“NZTR acknowledges that the remediation process for the RACE Awapuni surface has placed a significant strain on our Central Districts participants and the wider industry. This is not a decision we have taken lightly, with horse and rider safety being paramount.”

“Our team, the RIB, and the Club, with the support of independent experts and international advisors, have worked tirelessly in recent months, and we share the disappointment felt by many.

“Despite these efforts, the surface has not consistently met the standard required to confidently host full race meetings during what is an incredibly busy period for our sport,” Ballesty said.

Track consultant Liam O’Keeffe said the decision followed careful assessment of the track during recent trials and gallops.

“Following recent trials and gallops at Awapuni, it’s evident that further, more aggressive renovation work is required to bring the surface up to the standard the industry needs. At the same time, we’re progressing a wider investigation into the track’s long-term suitability,” O’Keeffe said.

As a result, the trials originally scheduled for Thursday 30 October at RACE Awapuni have been cancelled, with a replacement trial meeting set to be held at Woodville Racecourse on Monday 3 November. Nominations will close at 12 pm on Friday 31 October.

NZTR acknowledges there will be date and programming changes as a result of the pause in racing at RACE Awapuni, including a revised racing programme to find new locations for the meetings scheduled for 14 November, 20 December, and 26 December. These changes will be communicated in due course.