New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) is pleased to advise that it has put in place a national Quality Assurance (QA) Programme for synthetic tracks at Cambridge, Awapuni and Riccarton. The programme implements a clear, consistent and data-driven approach to preparing and managing all three synthetic surfaces. This programme has been developed in close collaboration with leading equine researcher, Professor Chris Rogers, from Massey University.

Why are we doing this?

Synthetic tracks are a key part of New Zealand’s Thoroughbred winter racing calendar. They give certainty when turf tracks are unsuitable or unavailable, and the most recent synthetic season 
evidenced encouraging results in terms of track performance, starter numbers and wagering.

There were 2,409 starts across the three venues in 2024-25 season and the average NZ turnover per starter increased to $11,339, which is a +7.7% on the 2021-22 season.

“The data showcases that synthetic racing has found a place in the ecosystem,” said Mitch Lamb, NZTR’s GM – Racing. 

“It provides a core wagering product that otherwise would struggle to exist without significant fluctuations to both quality and volume during the toughest weather period of the season,” he said. 

The independent synthetic track discussion document, completed earlier this year, was carried out by Massey University, which confirmed the following key findings:

• Horses naturally run faster on synthetic tracks than on turf during the synthetic season.
• Synthetic surfaces respond to temperature, machinery and maintenance in specific ways.
• To get the best out of these tracks, their preparation needs to be consistent and coordinated across all three venues.

NZTR has taken on feedback from Trainers, Jockeys and Owners and is adopting Massey University’s recommendations. The QA Programme is committed to implementing a nationally consistent system specific to this surface. 

What the Quality Assurance Programme is

The QA Programme is a coordinated national framework that:

• Sets a clear, shared goal of consistent, uniform synthetic surfaces at Cambridge, Awapuni and Riccarton.
• Standardises measurement, preparation, recording and reviewing each track.
• Brings together Racecourse Managers, NZTR and Massey University in regular ongoing review.

All three Racecourse Managers are currently adhering to the QA Programme recommendations.

How it works in practice

1. Regular Monthly Meetings

Racecourse Managers from all three venues now meet monthly with NZTR’s Tracks & Infrastructure 
team to:

• Review track preparation and grooming
• Analyse race times and patterns
• Discuss maintenance and equipment
• Work through any issues raised by Jockeys, Trainers or other participants

These meetings are already proving useful for sharing information and aligning practices between 
tracks.

2. Shared Maintenance Practices

Each venue now works to agreed guidelines covering:

• Grooming methods and depths.
• Machinery types and settings.
• Focused attention on areas under the most pressure, such as inside lanes and turns.

Grooming methods for synthetic tracks are now aligned and uniform in approach across the three venues. Ultimately, all three tracks will be prepared in a similar way for raceday, ensuring consistency across the regions. Whilst there will always be some differences between venues (such as track shape, amount of use, and local conditions), the programme is designed to manage those differences and reduce avoidable variation.

On-site meetings are held at each venue so NZTR and Racecourse Managers can walk the track together, check machinery and settings, and reconcile data accordingly. 

3. Common Tools and More Consistent Data

As part of the QA Programme, NZTR has supplied all three venues with the same set of tools:

• Depth sticks.
• Temperature gauges.
• Clegg hammers.

Each synthetic track now routinely records:

• Cushion and base depths at agreed points around the track. (Depth sticks)
• Track temperature (gauges).
• Surface response (Clegg readings using a standard method).
• Race times and patterns at every meeting, using NZTR handicapper data.

This information is recorded at each venue and will be combined into a single national dataset. This valuable data will give us strong sample sizes and clear evidence to:

• Support Racecourse Managers’ decisions.
• Show how the tracks perform in different conditions.
• Guide track preparation in similar conditions for the future.

Working in partnership with Massey University

NZTR is working closely with Professor Chris Rogers and his team at Massey University on the development and rollout of the QA Programme.

Together, NZTR and Massey:

• Developed the independent report that recommended this Quality Assurance Programme.
• Have agreed the overall direction, structure and priorities for the programme.
• Jointly review track data and race outcomes to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Will continue to work together on analysis, reporting and future refinements as more information becomes available.

This close partnership between the parties is central to ensuring synthetic tracks remain a reliable and data-driven racing asset critical to the New Zealand racing calendar.

What this means for participants

For Trainers, Jockeys and Owners, the QA Programme is designed to:

• Provide greater consistency across synthetic tracks.
• Increase clarity around synthetic surface preparation and monitoring.
• Make sure decisions specific to track preparation are informed by improved comprehensive
• data.

Next steps

NZTR will:

• Continue monthly QA meetings with Racecourse Managers.
• Maintain data collection for every synthetic meeting across all venues.
• Develop and refine the national dataset and reporting templates as more information is 
• collected; and 
• Continue working with Massey University on further synthetic surface education and enhancement opportunities.