Industry restructuring plan proposes closure of seven New Zealand racetracks
The plan is intended to improve the long-term sustainability of the horse racing industry.
New Zealand.- A major restructuring proposal would see seven active racetracks in New Zealand and 12 training or non-racing venues close in a bid to improve the sport’s long-term financial sustainability. The plan combines recommendations from the independent Project Stamina review with a joint strategy developed by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) under the One Equine View initiative.
The racetracks proposed for closure are Trentham, Rotorua, Manawatū, Wyndham, Gore, Hāwera and Ōamaru. Several other venues, including Alexandra Park and Cambridge, would be required to submit business cases before any decision is made, while 39 venues would continue operating.
According to the Project Stamina review, the industry’s resources are currently spread across too many facilities, making it difficult to invest effectively. It concluded that concentrating investment in fewer venues would help allow funding to be directed to where it can generate the greatest long-term benefit.
Industry leaders emphasised that the proposal remains open for discussion. NZTR Chair Russell Warwick said no final decisions have been made and that affected clubs will have the opportunity to respond. NZTR Chief Executive Matt Ballesty said the objective was to ensure horse racing remained sustainable for decades to come.
