Hawke’s Bay back as Hastings passes first test

Racing returned to Hawke’s Bay on Thursday with the successful staging of a six-race meeting at Hastings, marking the official completion of the track’s recambering project and final return-to-racing protocols.

The meeting, hosted by Hawke’s Bay Racing Inc., proceeded without issue, signalling a significant milestone for the club, which had not raced on the course since September 2024.

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Chief Executive Matt Ballesty and Board Chair Russell Warwick were on course, describing the day as a positive step forward after a challenging period.

The reopening comes at a crucial time for the Central Districts, which has faced sustained pressure with Hastings and Awapuni both out of action.

Ballesty said bringing Hastings back online restores much-needed capacity and flexibility to the regional racing calendar.

 “The Central Districts has faced significant challenges over recent times with the loss of two key venues, so having Hastings back racing again is a major positive for owners, trainers, jockeys and Clubs across the region,” he said.

“It provides important additional capacity and flexibility for the racing calendar and is a positive outcome for the long-term strength of racing in the Central Districts.”