New Zealand’s Awapuni shut for remainder of the year

All racing and barrier trials at New Zealand’s Awapuni racecourse have been suspended for the rest of 2025 as officials work on a long-term plan to secure the venue’s future.

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and the Racing Integrity Board (RIB) confirmed the closure on Tuesday, saying the decision followed months of remediation work and consultation with industry experts.

NZTR chief executive Matt Ballesty said the move was made after “extensive efforts” to improve the track surface and careful consideration of the impact on participants.

“This is not a decision we have taken lightly, with horse and rider safety being paramount,” Ballesty said.

Ballesty said that despite significant work, the track had failed to consistently meet the standards required to host race meetings with confidence.

Track consultant Liam O’Keeffe said recent trials and gallops made it clear that more aggressive renovation work was needed.

“It’s evident that further work is required to bring the surface up to the standard the industry needs,” O’Keeffe said.
“At the same time, we’re progressing a wider investigation into the track’s long-term suitability.”

The shutdown has prompted several calendar changes. Barrier trials set for October 30 at Awapuni have been cancelled, with a replacement meeting scheduled for Woodville Racecourse on November 3.

NZTR said it would adjust the summer racing programme to relocate meetings originally scheduled for November 14, December 20 and December 26.