The beginning of the 2023-24 racing season marks a momentous occasion for Waikato Thoroughbred Racing. The newly established Club is set to make history with its inaugural Trials on Tuesday at Te Rapa, followed by a meeting at Cambridge Synthetic on Wednesday, promising a thrilling start to the season.

In May 2023, a significant decision was reached regarding the official merger approval between Waikato Racing Club, Cambridge Jockey Club, and Waipa Racing Club. The amalgamation was endorsed by the Board and members of all three Clubs, with the intention of bringing extensive benefits to the racing region of the Waikato. The merger takes effect on August 1 2023.

Andrew Castles, newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Waikato Thoroughbred Racing, is thrilled about the recent amalgamation and the benefits it will bring to the region.

“This Tuesday is the first day that business will take place under the Waikato Thoroughbred Racing banner, a move we are incredibly proud of. With that will be a massive day at the Trails on Te Rapa soil, followed by the first meeting held at Cambridge Synthetic.”

“This move was established to bring together the three Clubs, allowing us to operate under one umbrella for the benefit of all participants in the racing industry,” commented Castles.

Tuesday’s Trials will see some of New Zealand’s brightest stars returning, with the likes of Group 1 winners Defibrillate, Imperatriz, Legarto, Mustang Valley, Prowess and Sharp N Smart all set to take their place at Te Rapa.

2022/23 Premiership-winning trainer Mark Walker of Te Akau Racing is supportive of the Club’s establishment, with strong participation from his stable stars and up-and-coming talent at the Trails.

“We see the merger as a big move for the region, it’s really great to see the three Clubs pulling together their resources which can only be a positive for the industry.”

“We’ve got about 60 horses trialling at Te Rapa tomorrow, including some two-year-olds, plus Imperatriz and Tokyo Tycoon. We’re looking forward to seeing how they go as we work out their plans for the future,” Walker said.

Young gun Robert Wellwood of Kingsclere Stables reflected on the merger and the benefit it brings to the next generation of racing.

“Speaking from the perspective of the younger generation, I think we all recognise the mammoth amount of effort that all three Clubs, including their past Committees and Presidents, have put into the history of Waikato racing.”

“We have the largest horse population here and moving forward, we are going to be a lot stronger banding together as one entity. It’s exciting as a young person to be involved in the future of Waikato Thoroughbred Racing and make something special of it,” he said.

Waikato Thoroughbred Racing has obtained the support of key racing bodies, including New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s Chief Executive Officer Bruce Sharrock.

“This merger represents a significant stride towards securing a sustainable future for our domestic racing industry. While each Club boasts a proud history, their union lays the foundation for a more promising future, both for themselves and the entire Waikato racing sector,” Sharrock said.

The union is also endorsed by previous Cambridge Jockey Club President Bruce Harvey.

“Ellerslie and Counties have led the way with the establishment of Auckland Thoroughbred Racing, and what they have achieved in such a short time is very positive.”

“The Waikato is the hub of breeding and racing in New Zealand and we can now confidently make stronger decisions moving forward as one Club. It’s heartening to see so much positivity in the industry currently and we have some exciting times ahead of us,” Harvey said.  

Carolyn Christian, previous Chairperson of Waipa Racing Club also commented, “It’s such an exciting move. We’re the largest racing centre in New Zealand now and all three Clubs are looking forward to working together as a team,” she said.