Waikato Thoroughbred Racing (WTR) today announced that Chief Executive Andrew ‘Butch’ Castles will retire from his role for health reasons after a six-year tenure, with his final day with the Club to be 30 June 2026.

Castles departs following a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years in the New Zealand thoroughbred industry, where he has become one of racing’s most recognisable and respected figures.

His influence has extended far beyond the day-to-day operations of any one club, with Castles helping drive meaningful change and long-term growth across numerous racing organisations and the wider New Zealand thoroughbred industry throughout his career.

WTR Chair Bruce Harvey said Castles’ contribution to the sport had been immense.

“Few people have dedicated as much of their lives to New Zealand racing as Butch,” Harvey said.

“He has brought enormous passion, experience and commitment to every role he has held, and his contribution to Waikato Thoroughbred Racing and the wider industry has been significant.”

Castles joined Waikato Racing Club in 2020, bringing with him extensive experience in racing administration and leadership, having spent 11 years as Executive General Manager of Racing at Auckland Racing Club (now Auckland Thoroughbred Racing), serving as Chief Executive of Hawke's Bay Racing for four years, and previously in the role of Secretary/Manager at ŌtakiMāori Racing Club.

He was also well known to racing audiences through his work with Trackside TV and Radio Trackside, while his time as rider agent for leading jockeys Michael Walker and Leith Innes reflected his deep involvement across all facets of the industry.

At the time of his appointment, the WRC Board described Castles as bringing unparalleled experience and knowledge to the role, alongside having the track record and expertise required to help lead the organisation through a transformative period for New Zealand racing.

Over the course of his tenure, Castles exceeded the lofty expectations placed upon him when he joined the Club in 2020.

He played an instrumental role in the successful merger of Waikato Racing Club, Cambridge Jockey Club and Waipa Racing Club to form Waikato Thoroughbred Racing, helping create a unified organisation positioned to future-proof the region’s racing infrastructure, assets and long-term viability. He also helped drive the exciting Waikato Greenfield development project, further strengthening the Club’s long-term future.

Under his leadership, the Club achieved strong financial results, delivered significant infrastructure improvements and recorded modern-day highs for oncourse attendance and wagering at Te Rapa. Widely respected for his tireless work ethic and commitment to the sport, Castles consistently devoted himself not only to the Club, but to the betterment of the New Zealand racing industry as a whole.

Harvey said the dedication shown by Castles and his family, Tess, Hunter and Frankie, throughout his tenure, including during this recent challenging period, had been deeply appreciated by the entire WTR Board and team.

“He has always cared deeply about the people of this industry and its long-term future, and we also acknowledge the contribution and strength of his family, Tess, Hunter and Frankie, who have given so much alongside him over many years.

“Even throughout recent health challenges, Butch’s dedication to the Club and the industry remained evident each and every day.”

With the Club well positioned for the future and poised to remain a major contributor within the New Zealand racing landscape for years to come, Castles leaves WTR with immense respect across the industry and a legacy firmly woven into the Club’s modern era.

“This has not been an easy decision, and certainly not the way I hoped my time in the industry would come to an end, but after careful consideration it has become the only realistic option for me and my family,” Castles said.

“Racing has never simply been a job to me; it has been a lifelong passion and a significant part of who I am. I have been incredibly fortunate to spend more than 30 years working in an industry that I care deeply about and one that has given me experiences and friendships that have shaped my life.

“I feel proud to have played a part in some defining chapters within New Zealand racing, including during my time at WTR, and I genuinely believe the Club is well positioned for the future. I leave with great confidence in where it is heading and wish all of the team well as they navigate this exciting period.

“I’d like to sincerely thank the entire WTR team, Board, members, sponsors and participants for their commitment and friendship throughout my time with the Club. I have worked alongside some outstanding people and will always be grateful for their support.

“While stepping away is incredibly difficult, I do so knowing the Club is in a strong position and with enormous pride in what has been achieved together.”

Harvey said Castles’ departure would be a significant loss for both the organisation and the wider racing community, but his health and wellbeing must come first.

“His relationships across the industry, deep understanding of racing and unwavering commitment to the sport earned him deep respect and affection across both New Zealand and Australian racing and he leaves big shoes to fill at Waikato Thoroughbred Racing,” Harvey said.

“His legacy within the Club and New Zealand racing more broadly will endure for many years to come.” - NZ Racing Desk

Kelso reflects on saying goodbye to Legarto

The sale of champion mare Legarto (NZ) (Proisir), marked both a special and emotional moment for trainer Ken Kelso, as he reflected in a candid conversation with Mick Guerin on Sport Nation on Wednesday morning.

Purchased originally for just $90,000 as a modestly bred Book 2 yearling, Legarto’s journey came full circle when she sold for an extraordinary $2.8 million AUD (approx. $3.4 million NZD) at the Magic Millions fillies and mares auction on the Gold Coast last week.

Kelso admitted the occasion was bittersweet. While the financial result was outstanding for the ownership group, which includes Kelso and partner Bev, saying goodbye to a horse they had nurtured throughout her career wasn’t easy.

“It was a very emotional day,” Kelso told Michael Guerin and Tony Johnson on Sport Nation's The Midweek Mail Run, acknowledging the bond formed over years of training and racing.

Kelso also offered insight into the transition from racehorse to broodmare. Careful management was required to keep Legarto in peak condition without letting her gain excess weight before the sale. Light exercise and controlled feeding ensured she presented perfectly in the sale ring.

Beyond the financials, the conversation revealed the personality behind the champion. Kelso believes horses do recognize their handlers, recalling how Legarto — known as “Lulu” — would respond to her name, often with a knowing reluctance.

He also described her as having a touch of sass, a trait he believes is common among top mares and part of what makes them fiercely competitive. - NZ Racing Desk

Tavi Time entered for same race at two different venues

Tavi Time (NZ) (Tavistock) will run in the A$200,000 Lord Mayor's Cup on Saturday – it's just a matter whether it is at Rosehill Gardens or Eagle Farm.

It is unusual to have two races with the same name run on the same day over basically the same distance range with the same prizemoney but that is the case this weekend.

The Rosehill Lord Mayor's Cup is as Listed race over 2000m while the Eagle Farm version is a Group Three at 1800m.

The Kris Lees-trained Tavi Time is well placed in either race but the determining factor is the weather.

Sydney's forecast isn't encouraging and with the near-certainty of a heavy Rosehill surface on Saturday, Lees is looking at Eagle Farm for Tavi Time.

"I've accepted for both races but I would say it is Brisbane,'' Lees said.

"A soft 7 is probably as wet as Tavi Time wants it, he's not at his best on a heavy track.''

Tavi Time is topweight with 59kg for the Rosehill race, a handicap no horse has carried successfully in the race since Caranna won shouldering 60kg (9st 4lbs) in 1958.

The Lees-trained gelding has slightly less weight for Eagle Farm where he has been allocated 58.5kg.

Tavi Time has been unplaced in three starts this campaign but his form is much better than it reads on paper, particularly his last start effort when he never got any clear galloping room and went to the line hard held when sixth in Hellsing's Scone Cup (1600m).

"You could make a case he should have won the Scone Cup but that is racing,'' Lees said.

"At least we know he is going really well and is ready for the step up in trip either way on Saturday.'' - NZ Racing Desk

Second Foxbridge Plate bid on Dusty’s program

Accomplished winter galloper Dusty Road (NZ) (Shamexpress) is making all the right moves ahead of a new campaign with sights already set on a stakes target.

The six-year-old has been a reliable performer for Cambridge trainer Graeme Cameron with multiple wins to his credit and third placings in the Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) and Gr.3 Spring Sprint (1400m).

Dusty Road emphasised his readiness to start afresh when he produced an encouraging performance to win his 1150m open heat at Tuesday’s Te Awamutu trials.

The six-year-old sat at the back of the main bunch before improving wide 500 metres from home and held a strong gallop for apprentice rider Sam McNab to score by a length.

“He came through it really well and was waiting for his breakfast this morning,” said Cameron, who races the son of Shamexpress with wife Jacky.

“I’ve nominated him for Te Aroha on Monday so it’s all go for that and Sam will ride him, I couldn’t get him off after the trial, he was dead keen on him so that’s good.

“He ran third in the Foxbridge last year so I’d like to think he can have another crack at that, fingers crossed everything will keep going well.”

Dusty Road hasn’t raced since last spring and following a slow build-up is ready for a return to action.

“He’s taken a while to come up this time around, I started in February and he’s had three trials now,” Cameron said.

“I tipped him out for quite a while and he did really well, it’s taken a bit to get his pot belly off and get him fit again.”

Dusty Road has been patiently handled through his career and rewarded connections with five wins and 18 top five finishes from 37 appearances.

“He gives us a 100 per cent every time, he’s very honest and I try and do my best to look after him and keep him happy,” Cameron said.

“He’s got a good home here on the farm and goes to Cambridge to gallop, he enjoys it around the cattle.”

Dusty Road was a private purchase from his late breeder Sir Patrick Hogan and has proved a fine investment with his stake earnings topping $190,000.

“He didn’t make K1 at the sales and Sir Patrick didn’t want any in K2, he was going to put him on Gavelhouse so I grabbed him before that,” Cameron said.

“He wanted $4000 so I said sweet and bought him and that was it, the horse has done us proud.”

Dusty Road is out of the Cape Blanco mare Valotia, a daughter of the Gr.2 Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic (2000m) winner Singalong who was also runner-up in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m).

He is the only horse Cameron has in work but has a future prospect waiting in the wings.

“I’ve got a weanling filly who is a sister to Amazonia so that’s my next dream,” he said.

Cameron bred and part-owns the John Bell-trained Amazonia, a daughter of Swiss Ace who has won three races to date. - Paul Vettise, LOVERACING.NZ News Desk