Trentham earmarked for closure under Project Stamina Masterplan
Trentham has been earmarked for eventual closure as a racing venue, while Matamata would transition into a dedicated training and trialling centre under the independent Project Stamina Masterplan released on Monday.
Prepared by consultancy firm RCP and commissioned by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) with funding from TAB NZ, the Masterplan sets out a long-term blueprint for racing infrastructure across both codes. Released alongside the report is One Equine View, NZTR and HRNZ's joint response, which supports many of the recommendations while proposing alternative outcomes for a number of venues.
Among the most significant recommendations for the thoroughbred code is the proposed closure of Trentham, one of New Zealand's four metropolitan racecourses, once replacement infrastructure has been established. The report also recommends Matamata transition from a racecourse into a dedicated training and trialling venue, reflecting its position as one of the country's premier thoroughbred training centres.
Project Stamina also identifies Rotorua, Gore, Hāwera and Ōamaru for eventual removal from the thoroughbred racing network. The recommendations reinforce the recently announced cessation of racing at Avondale, while Foxton and Te Awamutu are also earmarked to close. Throughout the report, RCP stresses that investment in replacement infrastructure should precede any venue closures or transitions, ensuring regions retain sufficient racing and training capacity before changes are implemented.
While One Equine View supports many of the Masterplan's recommendations, NZTR and HRNZ have opted against several of the independent report's proposed venue exits. Te Aroha, Ōtaki, Whanganui, Ashburton and Timaru have all been retained in the industry's preferred model, while Taupō and Tauherenikau have been upgraded from community to provincial venues. The response also identifies an ongoing role for Rangiora as a thoroughbred training and trialling venue, subject to future work around governance and ownership.
The Waikato remains central to the industry's long-term planning, with both the Masterplan and One Equine View recognising that the future roles of Te Rapa and Cambridge are linked to the proposed Waikato Greenfields project. Any decisions regarding those venues will be subject to a detailed business case before implementation.
The Masterplan categorises venues across metropolitan, provincial, community and training roles, with the objective of creating a more sustainable national racing footprint that better reflects current horse populations, participant numbers and future investment priorities. Alongside racecourse recommendations, the report places a strong emphasis on strengthening training infrastructure, improving horse welfare, reducing duplication and ensuring capital expenditure is directed towards facilities capable of supporting the industry over the long term.
One Equine View represents the industry's response to the independent report and outlines how NZTR and HRNZ intend to progress the recommendations. Rather than adopting every proposal, the two codes have identified a staged implementation pathway that includes further consultation, regional planning and detailed business cases before a number of the recommendations are advanced.
To read the full 137 page report, click here.
