NZTR confirms relocation of two Group 1 races this spring
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has confirmed that two key spring Group 1 races will be transferred from Awapuni, as the track continues through its return to racing protocols. The decision reflects a commitment to delivering early certainty for trainers and owners preparing campaigns for Group 1 runners.
The $400,000 Group 1 WFA 1600m (previously the Arrowfield Stud Plate), initially set for Awapuni, will now headline a newly created Group 1 raceday at Waikato Thoroughbred Racing’s Te Rapa Racecourse on Saturday, September 27. The revamped programme will also feature the $175,000 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (Gr 2, 1400m) and a strong undercard of open and rating-band races.
The $550,000 Group 1 WFA 2040m (previously the Livamol Classic) will be pushed back one week and relocated to Ellerslie Racecourse on Saturday, October 18, where it will feature on Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s existing feature raceday. The programme will also include the $175,000 Soliloquy Stakes (Gr 2, 1400m).
The remainder of the original Group 1 WFA 2040m support card, including the $120,000 Spring Sprint (Gr 3, 1400m), will remain at Awapuni on Saturday, October 11, subject to the necessary return to racing protocols being met. All races on this Awapuni card will be maintained at a minimum stake of $65,000.
“This hasn’t been an easy decision, nor does it reflect the significant effort that has gone into preparing the Awapuni track by the club’s leadership and their wider team,” NZTR CEO Matt Ballesty said.
“It simply comes down to timing, and this call has been made to give trainers and owners confidence as they plan their Group 1 spring campaigns.
“This is not a reflection of any safety concerns, but a proactive step to provide certainty while the track completes the necessary return to racing testing. It’s the right decision for the industry at this time, and we remain fully committed to supporting Awapuni’s return as a key metropolitan venue.”
Horses are scheduled to begin working on the Awapuni surface from Monday, July 21, followed by restricted trials on Tuesday, July 29, as part of NZTR’s standard return to racing protocols. Awapuni’s return raceday is currently scheduled for Saturday, August 23, and remains the intended resumption date, subject to a successful final track assessment.