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FIFA World Cup 2026 posterRacing at Hastings marks important milestone for Central Districts
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing • May 21st, 2026 4:21 pm
Racing has successfully returned to Hawke’s Bay today following the completion of the Hastings track recambering project and final return-to-racing protocols.
Today’s six-race meeting at Hawke’s Bay Racing Inc. was completed successfully, marking an important milestone for both the Club and the wider New Zealand racing industry.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Chief Executive Officer Matt Ballesty and NZTR Board Chair Russell Warwick attended the meeting and said it was pleasing to see racing return safely and successfully to Hastings.
“To be on course today and see racing back at Hastings was incredibly positive for everyone involved,” said Ballesty.
“You could really sense how important this day was for participants, Club staff and the wider racing community. It was great to see the meeting run successfully and to be part of such an important milestone for the region.”
“The successful completion of today’s meeting means the final step in the return-to-racing process following the recambering project has now been achieved.”
Ballesty said the return of Hastings was particularly important given the pressure the Central Districts racing programme had been under while both Hastings and Awapuni had been unavailable for racing.
“The Central Districts has faced significant challenges over recent times with the loss of two key venues, so having Hastings back racing again is a major positive for owners, trainers, jockeys and Clubs across the region.”
“It provides important additional capacity and flexibility for the racing calendar and is a positive outcome for the long-term strength of racing in the Central Districts.”
“A big thank you has to be extended to Hawke’s Bay Racing Inc., contractors, track specialists and industry participants for the significant work undertaken throughout the recambering project and return-to-racing process. The successful return of racing to Hastings has been a collective effort across the industry,” Ballesty said.
