Te Rapa Racing

Te Rapa Racing

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Home of thoroughbred racing in the Waikato, WTR brings together raceday energy, unforgettable events and community experiences, all in the heart of Hamilton.

The Waikato Racing Club is the host club conducting 16 licences of the 18 race days held annually at Te Rapa Racecourse, Hamilton. The club is the flagship of the Waikato Region which accommodates New Zealand’s largest population of horse operations and racing personnel. The racetrack has been upgraded in recent times and provides an excellent surface all year round. The course includes a steeplec

04/06/2026

The countdown is on for Signature Homes Jumps Day next Saturday (13 June)...

Jumps racing is taking centre stage here at Te Rapa with the day showcasing the nation's top steeplechasers and hurdlers in action, including the prestigious $75,000 Signature Homes Waikato Steeplechase and the Fairview Motors Waikato Hurdle.

With jumps racing comes the crisp weather so we've got a perfect hospitality option to beat the winter chill for you as well ❄️. Join us in the Lodge Lounge and enjoy a buffet lunch, afternoon tea, beverages, and panoramic views for $175 per person.

Our recommendation? Dress warmly, bring your enthusiasm, and witness the best of New Zealand's jumping talent at Te Rapa!

More info: https://waikatoracing.co.nz/signature-homes-jumps-day26

An iconic horse. A remarkable sculpture. - Waikato Thoroughbred Racing 03/06/2026

A stunning piece of artwork and supporting a good cause? Yes please!

The racing industry is being encouraged to get behind a one of a kind Phar Lap sculpture being auctioned to support the vital work of the Rural Support Trust.

The striking piece, handcrafted entirely from horseshoes by acclaimed New Zealand blacksmith artist Jamie Thomas of JT Sculptures, will be auctioned as part of the 2026 Rural Industry Leaders fundraising dinner, debate and auction on the opening night of Fieldays.

The sculpture pays tribute to one of the most legendary racehorses in Australasian history. Standing 2.6 metres tall and weighing 300 kilograms, the Phar Lap sculpture took Thomas roughly three months to create and features a zinc hot dip finish designed to last more than 170 years.

Read more below 👇

An iconic horse. A remarkable sculpture. - Waikato Thoroughbred Racing The racing industry is being encouraged to get behind a one of a kind Phar Lap sculpture being auctioned to support the vital work of the Rural Support Trust.

28/05/2026

Ears pricked because we've got another raceday lined up within the week!

Fleet Image Raceday is TOMORROW (Sat 30 May), admission is free and we'd love to see you oncourse.

Autumn racedays = good horses, good company and a great way to enjoy some weekend sport.

Can't make it? Tickets are on sale now to both Signature Homes Waikato Jumps Day (13 June) and Members' Raceday (4 July) so pop another day in the diary asap.

https://waikatoracing.co.nz/events

MEDIA RELEASE | Andrew ‘Butch’ Castles to Retire from WTR - Waikato Thoroughbred Racing 26/05/2026

NEWS | Waikato Thoroughbred Racing 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.

📖 Read more below

MEDIA RELEASE | Andrew ‘Butch’ Castles to Retire from WTR - Waikato Thoroughbred Racing 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.

Million-dollar jumper returning home for career swansong 26/05/2026

We can't wait to welcome him oncourse!

Million-dollar jumper returning home for career swansong Quality jumper Leaderboard (Street Cry) is set to return to New Zealand where he will have his career swansong in the Signature Homes Waikato Steeplechase (3900m) at Te Rapa on June 13. The rising 12-year-old has been a standout over fences in Australia over the last couple of seasons for

Photos from Te Rapa Racing's post 20/05/2026

The autumn weather just keeps on giving, and we plan to make the most of it this weekend with Marist Rugby Raceday (Sunday 24 May).

With an eight-race card, stunning weather forecast and plenty of space to settle in trackside, it’s the perfect way to see out your Sunday in fine fashion.

Details here: waikatoracing.co.nz/marist-rugby-raceday-1

14/05/2026

The trade-off to the colder weather? Mornings like these. ❄️

WTR at Cambridge Racecourse

Photos from Te Rapa Racing's post 07/05/2026

Good news team!

With a stacked racing calendar throughout Autumn, we've just launched hospitality tickets to both Signature Homes Jumps Day (Sat 13 June) AND Members' Raceday (Sat 4 July).

Head to our website now for more information and our full calendar (Marist Rugby Raceday, Sun 24 May, will be here before we know it!).

🎟 | waikatoracing.co.nz/signature-homes-jumps-day26
🎟 | waikatoracing.co.nz/members-raceday26

Mobile uploads 05/05/2026

Here's a chance to get a jump on tickets for this year's SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Cup Day (before they are even released to the public)!

Plus, you'll be supporting an incredible cause 🩷

Te Rapa Racing

30/04/2026

That iconic Dunstan green will line the course at Te Rapa this weekend for Dunstan Day Out 💚

Join us this Saturday (2 May) for an exciting afternoon of Autumn racing, headlined by the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes.

First race: 12.35pm
Feature race: 3.00pm
Last race (of 8): 4.45pm

With free general admission and sunshine on the forecast, there’s every reason to come down and enjoy a great day at the races ☀️

Dunstan Horsefeeds

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