While we are pleased to be able to report that the synthetic track build at Awapuni is still ahead of schedule, there’s no doubt that the course proper and surrounds are beginning to feel the effects of hosting two months of training. And while the weather has been kind to date, there’s no guarantee that will continue as the build progresses into the start of winter.
For that reason, RACE has made the early decision to reschedule the following three May and June race dates away from Awapuni:-
Sat May 21 - Rangitikei to Trentham
Thurs June 2 - Feilding to Woodville
Sat June 11 - Manawatu to Trentham
Trentham will now host on back to back weekends in both May and June, including the prestigious Rangitikei Gold Cup and Manawatu Steeplechase in May. With plenty of track width to utilise at Trentham and a number of Figure of 8 races able to be staged, this is a far better option for the industry than trying to cobble together a temporary jumps course at Awapuni while training is also occurring on the outside of the course proper.
And we’re delighted that our mates at Woodville will be able to host the popular June Tradies Day on behalf of the Feilding Jockey Club.
This means that the synthetic track should be nearly complete by the time racing resumes at Awapuni in early July, and in the interim some well-earned maintenance will also be able to take place on the course proper.
The last raceday at Awapuni before the short spell will be Feilding’s listed Manawatu ITM ANZAC mile on Sunday April 24, so please get along and support the club at this important time.
Revised RACE schedule for the remainder of the racing season:-
Friday April 8 Awapuni (Manawatu)
Sunday April 24 Awapuni (Feilding)
Saturday May 21 Trentham (Rangitikei)
Saturday May 28 Trentham (Wellington)
Thursday June 2 Woodville (Feilding)
Saturday June 11 Trentham (Manawatu)
Saturday June 18 Trentham (Wellington)
Saturday July 9 Awapuni (Marton)
Saturday July 16 Trentham (Wellington)
Thursday July 28 Awapuni (Manawatu)
Kind Regards,
Tim