The Racecourses of New Zealand

A DigitalNZ Story by Alex Archivists (twitter.com/AlexArchivists)

A pictorial survey of 100 New Zealand racecourses. Many of these courses are now historic having closed in the past 140 years. Another 20 racetracks are earmarked for closure from the 2019-2020 season. 28 venues will remain for horse racing in NZ.

Racehorses, Racecourses, Racetracks, Thoroughbreds, Horse Racing, Racing Clubs, Jockey Clubs.

North Island Racecourses

Waipapakauri Racecourse (Mr Joseph Evan's paddocks)

1903. Waipapakauri Club. This Bay of Islands racing club was situated close to Kaitai.

WAIPAPAKAURI RACES. (Auckland Star, 02 January 1903)

National Library of New Zealand

Kawakawa Racecourse

1919. Kawakawa Racing Club. The Club closed in the 1930s. Kawakawa is now world famous for the Hundertwasser toilets.

KAWAKAWA RACING CLUB. (Northern Advocate, 24 April 1919)

National Library of New Zealand

Image: Horse race at the picnic race meeting held by the Hokianga Racing Club, at Memorial Park, Rawene, Northland region

Rawene Racecourse

1954. Hokianga Racing Club. The first annual picnic race meeting at the Rawene Racecourse was held in 1944.

Horse race at the picnic race meeting held by the Hokianga Racing Club, at Memorial Park, Rawene, Northland region

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Whangarei, Northland, looking south over Kensington Racecourse (now Kensington Park) with Park Avenue road, with a quarry (now Quarry Gardens) surrounded in bush beyond

Kensington Racecourse

1955. Whanagrei Racing Club. The Club raced here from 1902 until 1977 when races transferred to Ruakaka.

Whangarei, Northland, looking south over Kensington Racecourse (now Kensington Park) with Park Avenue road, with a quarry (now Quarry Gardens) surr...

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Coastal view, Ruakaka, Whangarei District, Northland Region, featuring racecourse and Marsden Point Power Station

Ruakaka Racecourse

1985. Whanagrei Racing Club. The Ruakaka track has a well-earned reputation as NZ's finest 'all weather' track.

Coastal view, Ruakaka, Whangarei District, Northland Region, featuring racecourse and Marsden Point Power Station

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Dargarville racecourse, Kaipara District, Northland Region

Awakino Point Racecourse

[ca 1959]. Dargarville Racing Club. Dargaville Racing Club races once a year in November.

Dargarville racecourse, Kaipara District, Northland Region

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Waipu, Whangarei District, Northland, showing people and cars at Caledonian Park during Waipu Centennial celebrations

Waipu Racecourse

1953. Waipu Jockey Club. On New Year's Eve 1886 the Waipu Jockey Club held a ball in the Waipu Library hall.

Waipu, Whangarei District, Northland, showing people and cars at Caledonian Park during Waipu Centennial celebrations

Alexander Turnbull Library

Helensville Racecourse (Mr Hand's Paddock)

1882. Helensville Racing Club. John McLeod built a house named "Helen's Villa" for his wife, which became Helensville.

Helensville Races. (Auckland Star, 30 January 1882)

National Library of New Zealand

Image: Looking north east from Mount Victoria towards Narrowneck showing Takapuna Racecourse...1910

Takapuna Racecourse

1910. Takapuna Jockey Club. Racecourse originally owned by the Duder brothers and known as Victoria Park, Devonport.

Looking north east from Mount Victoria towards Narrowneck showing Takapuna Racecourse...1910

Auckland Libraries

Image: Crowded grandstands at the Ellerslie Racecourse, 1916

Ellerslie Racecourse

1916. Auckland Racing Club. The course has a world renowned reputation for the beauty of its grounds, gardens and trees.

Crowded grandstands at the Ellerslie Racecourse, 1916

Auckland Libraries

Image: Takanini Racecourse, Papakura District, Auckland Region

Takanini Racecourse

1959. Auckland Racing Club. The Auckland Racing Club used Takanini Racecourse as a training track.

Takanini Racecourse, Papakura District, Auckland Region

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Onehunga Racing Club

Onehunga Racecourse

1889. Onehunga Racing Club. Onehunga Racecourse was also known as the Epsom Course.

Onehunga Racing Club

Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira

Image: Woman jockey Linda Jones riding Big Bickies, her first winner against the men in the Council Handicap at Te Rapa Racecourse, Hamilton, New Zealand, August 1978 / Bruce Postle

Te Rapa Racecourse

1978. Cambridge Jockey Club. The Waikato Racing Club and Taumarunui Racing Club also race on this track.

Woman jockey Linda Jones riding Big Bickies, her first winner against the men in the Council Handicap at Te Rapa Racecourse, Hamilton, New Zealand,...

Trove

Image: The Papakura racing Club's Annual race meeting, Saturday, March, 30

Papakura Racecourse

1896. Papakura Racing Club. The first race meeting held on the Papakura Racecourse was in March 1892.

The Papakura racing Club's Annual race meeting, Saturday, March, 30

Auckland Libraries

Image: Avondale, Auckland, showing crowds at Avondale Racecourse, and bordering houses

Avondale Racecourse

1947. Avondale Jockey Club. There are grass, sand, plough and two year old training tracks. Course value: 200 million.

Avondale, Auckland, showing crowds at Avondale Racecourse, and bordering houses

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Pukekohe Racing Circuit

Pukekohe Racecourse

1962. Pukekohe Park. Home to premier horse racing, motorsport, cycling and Franklin’s best Function & Events Centre.

Pukekohe Racing Circuit

Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga

Image: Boxing Day races at Pirongia

Pirongia Racecourse

[ca 2000s]. Alexandra Racing Club. The Club was formed in 1867 or 1868 and has raced at least 148 times by 2019.

Boxing Day races at Pirongia

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: Torrential rain floods Cambridge racecourse during Labour Day meeting: unpleasant holiday conditions

Cambridge Racecourse

1940. Cambridge Jockey Club. The racecourse is now a significant training complex at 40 Racecourse Road, Cambridge.

Torrential rain floods Cambridge racecourse during Labour Day meeting: unpleasant holiday conditions

Auckland Libraries

Image: Matamata, racecourse

Matamata Racecourse

1972. Matamata Racing Club. The Club operates a busy training centre, with an average of more than 700 horses per year.

Matamata, racecourse

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: One of the most picturesque racecourses in the Dominion

Thames Racecourse

1913. Thames Jockey Club. Transferred their one day picnic race meeting to Te Rapa from 2019.

One of the most picturesque racecourses in the Dominion

Auckland Libraries

Image: POISONED POLICEMEN.���A CASE OF Juvenile Jockey (at Paeroa Racecourse) : Aye, boys, hurry up. Here's the coppers all down with bad insides. It's the fun of yer life ; never see it again. Yer can laugh, and they can't run yer in. (Observer, 31 March 1906)

Paeroa Racecourse

1906. Paeroa Racing Club. The last race meeting at Paeroa was held in 2012 after 137 years of horse racing.

POISONED POLICEMEN.���A CASE OF Juvenile Jockey (at Paeroa Racecourse) : Aye, boys, hurry up. Here's the coppers all down with bad insides. It's t...

National Library of New Zealand

Image: Wellington Racing Club; Race Day Advertisement

Te Aroha Racecourse

1984. Racing Te Aroha. Racecourse provides training for approx 80 horses in work, and four clubs race here annually.

Wellington Racing Club; Race Day Advertisement

Upper Hutt City Library

Image: Waipa Racing Club, Te Awamutu, Waikato, view over racecourse with Ohaupo Road, farmland beyond

Te Awamutu Racecourse

1955. Waipa Racing Club. Te Awamutu is a prospering farming town, with a population of 14,000, 20 minutes from Hamilton.

Waipa Racing Club, Te Awamutu, Waikato, view over racecourse with Ohaupo Road, farmland beyond

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Tauranga Racecourse and golf course, Bay of Plenty

Tauranga Racecourse

1955. Tauranga Racing. In 2006, there was a $400,000 renovation of the main track, including extensive drainage work.

Tauranga Racecourse and golf course, Bay of Plenty

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Grandstand and racecourse, Opotiki

Opotiki Racecourse

[ca 1910-1930.] Opotiki Jockey Club. The Opitiki Jockey Club raced annually in late January.

Grandstand and racecourse, Opotiki

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Arawa Park Racecourse, Rotorua

Arawa Park Racecourse

1954. Racing Rotorua & BOP Hunt Club. The course boasts an excellent level of lounges, bar and betting facilities.

Arawa Park Racecourse, Rotorua

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Race-going revival: a relaxing day out

Taupo Racecourse

2010. Racing Taupo. There are no permanent grandstands at the course but a natural bank runs the length of the track.

Race-going revival: a relaxing day out

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: Makaraka Racecourse under flood waters

Makaraka Racecourse

1950. Poverty Bay Turf Club. Gisborne. The Club held its first meeting in 1870 then built a track at Makaraka in 1891.

Makaraka Racecourse under flood waters

Alexander Turnbull Library

Kaiaua Racecourse (Beach)

1938. Tolaga Bay Jockey Club. Tolaga Bay is located 45 kilometers northeast of Gisborne.

TOLAGA BAY RACES (Evening Post, 25 February 1938)

National Library of New Zealand

Image: Wairoa Racecourse, Hawke's Bay Region

Te Kupenga Racecourse

1958. Wairoa Racing Club. The Wairoa Cup in February is a highlight of the year drawing crowds from Wairoa and Gisborne.

Wairoa Racecourse, Hawke's Bay Region

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: View over New Plymouth, Taranaki District, showing the racecourse with Eliot Street into Coronation Avenue (State Highway 3) and Pukekura Park, to farmland and the Pouakai Range with Mount Taranaki beyond

Pukekura Racecourse

1953. Taranaki Racing Inc. New Plymouth Raceway stages meetings hosted by both the Opunake and Taranaki Racing Clubs.

View over New Plymouth, Taranaki District, showing the racecourse with Eliot Street into Coronation Avenue (State Highway 3) and Pukekura Park, to ...

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Te Kapua Park Racecourse, Stratford, Taranaki

Te Kapua Racecourse

1984. Stratford Racing Club. With its sweeping home turn and testing straight, the course provides quality racing.

Te Kapua Park Racecourse, Stratford, Taranaki

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Opunake Racecourse - Ratana bands

Opunake Racecourse

1965. Opunake Racing Club. The Opunake Racecourse was located at Pihama, 23 miles west of Hawera.

Opunake Racecourse - Ratana bands

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Cavalry encampment on the Waverley Racecourse

Waverley Racecourse

1898. Waverley Racing Club. 2 grandstands. Main Stand and the Members Stand (featured in the movie Good Bye Pork Pie.)

Cavalry encampment on the Waverley Racecourse

Auckland Libraries

Image: Group by a betting blackboard, Wanganui racecourse

Wanganui Racecourse

1910. Wanganui Jockey Club. Wanganui first raced 1848. They are the oldest club in NZ racing on original land.

Group by a betting blackboard, Wanganui racecourse

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Aerial Photograph Transparency, Marton, Sheet D5

Marton Racecourse

1989. Marton Jockey Club.

Aerial Photograph Transparency, Marton, Sheet D5

Archives Central

Image: Bulls Racecourse, Northern Manawatu

Bulls Racecourse

1975. Rangitiki Racing Club.

Bulls Racecourse, Northern Manawatu

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Hastings Racecourse

Napier Park Racecourse

Ca 1960s. Napier Park Racing Club, Greenmeadows, Napier. Date unknown, probably early 1960s.

Hastings Racecourse

MTG Hawke's Bay

Image: Hawke’s Bay racing

Hastings Racecourse

2008. Hawke's Bay Racing Inc.

Hawke’s Bay racing

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Porangahau Racecourse

1882. Porangahau Jockey Club.

PORANGAHAU JOCKEY CLUB. (Hawke's Bay Herald, 01 December 1882)

National Library of New Zealand

Image: Waipukurau Racecourse, Central Hawke's Bay

Waipukurau racecourse

1976. Waipukurau Jockey Club.

Waipukurau Racecourse, Central Hawke's Bay

Alexander Turnbull Library

Paihiatua Racecourse

1903. Paihiatua Racing Club.

Turf Topics. (New Zealand Free Lance, 24 January 1903)

National Library of New Zealand

Image: Woodville Racecourse, Woodville

Woodville Racecourse

ca 1920s. Woodville-Pahiatua Racing Club.

Woodville Racecourse, Woodville

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Ashhurst-Pohangina Racing Club Meeting at Ashhurst

Ashhurst-Pohangina Racecourse

1929. Ashhurst-Pohangina Racing Club.

Ashhurst-Pohangina Racing Club Meeting at Ashhurst

Palmerston North City Library

Image: Panorama of Awapuni Racecourse

Awapuni Racecourse

1923. Manawatu Racing Club.

Panorama of Awapuni Racecourse

Palmerston North City Library

Image: Masterton Racing Club: photograph

Opaki Racecourse

1920. Masterton Racing Club.

Masterton Racing Club: photograph

Wairarapa Archive

Image: Castlepoint races, Wairarapa

Castlepoint Racecourse (Beach)

1985. Castlepoint Racing Club.

Castlepoint races, Wairarapa

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Image: Photograph - Clareville Racecourse

Clareville Racecourse

ca 1920s. Carterton Racing Club.

Photograph - Clareville Racecourse

Wairarapa Archive

Image: Ruamāhanga races

Ruamāhanga Plains Racecourse

Racing club unknown. Māori participated enthusiastically in races during the 1850s.

Ruamāhanga races

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: Punters at Tauherenikau Racecourse

Tauherenikau Racecourse

1975. Wairarapa Racing Club.

Punters at Tauherenikau Racecourse

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Hurdle Jumper at Foxton Racecourse

Foxton Racecourse

1932. Foxton Racing Club.

Hurdle Jumper at Foxton Racecourse

Kete Horowhenua

Image: Unknown Woman on Horse

Levin Racecourse

ca 1970s. Levin Racing Club.

Unknown Woman on Horse

Kete Horowhenua

Image: Maori group at a Maori racing club meeting at Otaki

Otaki Racecourse

ca 1900s. Otaki-Māori Racing Club.

Maori group at a Maori racing club meeting at Otaki

Alexander Turnbull Library

Porirua Racecourse (Beach)

1889. Porirua Jockey Club.

PORIRUA AUTUMN MEETING. (Evening Post, 25 May 1889)

National Library of New Zealand

Image: Steeplechase, Trentham

Trentham Racecourse

1932. Wellington Racing Club. The track design is widely acknowledged as one of the best in Australasia.

Steeplechase, Trentham

Alexander Turnbull Library

Hutt Racecourse

1910. Wellington Jockey Club.

RACECOURSE RUCTIONS. (NZ Truth, 12 February 1910)

National Library of New Zealand

Miramar Racecourse

1909. Wellington Pony and Galloway Racing Club.

PONY RACING AT MIRAMAR. (Evening Post, 14 May 1909)

National Library of New Zealand

Image: Burton Brothers :Racecourse at Island Bay, Wellington

Island Bay Racecourse

1880s. Island Bay Jockey Club.

Burton Brothers :Racecourse at Island Bay, Wellington

Alexander Turnbull Library

 SOUTH ISLAND RACECOURSES 

Image: Picnic at the racecourse in Nelson

Richmond Park Racecourse

[ca 1910s]. Nelson Jockey Club. The first race meeting, almost the first in New Zealand, took place on February 1, 1843.

Picnic at the racecourse in Nelson

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Mr. H. D. Leaman receiving a canteen of cutlery at the hands of Mrs. A. C. Nathan, ivife of the vice-president of the Marlborough Racing Club, after the victory of Second Innings (beloiv) in the Marlborough Cup last Saturday. (Evening Post, 13 May 1939)

Waterlea Racecourse

1939. Marlborough Racing Club. The Marlborough Racing Club races twice a year at Blenheim’s Waterlea racecourse.

Mr. H. D. Leaman receiving a canteen of cutlery at the hands of Mrs. A. C. Nathan, ivife of the vice-president of the Marlborough Racing Club, afte...

National Library of New Zealand

Image: RACING COMMISSIONER'S REPORT. (Tuapeka Times 24-6-1911)

Kaikoura Racecourse

1911. Kaikoura Racing Club. Kaikoura (from the Maori “kai,” food, and “koura,” crayfish).

RACING COMMISSIONER'S REPORT. (Tuapeka Times 24-6-1911)

National Library of New Zealand

Image: Township of Reefton, including the Reefton Racecourse and the Inangahua River, Buller district, West Coast

Reefton Racecourse

1951. Reefton Jockey Club. A straight of 230 metres makes it the smallest course in NZ for galloping meetings.

Township of Reefton, including the Reefton Racecourse and the Inangahua River, Buller district, West Coast

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Racecourse, Greymouth

Omoto Racecourse

[1900s] Greymouth Jockey Club. The Greymouth Jockey Club's first race meeting took place at Omoto, in 1867.

Racecourse, Greymouth

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Photographs relating to 2004 Kumara Racing Club

Kumara Racecourse

2004. Kumara Racing Club. Kumara racecourse stages racing once a year in January.

Photographs relating to 2004 Kumara Racing Club

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Destructive Fire on the West Coast, South Island: Heavy Loss to the Westland Racing Club

Hokitika Racecourse

1928. Westland Racing Club. The Club was established in 1866 and has raced at the current Hokitika track since 1884.

Destructive Fire on the West Coast, South Island: Heavy Loss to the Westland Racing Club

Auckland Libraries

Image: Kokatahi Racing Club races - January 1913

Kokatahi Racecourse

1913. Kokatahi Racing Club. Kokatahi is 15 km to the south-west of Hokitika.

Kokatahi Racing Club races - January 1913

Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga

Image: Rangiora, Christchurch 17 June 1978

Rangiora Racecourse

1978. Rangiora Racing Club. Today Rangiora is used as a training track only.

Rangiora, Christchurch 17 June 1978

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Image: Paying out after the Okarita (sic) races

Okarito Racecourse

[ca 1910]. Okarito Racing Club. The Okarito Racecourse stand in Kumara, SH 73, is listed as an historic place.

Paying out after the Okarita (sic) races

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Spectators in the grandstands at Riccarton Racecourse, Christchurch

Riccarton Park Racecourse

[ca 1930]. Riccarton Jockey Club. Riccarton Park, home to Canterbury Racing, and there has been racing here since 1855.

Spectators in the grandstands at Riccarton Racecourse, Christchurch

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Motukarara Racecourse, Banks Peninsula, Canterbury Region

Motukarara Racecourse

1959. Banks Peninsula Racing Club. Banks Peninsula Racing Club races at Motukarara Racecourse once a year in October.

Motukarara Racecourse, Banks Peninsula, Canterbury Region

Alexander Turnbull Library

Hororata Racecourse

1941. Hororata Racing Club. In the 1890s nine train carriages of passengers from Christchurch would travel to Hororata.

AT HORORATA (Evening Post, 12 December 1941)

National Library of New Zealand

Image: Ashburton - 9 September 1978

Ashburton Racecourse

1978. Ashburton Racing Club. The course is located just out of town heading north towards Christchurch.

Ashburton - 9 September 1978

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Image: Phar Lap racecourse

Phar Lap Raceway

[ca1990s]. South Canterbury Racing Club. The raceway is named after Australasia’s most famous racehorse, Phar Lap.

Phar Lap racecourse

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: Popular South Canterbury racing fixture: snapshots at the Waimate Hunt Club's meeting

Waimate Racecourse

1937. Waimate Racing Club. Situated 45 kms south west of Timaru, Waimate is located in a strongly agricultural area.

Popular South Canterbury racing fixture: snapshots at the Waimate Hunt Club's meeting

Auckland Libraries

Image: Spring racing in the South: well-known Canterbury racegoers at the Geraldine Club's meeting last week

Orari Racecourse

1937. Geraldine Racing Club. Geraldine or Heratini is a town in the Canterbury Region.

Spring racing in the South: well-known Canterbury racegoers at the Geraldine Club's meeting last week

Auckland Libraries

Image: The Iliad—Black Cat horse Miltiddes, who scored a surprise win at /he Kurow Meeting last' Saturday when having his first race in the Dominion. He is owned by Mr. R. C. B. Greenslade, of Dunedin, who raced him for his first tivo seasons in Sydney, where he won four races over short courses. (Evening Post, 09 December 1939)

Kurow Racecourse

1939. Kurow Jockey Club. If you have a passion for fishing as well as racing, then this is the perfect place to visit.

The Iliad—Black Cat horse Miltiddes, who scored a surprise win at /he Kurow Meeting last' Saturday when having his first race in the Dominion. He i...

National Library of New Zealand

Image: Oamaru Racecourse, Otago

Oamaru Racecourse

1956. Oamaru Jockey Club. The Club races three times a year and is known as one of the premier winter tracks in NZ.

Oamaru Racecourse, Otago

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Race-going revival: children's event

Waikouaiti Racecourse

2010. Waikouaiti Racing Club. Waikouaiti is located 30 kms north of Dunedin and is a popular coastal resort.

Race-going revival: children's event

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: Passenger train at the racecourse platform, Wingatui Junction

Wingatui Racecourse

1925. Otago Racing Club. It also hosts the annual fixture of the Beaumont Racing Club.

Passenger train at the racecourse platform, Wingatui Junction

Alexander Turnbull Library

Beaumont Racecourse

1901. Beaumont Jockey Club. Beaumont J.C. began racing at Wingatui Racecourse in 1986.

BEAUMONT JOCKEY CLUB. (Tuapeka Times, 10 April 1901)

National Library of New Zealand

Image: TAPANUI RACING CLUB. (Mataura Ensign 1-2-1902)

Tapanui Racecourse

1902. Tapanui Racing Club. Tapanui still race once a year at either the Gore or Wingatui Racecourse.

TAPANUI RACING CLUB. (Mataura Ensign 1-2-1902)

National Library of New Zealand

Matakanui Park Reserve Racecourse

1900. Vincent Jockey Club. In time the Vincent Jockey Club became the Central Otago Racing Club.

VINCENT JOCKEY CLUB (Otago Witness, 03 May 1900)

National Library of New Zealand

Image: Omakau Racecourse, Central Otago District, Otago Region

Omakau Racecourse

1959. Central Otago Racing Club. Omakau is one of the most popular country courses in the South Island.

Omakau Racecourse, Central Otago District, Otago Region

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Racecourse, Cromwell, Central Otago District

Cromwell Racecourse

1956. Cromwell Jockey Club. The Cromwell Jockey Club closed in the 1980s but the Otago RC still run races at the course.

Racecourse, Cromwell, Central Otago District

Alexander Turnbull Library

Moa Flat and Ettrick Domain Racecourse

1880. Ettrick Jockey Club. The racecourse was two miles north of Ettrick township and about seven miles from Roxburgh .

MOA PLAT RACES. (Tuapeka Times, 20 March 1880)

National Library of New Zealand

Alexandra Racecourse

1886. Alexandra Jockey Club. Alexandra is a town in the Central Otago district of the South Island.

ALEXANDRA SPRING RACEMEETING. (Tuapeka Times, 02 October 1886)

National Library of New Zealand

Image: Winton racecourse, Southland District

Winton Racecourse

1951. Winton Jockey Club. The track is 1600 metres, and as such tends to favour horses who race up with the pace.

Winton racecourse, Southland District

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: First day patrons at the Gore races

Gore Racecourse

1939. Gore Racing Club. Gore is also the Country Music Capital of New Zealand and hosts the “Gold Guitar Awards”.

First day patrons at the Gore races

Auckland Libraries

Image: Riverton Racing Club.

Riverton Racecourse

[ca 1979]. Riverton Racing Club. The track is spacious with a long straight which gives all runners a winning chance.

Riverton Racing Club.

Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira

Image: Wairio Racecourse, rural Southland

Wairio Racecourse

1956. Wairio Jockey Club. Wairio Jockey Club was established in 1885. Now closed.

Wairio Racecourse, rural Southland

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Ascot Park racecourse, Invercargill

Ascot Park Racecourse

1962. Southland Racing Club. Wairio Jockey Club also now hosts their annual meeting here.

Ascot Park racecourse, Invercargill

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: WYNDHAM RACING CLUB. (Mataura Ensign 4-1-1902)

Wyndham Racecourse

1902. Wyndham Racing Club. Last raced on home track in 2016. Now races at the Gore racecourse.

WYNDHAM RACING CLUB. (Mataura Ensign 4-1-1902)

National Library of New Zealand

Image: Crowd at the racecourse, Chatham Islands

Chatham Island Racecourse

[1900s]. Chatham Island Jockey Club. The Jockey Club was formed in 1873 by early settlers.

Crowd at the racecourse, Chatham Islands

Alexander Turnbull Library