NZTR and HBRI Unveil Plans for Hawke’s Bay Racing Precinct
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and Hawke’s Bay Racing Inc.
(HBRI) have presented to Club Members on proposals for the future of racing in the Hawke’s Bay region.
The Forum marked the first formal opportunity for the Club’s full membership to consider these proposals, which set out a two-part strategy: restoring racing at Hastings Racecourse in the short term, while advancing plans for a new long-term Greenfields racing precinct venue in Flaxmere. The proposals form part of NZTR’s national infrastructure strategy, which recognises Hawke’s Bay as a key regional centre for racing.
The revitalisation strategy outlined to Members has two key elements. The first is an interim project at Hastings Racecourse, where a partial recambering of the track’s bends will be undertaken to improve safety and performance. This work will allow racing to recommence at Hastings Racecourse in time for the 2026 Spring Carnival. This upgrade is essential in allowing racing to return to Hawke’s Bay while longer-term solutions are progressed. The works will be staged to minimise disruption to Central District-based trainers and horses.
In parallel, Members were presented with a long-term proposal to develop a new, purpose built racing and training facility on a Greenfields site in Flaxmere. Envisioned as a modern metropolitan venue, the facility would host premier race meetings, support year-round training, and provide wider event and tourism benefits for the local community. The Greenfields proposal remains subject to funding confirmation, Resource Management Act approvals, including mana whenua consultation, as well as formal approval by Members. A vote will be required once funding is confirmed before any final commitment is made, with
project timelines dependent on the outcome of those ongoing discussions.
NZTR Chief Executive Officer, Matt Ballesty, said the Hawke’s Bay region remains a vital part of New Zealand’s racing network and is an important focus of the organisation’s long term strategy.
“Our vision is to build a sustainable, world-class racing infrastructure across the country, and Hawke’s Bay has a key role to play in that,” he said.
“Hastings has been confirmed as a strategic venue, reflecting the NZTR Board’s directive to ensure Hawke’s Bay remains a centre of racing excellence in the years ahead. The projects presented tonight address both the immediate need to restore racing and the longer-term opportunity to deliver a modern facility for the future.
“Realising that vision will require strong collaboration with the Club, ongoing engagement with Members, and importantly, securing the necessary funding. With the right resourcing and careful planning, these projects can create facilities that serve both the industry and the wider community for decades to come,” Ballesty said.
HBRI Chairman, Richard Riddell, said the Forum was an important opportunity to involve Members in shaping the Club’s next chapter.
“This evening was about opening up the conversation with our Members and ensuring they are part of the decision-making process,” Riddell said.
“For the first time, the full membership has been presented with these proposals, and their feedback and support will be crucial as we move forward.
“The interim track upgrade provides a clear and practical path back to racing at Hastings next year, while the Flaxmere Greenfields proposal is about thinking bigger and setting up Hawke’s Bay racing for the next generation. Our Members’ role in that journey cannot be overstated,” he said.
Both the Club and NZTR emphasised that the redevelopment proposals would deliver benefits extending well beyond the racing industry itself. Should the proposed Greenfields venue in Flaxmere proceed, redevelopment of the current Hastings Racecourse site would only occur once the new Flaxmere facility is completed and formally handed over for racing use.
At that point, the Hastings Racecourse land could be released and it is likely that
redevelopment will take place, potentially paving the way for much-needed housing and other urban projects in the heart of Hastings. This aligns with wider community priorities, with local government and Council already progressing for new housing initiatives in the area. A purpose-built Greenfields racing and events facility in Flaxmere would also create jobs during both construction and operation, attract visitors and tourism spend, and complement Hawke’s Bay’s broader urban planning strategies.
“This is not just about racing, it’s about contributing to Hawke’s Bay’s future,” Riddell said. The Hastings track recambering project will move into its implementation phase this month, with progress updates to be provided as Spring 2026 approaches. In parallel, planning for the proposed Flaxmere Greenfields development will continue alongside efforts to secure funding. Decisions on potential government co-funding are pending, and Members will ultimately vote on any relocation proposal once details are finalised.
Ballesty said the organisations recognise the dynamic nature of the process.
“We appreciate this is an evolving project and that circumstances are constantly moving,” he said.
“NZTR and HBRI want to express our gratitude for the ongoing support and patience shown by the Hawke’s Bay racing community and neighbouring Clubs in the region who have stepped up to help fill the racing programme while Hastings Racecourse is out of action.
“Our commitment is to keep Members, stakeholders and the wider community updated, and we will provide further detail as soon as it is possible to do so,” Ballesty said.
