IN ANNOUNCEMENT Matamata Racing Club Races into the Future with Exciting Expansion In an exciting step for the Club’s future, the Matamata Racing Club (MMRC) is proud to unveil plans for a significant expansion of its racehorse training facilities. May 19, 2025       In an exciting step for the Club’s future, the Matamata Racing Club (MMRC) is proud to unveil plans for a significant expansion of its racehorse training facilities - an investment that promises to boost not only the Club’s training capacity but also the strength and sustainability of New Zealand’s thoroughbred industry. The Club’s recent acquisition of the neighbouring Valachi Downs property has enabled it to explore expanding its current training facilities, addressing growing demand and supporting not only the Club’s financial position but also the broader growth of the New Zealand racing industry at this crucial time. This development will transform the landscape of local racing, with the proposed construction of up to 20 state-of-the-art barns designed to accommodate up to 250 more horses. These new facilities will complement the existing stabling infrastructure, which already caters to approximately 150 horses. Image “This is more than just an expansion. It’s a vote of confidence in our trainers, our horses, and the future of New Zealand racing,” says MMRC General Manager Regan Donnison. “We’re responding to real demand and positioning ourselves—and our region—as a key contributor to the national industry moving forward.” MMRC has long been a cornerstone of New Zealand racing, home to many legendary trainers and the launchpad for countless equine champions. In the 2023/24 season alone, horses trained at Matamata won 45 individual stakes races, including a remarkable 40% of all Group 1 races run in New Zealand. The current season is also shaping up to be a strong one for Matamata trained thoroughbreds, with a dominance of some key spring & summer majors including the inaugural running of the $3.5M NZB Kiwi. The Club’s on-course training facility is already one of the busiest in the country, servicing around 40 trainers and up to 850 horses monthly. Its amenities, including multiple training tracks, a swimming pool, schooling fences, weighing scales and other modern aids including customised jumpout gates, have made it a preferred destination for trainers at all levels. This next phase of development will ensure Matamata remains at the forefront of the industry for years to come, while strengthening the Club’s ability to continue investing in its facilities with the goal of achieving world-class standards in the near future. Andrew Scott, co-trainer of Wexford Stables, welcomed the move, saying: “It’s great to see a local club taking a progressive approach. If all goes to plan, their proposed facilities will be a real asset to the industry — creating more opportunities for people to train on track, in line with a growing trend across Australasia. There’s still a way to go before it’s fully realised, but it’s a strong step in the right direction.” And the Club’s ambitions extend beyond infrastructure. MMRC’s vision is firmly focused on supporting a vibrant and sustainable future for the entire racing community. By providing affordable, purpose-built stabling solutions and encouraging collaboration between racing clubs and trainers, MMRC is actively working to secure the long-term sustainability of racing in the Northern region and beyond. Expressions of interest for leasing barns in the new development are now open, with flexible sizing aimed at accommodating a wide range of trainers, from established operations to up-and-coming professionals. “This project is about growth, opportunity, and making sure we’re doing everything we can to support our trainers and the industry at large,” Donnison said. “We’re incredibly excited about this next chapter of Matamata’s racing story.” For more information or to express your interest, contact Regan Donnison at [email protected].

Even 5 back Ricky has worked out you need to put them in the race these days hence his latest successes

Matamata Racing Club Races into the Future with Exciting Expansion - Matamata Racing Club    

No longer 'fine', currently raining and has been for a few hours.

You can see these achievements  TRUMPeted in the US media if you read / watch certain outlets, including - FOX News; The Washington Times; The New York Post; The Jewish Voice; The Jewish Press; and Five Towns Jewish Times. This is merely a list of things that President Trump has said he's achieved. President Putin puts out similar lists of his "achievements" in Russia. You don't want the Media merely parroting what the leader says he's achieved. Fact checks and critiques are required. Questions should be asked.  

How many runners ran in the first three yesterday that weren't in the first three turning for home, so where would you want to be.

Had a chuckle on Sat watching Guy Dishevelled twiddling and fiddling with his upside-down ballpoint pen.

At least you only post under one name😃 and some from there are still going on about Leo when he had the site. How many years ago was that?

Correct as it allows him to take outside drives but he could do that anyways unless the stable has 1 or 2 in. Not sure owners would be impressed if he jumped ship but pretty sure he would be there each day in the sulky working them Might add i saw him send one yesterday as if the money was on "PERAKI SEELSTER - raced wide from the 900m. Great run for 3rd given how wide it raced full stop and see it was 8/9 in betting. 

https://www.facebook.com/reel/925019949337763 Australia

Firenze Flavor emerged victorious in the three-way photo finish as only a pair of noses separated the top three finishers in a thrilling edition of the Honeymoon Stakes at Santa Anita Park. View the full article

https://www.facebook.com/reel/730769559379331 Alaska Sky Watcher

Was fine this morning. Very heavy. No surface water.

I can confirm, living less than 10 minutes from the track that is was indeed hosing down here all day.

Are you nuts, races would have been canned.

Leading the charge were last-out topflight winners Raging Sea and Spirit of St Louis, who posted their first works since their respective wins on Kentucky Derby weekend at Churchill Downs. View the full article

Highlighted by runner-up finishes in both the Preakness Stakes and Black-Eyed Susan, Brendan Walsh earned the top prize of $50,000 in 1/ST Racing's $100,000 trainer bonus program.View the full article

I wish it had. Came a day or two late!

It was about 1970; Syd Brown was looking at Aussie, but he said what he really wanted was 50 or so stables at Ellerslie.  He wanted stables handy to the rich bastards of Parnell and Remuera.  Nothing increases one's interest more than going to see your horse train at 5 a.m. followed by a decent breakfast and a chat with friends who all have a similar interest in horse racing.  I think that might be a reason why an interest in horse racing has decreased amongst the wealthy of Remuera etc. 

Well apparently I'm a nasty piece of work. Ho hum...