Racing is set to resume at RACE Awapuni on Wednesday 1 March featuring the transferred Little Avondale Lowland Stakes, following the successful completion of the Return to Racing Plan that had been enacted last December.

Following the abandonments in November and December an aggressive renovation schedule was agreed upon by industry and track representatives, and this work took place from late December through to the end of January. It included aerating, groundbreaking and coring, along with undersowing, and gypsum applications. The irrigation system was also reviewed and improved where possible. 

After local gallops last week, a thorough programme of 14 trials took place on the course proper on Monday 13 February, with relevant industry personnel in attendance. Following the trials the running rail into the back straight was also realigned with a number of horses galloping on the area near the Synthetic Track Crossing on Friday 24 February with senior riders aboard to achieve a final tick of approval.  All participants were happy with the rail alignment and track surface.