NZTR advises that the physical work for the Awapuni track reconstruction was completed successfully in December. Since then, the focus has been on carrying out subsoiling work and monitoring the “grow in” of the new grass. While very good progress has been made with grass growth, NZTR and RACE have agreed that the track is not quite ready to have horses on it. Accordingly, a decision has been made to defer a return to racing at Awapuni until Anzac Day to ensure that the track is in the best possible condition when racing recommences. Experience has shown that returning to racing too soon can create issues with track performance. NZTR and RACE have agreed, therefore, to take a conservative approach.

As a result of the deferral of the return to racing at Awapuni, the following venue and date changes have been approved by the TAB NZ Dates Committee.  The NZ Pattern Committee has also approved the venue changes for the affected Pattern races.

Current Dates Calendar	New Calendar	Notes
Sunday 2 March - Awapuni	Sunday 2 March - Trentham	Lowland Stakes Day
Thursday 6 March - New Plymouth	Thursday 6 March - Waverley
Saturday 8 March - Trentham	Saturday 8 March – New Plymouth
Saturday 29 March - Awapuni	Saturday 29 March - Trentham	Sires Produce Day
Friday 4 April - Whanganui	Friday 4 April – Woodville
Saturday 5 April - Awapuni	Saturday 5 April - Whanganui	Manawatu Breeders Stakes Day
Saturday 7 June - Awapuni	Saturday 7 June - Trentham