Following an inspection with key stakeholders at RACE Awapuni on Monday, 15 September, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and RACE Inc. confirmed that the track surface has continued to improve under recent favourable conditions.

Warmer weather conditions have supported further grass growth, and overall surface improvement was observed.

While a number of steps still remain before racing can fully resume, NZTR will now work with the Club to implement an agreed return-to-racing protocol. The programme is set as follows:

Trial Meeting | Monday 6 October

Approximately 80–90 horses are expected across:

• Heats against the rail (Maiden horses)
• Heats around the markers (Maiden and Open horses)

A further inspection will follow the trials listed to assess suitability for race meetings.

Race Meetings (subject to trial outcomes)

• Saturday 1 November - rail out 3-4m
• Friday 14 November - rail out 7-8m
• Saturday 20 December - rail in true position

Training on the course proper is scheduled to recommence from Tuesday 23 September.

The programme outlined above was acknowledged as appropriate by representatives from RACE Inc., NZTR, the New Zealand Jockeys Association, the New Zealand Trainers Association, the Racing Integrity Board, Entain, and track consultant Liam O’Keeffe.