Waikato Thoroughbred Racing (WTR) today announced that Chief Executive Andrew ‘Butch’ Castles will retire from his role for health reasons after a six-year tenure, with his final day with the Club to be 30 June 2026.
Castles departs following a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years in the New Zealand thoroughbred industry, where he has become one of racing’s most recognisable and respected figures.
His influence has extended far beyond the day-to-day operations of any one club, with Castles helping drive meaningful change and long-term growth across numerous racing organisations and the wider New Zealand thoroughbred industry throughout his career.
WTR Chair Bruce Harvey said Castles’ contribution to the sport had been immense.
“Few people have dedicated as much of their lives to New Zealand racing as Butch,” Harvey said.
“He has brought enormous passion, experience and commitment to every role he has held, and his contribution to Waikato Thoroughbred Racing and the wider industry has been significant.”
Castles joined Waikato Racing Club (WRC) in 2020, bringing with him extensive experience in racing administration and leadership, having spent 11 years as Executive General Manager of Racing at Auckland Racing Club (now Auckland Thoroughbred Racing), serving as Chief Executive of Hawke's Bay Racing for four years, and previously in the role of Secretary/Manager at Ōtaki- Māori Racing Club.
He was also well known to racing audiences through his work with Trackside TV and Radio Trackside, while his time as rider agent for leading jockeys Michael Walker and Leith Innes reflected his deep involvement across all facets of the industry.
At the time of his appointment, the WRC Board described Castles as bringing unparalleled experience and knowledge to the role, alongside having the track record and expertise required to help lead the organisation through a transformative period for New Zealand racing.
Over the course of his tenure, Castles exceeded the lofty expectations placed upon him when he joined the Club in 2020.
He played an instrumental role in the successful merger of Waikato Racing Club, Cambridge Jockey Club and Waipa Racing Club to form Waikato Thoroughbred Racing, helping create a unified organisation positioned to future-proof the region’s racing infrastructure, assets and long-term viability.
He also helped drive the exciting Waikato Greenfield development project, further strengthening the Club’s long-term future.
Under his leadership, the Club achieved strong financial results, delivered significant infrastructure improvements and recorded modern-day highs for oncourse attendance and wagering at Te Rapa.
Widely respected for his tireless work ethic and commitment to the sport, Castles consistently devoted himself not only to the Club, but to the betterment of the New Zealand racing industry as a whole.
Harvey said the dedication shown by Castles and his family, Tess, Hunter and Frankie, throughout his tenure, including during this recent challenging period, had been deeply appreciated by the entire WTR Board and team.
“He has always cared deeply about the people of this industry and its long-term future, and we also acknowledge the contribution and strength of his family, Tess, Hunter and Frankie, who have given so much alongside him over many years.
“Even throughout recent health challenges, Butch’s dedication to the Club and the industry remained evident each and every day.”
With the Club well positioned for the future and poised to remain a major contributor within the New Zealand racing landscape for years to come, Castles leaves WTR with immense respect across the industry and a legacy firmly woven into the Club’s modern era.
“This has not been an easy decision, and certainly not the way I hoped my time in the industry would come to an end, but after careful consideration it has become the only realistic option for me and my family,” Castles said.
“Racing has never simply been a job to me; it has been a lifelong passion and a significant part of who I am. I have been incredibly fortunate to spend more than 30 years working in an industry that I care deeply about and one that has given me experiences and friendships that have shaped my life.
“I feel proud to have played a part in some defining chapters within New Zealand racing, including during my time at WTR, and I genuinely believe the Club is well positioned for the future. I leave with great confidence in where it is heading and wish all of the team well as they navigate this exciting period.
“I’d like to sincerely thank the entire WTR team, Board, members, sponsors and participants for their commitment and friendship throughout my time with the Club. I have worked alongside some outstanding people and will always be grateful for their support.
“While stepping away is incredibly difficult, I do so knowing the Club is in a strong position and with enormous pride in what has been achieved together.”
Harvey said Castles’ departure would be a significant loss for both the organisation and the wider racing community, but his health and wellbeing must come first.
“His relationships across the industry, deep understanding of racing and unwavering commitment to the sport earned him deep respect and affection across both New Zealand and Australian racing and he leaves big shoes to fill at Waikato Thoroughbred Racing,” Harvey said.
“His legacy within the Club and New Zealand racing more broadly will endure for many years to come.”