As 2024 draws to a close, we look back on an unforgettable year filled with exhilarating racing, heartwarming moments, and exciting new ventures. From triumphs on the track to history-making milestones, this year has been one to remember.
Here are some of our favourite moments that made 2024 so special:
1. Bonny Lass Wins Her Group 1 at the BCD Group Sprint
After several near-misses, Bonny Lass finally claimed her long-awaited Group 1 victory in the 2024 BCD Group Sprint. Having experienced a luckless run on multiple occasions leading up to the day, the win was a sweet moment of redemption for the talented mare, and it was well worth the wait! Taking place on Legends Day 2024, another highlight was Legarto’s triumph in the day’s other Group 1 feature – the Herbie Dyke Stakes.
2. Welcoming 9 Racetrack Legends on Legends Day
One of the most heartwarming moments of 2024 came during Legends Day, when we had the privilege of welcoming 9 returning racetrack legends to the course. These equine heroes, who had given us plenty of thrilling memories over the years, were celebrated for their contributions to New Zealand (and beyond!) racing. The ‘legends’ are now living the retired life and it was wonderful to welcome them back oncourse for the crowds to enjoy.
The nine legends who returned oncourse were Seachange, Mufhasa, Xcellent, The Bostonian, Sacred Star, Ping Hai Star, Werther, Gingernuts and Sir Slick.
3. Waikato Thoroughbred Racing Purchases a Slot in the Inaugural NZB Kiwi Slot Race
In an exciting new development, Waikato Thoroughbred Racing made history by purchasing a slot in the inaugural $3.5m NZB Kiwi – a newly created slot race that will take place at Ellerslie on Champions Day (8 March). This thrilling new format has captured the imagination of racing fans around the world and we’re excited, as a Club, to have the opportunity to be represented by a runner. We have every intention of selecting our runner (all going well!) from our training sites, providing even more opportunities for local horses to shine on the national stage.
4. Hosting the First $100,000 Race on the Cambridge Synthetic
2024 also saw the Cambridge Synthetic Track host its very first $100,000 race in the form of the TAB 2000 – an NZTR innovation race. Heart Of Gold emerged victorious for trainer Sam Mynott with Sam Spratt aboard.
Mynott was thrilled to pick up the major spoils in a concept well-suited to the son of Niagara.
“It was brilliant, we’ve been setting him for this race for the last couple of months and I was pretty happy with him coming into today,” she said at the time.
“We thought we had him pretty spot on and he’s broken the track record, so he’s definitely run well.
“I think it’s an amazing incentive by Entain to put these races on, when otherwise would you get to race for $100,000 at Cambridge? There are horses that would never get a chance to run for that kind of stake, but here we are today and it’s great.”
5. WTR Members’ Vote to start exploring a single racing and training site
In a major decision for the Club, our members agreed in mid-November at our 2024 AGM to undertake further work towards securing a single fit-for-purpose site for racing and training in the Waikato.
The announcement was the result of extensive feasibility studies and independent assessments to identify a sustainable option that will meet the long-term needs of the racing industry and a shortlist of possible options is expected to be considered in the first quarter of 2025.
It’s a significant step towards securing a sustainable future for racing in the Waikato, and we can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.
6. Record Crowd at SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Cup Day 2024
SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Cup Day 2024 was a great day, setting a new record for number of attendees oncourse in the modern era. The atmosphere was electric as thousands of racing enthusiasts packed the stands and hospitality areas to witness the day’s exciting action.
Alongside the record crowd, we saw a 36% increase in turnover year-on-year, a reflection of the growing popularity of the event and the continued momentum of New Zealand racing.
It was a thrilling day that showcased the power of community support and the excitement that racing brings to so many people.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we reflect on these incredible moments, it’s clear that 2024 has been a year of growth, innovation, and celebration. We can’t wait to build on these successes in 2025 and continue to bring the best of New Zealand racing to fans, participants, and communities across the country.