Future Proofing Racing
The WTR Greenfield Project
The WTR Greenfield Project is a long-term initiative by Waikato Thoroughbred Racing to secure the future of racing and training in the Waikato through a modern, centralised facility. This website has been established to keep interested parties informed about the project and to provide access to key information. All information on this site is current as of 6 March 2026 and will be updated as the project progresses.
Learn morePlease note: there has been an update from WTR since this website was created. To read more about it, click the link below.
Dual Code Update
Project Timeline
Our Racing Foundations
Thoroughbred racing in the Waikato has long been supported by many proud Clubs. Three of which were Waikato Racing Club, Cambridge Jockey Club and Waipa Racing Club that each played a vital role in growing racing, training and breeding in the region.
A Single Waikato Racing Entity
The three clubs merged to form Waikato Thoroughbred Racing, creating a unified platform to support a strong, sustainable future for thoroughbred racing in the Waikato.
Setting the Long-Term Vision
Following the merger, feasibility work commenced to assess long-term infrastructure needs, including the potential for a modern, centralised racing and training facility capable of supporting future growth.
Member Endorsement to Progress the Greenfield Project
Members unanimously agreed to progress further work toward a single, fit-for-purpose Greenfield racing and training facility, following extensive independent assessments and feasibility studies.
Site Search & Due Diligence
A structured reverse land tender and evaluation process was undertaken, supported by a Facilities Steering Group, to identify sites capable of meeting racing, training, planning and sustainability requirements.
Preferred Site Identified
Members were advised of the preferred site at Pencarrow Road, Tamahere — a 150-hectare property located between Hamilton and Cambridge — with strong transport connectivity and sufficient scale for future development.
Planning & Community Engagement
Detailed site investigations, master planning and community engagement are currently being undertaken to inform the design and consenting pathway for the proposed Greenfield facility.
Consenting & Approvals
The Fast Track Approvals process is the preferred process for this project to obtain the required resource consents. The Fast-track Approvals Act is administered by the Central Government and offers a streamlined process for obtaining resource consents and other approvals for projects with regional and national benefits.
Construction Starts
Subject to wider racing, financial, and development approvals, construction of the new racing and training facility is expected to take approximately three years.
A Sustainable Future for Racing in the Waikato
The Greenfield facility is planned to deliver modern racing and training infrastructure that supports participants, attracts investment, and secures the long-term future of thoroughbred racing in the Waikato.
Inside The Greenfield Project
The WTR Greenfield Project is a significant initiative for the Waikato racing community, and we understand people have questions. We’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about the WTR Greenfield Project to help our community better understand the vision, the process and what it means for racing, training and the wider Waikato region. Visuals linked below were updated 30 April 2026.
FAQs
