| 135 T T Kim Newth They’re off and racing at Matamata The club is a high flier in both thoroughbred racing and training, and also has a premium function centre for corporate events. LEISURE Matamata Racing Club In the Waikato region, known as the hub of thoroughbred racing, the Matamata Racing Club (MMRC) is at the start of what promises to be an exciting 2025/26 racing season. The club is a high flier in both thoroughbred racing and training, and also has a premium function centre for corporate events and other gatherings. A new event, called the Colchester Engineering Tradies Raceday, kicked off this year’s season of racing at the Matamata racecourse on September 12. Club general manager Regan Donnison says Colchester Engineering has long been a massive supporter of the club, along with the Wright family. The inaugural race was introduced to acknowledge a growing community of tradespeople in the Matamata area, giving them an opportunity to drop their tools and enjoy a great day out. Coming up on October 4 is a popular highlight of the mid-spring racing calendar, the Team Wealleans Matamata Cup Raceday. This race is now part of the new Prezzy Card Northern Country Cups Bonus Series by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and the Taupō Racing Club, and will be the first scheduled race in the series. “To be the first cab off the rank is really exciting for us,” says Regan. “For us, it’s a big raceday on the calendar and locals here really get behind it. We may see some new faces now that this race is part of the Northern Country Cups. We’re a very open club – it’s free to come to the races and we want to be as inclusive as possible.” The Noble & Lee Twilight Xmas Meeting on December 19 is a drawcard event that brings the community together. Regan says it’s a perfect time for friends and family to catch up just before Christmas, and is a social highlight for many local people. For local businesses, the Matamata Racecourse Function Centre provides a versatile venue for inspired gatherings, from small intimate meetings through to large-scale corporate events, including end-of-year Christmas functions. “It is a very affordable events space, with ample parking and a premium setting. Some of the rooms look directly out to the track and training facilities, with the Kaimai range in the background. It’s a good central location between Tauranga and Hamilton. We can offer a full-service product or hire out a room space, depending on the need.” Undoubtedly, the summer racing highlight will be the J Swap Contractors Matamata Breeders’ Stakes Raceday on February 14. It’s the pinnacle of provincial racing that is well supported by local trainers, with top horses on the track. It’s also a day for dressing up, with Fashion in the Field a drawcard in itself. The MMRC has long been home to many prominent trainers, and has launched many equine champions. Further improvement is in the pipeline, with funding partners now being sought to roll out plans for a significant expansion of training facilities. Last season, 42% of Group 1 winners were horses trained at the Matamata facility. “We provide a premium product and we’re proud of our place in the industry and community,” Regan says. Proud supporters of Matamata Racing Club and the racing community Phone: 07 888 7033 Email: reception@noble-lee.co.nz Website: www.noble-lee.co.nz Obligation free quotes for all jobs, large and small • Roofing • Plumbing • Gas Fitting • Drainlaying • Heating Comber Street, Matamata | ph. 888 8883 | E. info@comagltd.co.nz Serving the greater waikato for over 50 years 7 DAY EMERGENCY SERVICE
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=