The Matamata Racing Club Inc was founded in 1920 and with the formation of the TRAC partnership in 1999, the Club adopted the new ‘trading name’ Racing Matamata.
The Matamata racecourse, comprising 157 acres just south of the Matamata township on State Highway 27, is the central focus of Racing Matamata. The Club conducts approximately ten to twelve Racedays per season, headed by the late summer Matamata Breeders’ Stakes fixture which is now established as one of New Zealand’s iconic provincial race meetings.
Complementing those raceday activities, Matamata has long been recognized as one of New Zealand’s most significant training centres. Approximately sixty trainers and more than 700 horses use the Matamata facilities daily, comprising grass, plough, sand and all-weather tracks, as well as a swimming pool, weighing scales and other modern aids including brand new four stall jump out gates.
Matamata trainers invariably play a leading role in the country’s major races as well as enjoying its share of success at Australian racing carnivals .
Situated in the centre of New Zealand’s highest racehorse and breeding population, Matamata is blessed with skilled veterinarians, farriers, pre-trainers, horse breakers and the like, along with a full range of feed merchants, saddlers and equine transporters.
The Matamata township and district provides a true lifestyle choice with its cafes, Hobbiton tourist attraction and proximity to Bay of Plenty beaches, as well as being within easy reach of popular destinations Rotorua and Taupo and major cities Auckland and Hamilton. Matamata is centrally located. Matamata is famous for the Lord of the Rings movie, with tours to the sight daily. Matamata is affectionally known as “Hobbiton” where you will find lots of activities to enjoy including golf, skydiving, mineral hot pools, gliding, walking, tramping and historical land marks.
That central location also has significance for Matamata’s racing population, with no less than ten racecourses no more than two hours drive in distance and other provinces such as Hawke's Bay and Manawatu also relatively close at hand.
In recent years Racing Matamata has undertaken a pro-active programme of building stable accommodation on the course and renting it out, with the results enjoyed by resident trainers John Sargent, Paul Jenkins, Steve Autridge and Graham Richardson proving the worth of that policy.
Racing Matamata’s facilities at the racecourse include two grandstands overlooking the main racetrack and the various training tracks, with the Kaimai Ranges providing a picturesque backdrop. On non racedays the various lounges and the racecourse itself, are a popular venue for functions, large or small. Our lounges are suitable for weddings, anniversaries, conferences, rally’s, music festivals and reunions. Our lounges cater for 10 to 350 people. You can arrange your own caterer or we can arrange one for you. If you would like more details about the racecourse, please contact the office.