The Matamata Racing Club has announced plans to expand its training facilities, with the recent acquisition of a neighbouring property, formerly owned by Valachi Downs.

The club is set to construct up to 20 state-of-the-art barns, which are designed to accommodate up to 250 more horses. These new facilities will complement the existing stabling infrastructure, which already caters to approximately 150 horses.

“This is more than just an expansion. It’s a vote of confidence in our trainers, our horses, and the future of New Zealand racing,” Matamata Racing Club General Manager Regan Donnison said.

“We’re responding to real demand and positioning ourselves, and our region, as a key contributor to the national industry moving forward.”

The club’s on-course training facility is already one of the busiest in the country, servicing around 40 trainers and up to 850 horses per month.

Local horseman Andrew Scott, who trains in partnership with Lance O’Sullivan at Wexford Stables, welcomed the move.

“It’s great to see a local club taking a progressive approach,” he said. “If all goes to plan, their proposed facilities will be a real asset to the industry, creating more opportunities for people to train on track, in line with a growing trend across Australasia.

“There’s still a way to go before it’s fully realised, but it’s a strong step in the right direction.”

Donnison is excited about the new development and said it will be a great asset to New Zealand’s racing industry.

“This project is about growth, opportunity, and making sure we’re doing everything we can to support our trainers and the industry at large,” he said. “We’re incredibly excited about this next chapter of Matamata’s racing story.”