IN Racing
MMRC AWARDS - results for 2024-25 season
With our results on the track, it is no wonder we are the premium training facility in NZ
September 02, 2025
MMRC 2024-25 Horse of the Year - SNAZZYTAVI with trainers Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall, presented by life member John Moore

The recent Matamata Racing Club Awards once again highlighted the strength and depth of talent within our training facility. Across the 2024/25 season, horses prepared here claimed an impressive 42% of all Group One races run in New Zealand. This remarkable achievement is a testament not only to the calibre of trainers who call our facility home, but also to the world-class equine athletes they prepare day in and day out.

Club Chairman Michael Lissington commented that "such dominance on the national stage comes as no surprise. Our track record of producing winners at the highest level reflects the dedication, skill, and innovation that underpin every aspect of our operations. The Racing Awards were a proud celebration of these results, reaffirming our facility’s reputation as a cornerstone of New Zealand racing success".

Over the season we saw some key highlights, with Matamata RC providing the home base for NZ Trainer Premiership winners Sam Bergerson and Mark Walker, and the NZ Jockey Premiership winner Craig Grylls amongst a host of notable successes during the 12 month period.

Full list of winners for the 2024-25 season:

MMRC Champion Trainers - Sam Bergerson & Mark Walker

MMRC Champion Jockey - Craig Grylls

MMRC Champion Apprentice - Hayley Hassman

MMRC Champion Jumps Jockey - Emily Farr

MMRC Strike Rate trainer - Ken & Bev Kelso

MMRC Champion Breeder - Waikato Stud

MMRC Champion Owner - Peter & Kim McKay

MMRC Track Personality - Steph Hyde-Richards

MMRC Champion Jumper - Ima Wonder

MMRC Champion Stayer - Snazzytavi

MMRC Champion 2yo - La Dorada

MMRC Champion 3yo - Savaglee

MMRC Champion Sprinter/Miler - Grail Seeker

MMRC HORSE OF THE YEAR -  SNAZZYTAVI