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