Trots at Tamahere? Harness racing being eyed for inclusion at new racecourse development

Tuesday, 10 March 2026

Harness racing in the Waikato could soon be catered for at the new racecourse hub proposed for a 150ha site south of Hamilton.

A proposed racecourse and events centre in Tamahere could now potentially include a harness racing track as well.

Waikato Thoroughbred Racing, the group behind the planned 150-hectare greenfield development south of Hamilton, have announced they have been asked to consider the inclusion of harness racing.

Colloquially referred to as “the trots”, harness racing is a sport in which standard-bred horses pull drivers in light, two-wheeled carts called sulkies.

Harness racing events at the country’s major harness racing tracks such as Addington Raceway in Christchurch or Alexandra Park in Auckland often take place on Fridays, under lights.

The Cambridge Raceway in Taylor St, Cambridge is, at present, the home of harness racing in the Waikato region.

The invitation to consider “a dual-code opportunity” at the Tamahere site reflected ongoing national discussions, WRT chairman Bruce Harvey said.

The Tamahere site is bordered by the Waikato Expressway to the north, and Te Awa River Ride to the south between Duncan and Pencarrow roads in Tamahere. Hamilton Airport is circled to the left.

A collaboration between New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) and TAB NZ called Project Stamina is currently developing a “unified master plan” for the future of New Zealand’s racing infrastructure.

“This is new information for many in our community and we want to be very clear - no decisions have been made as yet but we are exploring the opportunity in collaboration with our partners NZTR and HRNZ,” Harvey said.

“Our focus remains on progressing a modern, fit-for-purpose thoroughbred racing and training facility for the Waikato. However, we acknowledge NZTR’s request and the wider national conversation occurring through Project Stamina about the long-term sustainability of racing infrastructure across both codes.”

WTR announced in December it had selected a preferred site on Pencarrow Rd and was now engaging with neighbouring landowners and the wider public.

WTR was also preparing to lodge a referral application under the Fast Track consenting regime with the aim of submitting in mid-April.

The Fast Track process is designed to streamline approvals for projects with regional and national benefits.

Because of the pressing deadline for the consent process, WTR has been asked to consider whether a “dual-code solution” and sharing infrastructure should form part of the proposal before the project advances further through the approvals process, Harvey said.

“Our commitment is to proceed transparently, to continue engaging with our neighbours and stakeholders, and to ensure any decisions are made in the best interests of the Waikato and the wider industry.”

The site for the proposed racecourse hub is bordered by the Waikato Expressway, Te Awa River Ride, and Pencarrow and Duncan roads.