Racing great Andrew ‘Butch’ Castles to step down as Waikato Thoroughbred Racing chief executive

Wednesday, 27 May 2026

After more than 30 years at the forefront of New Zealand’s racing industry, Andrew ‘Butch’ Castles has announced he will retire from his role as chief executive at Waikato Thoroughbred Racing for health reasons.

After a six-year tenure, during which he oversaw the successful merger of the Waikato, Cambridge and Waipā racing clubs to form Waikato Thoroughbred Racing alongside driving the Waikato Greenfield development project, his last day at the club will be on June 30.

In a statement, Castles said racing had “never been just a job” to him.

Castles, right, has spent more than three decades working in the industry. He is pictured here with WTR chair Bruce Harvey.

“It has been a lifelong passion and a significant part of who I am. I have been incredibly fortunate to spend more than 30 years working in an industry that I care deeply about and one that has given me experiences and friendships that have shaped my life.”

He was proud to to have played a role in “some defining chapters within New Zealand racing”, including during his time at WTR.

“I leave with great confidence in where it is heading and wish all of the team well as they navigate this exciting period.

Castles pictured in the grandstand at the first race meeting at Te Rapa following the first COVID-19 lockdown.

“I’d like to sincerely thank the entire WTR team, board, members, sponsors and participants for their commitment and friendship throughout my time with the club. I have worked alongside some outstanding people and will always be grateful for their support.”

While stepping down due to illness was not how he wanted his time in the industry to come to an end, after careful consideration it was the only realistic option, he said.

Prior to his appointment at WTR in 2020 (then Waikato Racing Club), Castles spent 11 years as executive general manager of racing at Auckland Racing Club. He also served as the chief executive of Hawke’s Bay Racing and as secretary/manager for Ōtaki- Māori Racing Club.

WTR chair Bruce Harvey said Castles had made an immense contribution to both the club and racing in New Zealand.

Castles is also well known to racing audiences through his work with Trackside TV and Radio Trackside and also served as a rider agent for leading jockeys Michael Walker and Leith Innes.

WTR chair Bruce Harvey said Castles had made an immense contribution to both the club and wider sport.

“Few people have dedicated as much of their lives to New Zealand racing as Butch.”

Waikato Thoroughbred Racing chair Bruce Harvey and chief executive Andrew ‘Butch’ Castles. Castles is stepping down in June for health reasons.

“He has brought enormous passion, experience and commitment to every role he has held and his contribution to Waikato Thoroughbred Racing and the wider industry has been significant.”

Under Castles’ leadership, WTR achieved strong financial results, delivered significant infrastructure improvements and recorded modern-day highs for oncourse attendance at Te Rapa.

Harvey said his dedication was deeply appreciated by the organisation’s board.

“He has always cared deeply about the people of this industry and its long-term future, and we also acknowledge the contribution and strength of his family, Tess, Hunter and Frankie, who have given so much alongside him over many years.

“Even throughout recent health challenges, Butch’s dedication to the club and the industry remained evident each and every day.”

He described Castles’ departure as a significant loss for the racing community but said it was vital his health and wellbeing came first.

“His relationships across the industry, deep understanding of racing and unwavering commitment to the sport earned him deep respect and affection across both New Zealand and Australian racing and he leaves big shoes to fill at Waikato Thoroughbred Racing,” Harvey said.

“His legacy within the Club and New Zealand racing more broadly will endure for many years to come.”