Racing Tauranga named top club at national awards

Racing Tauranga left the field in the dust during this year's Industry Development Conference, winning Provincial and Overall Club of the Year awards. Photo / Racing Tauranga

• Racing Tauranga won the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Provincial and Overall Club of the Year awards.
• The club was recognised for financial management, track performance, and race marketing.
• Louise Dean credited the win to a team effort, highlighting the roles of Craig Settle and Andrew Love.

Racing Tauranga galloped past 65 thoroughbred racing clubs to win the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Provincial and Overall Club of the Year.

The awards were presented at the NZ Thoroughbred Racing Industry Development Conference.

They honour achievements in 2024 and recognise financial management, track performance, and race marketing, Racing Tauranga general manager Louise Dean said.

“We have got a nice, accessible, friendly family environment for our race days.”

Tauranga Racing endeavours to make the club as accessible and welcoming as possible, she said.

“We make sure that we always have family entertainment, kid entertainment and a lot of interaction.”

Despite being a smaller club, Dean said Racing Tauranga set the standard and did everything to the best of its ability.

According to Dean, the awards were a joint team effort, with track manager Craig Settle and sponsorship and events manager Andrew Love playing vital roles.

“We’re absolutely delighted to receive both awards. It’s a real credit to our small but committed team and the many people who support us,” she said.

The next big events at the Tauranga Race Course are the Autumn charity event for Tauranga Riding for the Disabled on May 28 and Seeka Kiwifruit Cup Day on June 27, Dean said.

“It will be a nice break away from winter,” Dean said.