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 (NZTR) Industry Development Conference.

They honour achievements from January 2024 to December 2024.

“We have got a nice, accessible, friendly family environment for our race days,” Racing Tauranga general manager Louise Dean said.

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

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

Dean said the club can host free, low-cost events catered to old and new racing fans.

Despite being a smaller club, Dean said Racing Tauranga sets the standard and does 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.