Addington Update 29 September 2023

GRNZ Racing Safety & Infrastructure Manager Bill Wilson is currently at Addington, and yesterday commenced an investigation into what (including historical happenings) contributed to and led to Tuesday's ultimate decision to abandon the race meeting.

This investigative work is multi-faceted and involves both internal and external engagement of specialists. Some of the external engagement includes:
- Surveyor
- Geotechnical Consultant
- Ground Penetrating Radar Contractor
- NZSTI

Due to a combination of availability and weather impacts, some of this work is not able to be completed and results therefore not made available until late next week. This means that there would not be enough time to assess and discuss the results prior to the tentatively scheduled return to racing on Thursday 5 October.

GRNZ is therefore unable to make a premature call on the suitability and fitness of the track for racing next Thursday.

An early decision has therefore been made to NOT have racing at Addington on Thursday 5 October or Friday 6 October.

GRNZ understands that this will impact LPs and the industry significantly - but the welfare of the dogs remains paramount and we will not resume racing until we are satisfied that the track is acceptable. Clearly, we want this to happen as soon as possible, and are doing everything we can to make this happen.

Note that there will be no external investigative work or internal operations that can be completed over the weekend - so please do not be alarmed if you do not see any physical track refurbishments taking place on Saturday or Sunday.

Again, GRNZ reiterates that we understand it's an extremely difficult time for our Canterbury LPs, in particular. With that in mind, please reach out if you require mental or financial support - we are genuinely here to help. The best way to do this is to directly email GRNZ CEO Edward Rennell: [email protected] 

We will provide an update for everyone every day next week, and in the meantime, please get in touch if you have any queries at all.

Thanks,
GRNZ