It's been announced today that the project to build the New Zealand Champions Racing Museum at Ellerslie Racecourse, Auckland will not proceed.
The Museum trustees have resolved that the $5 million project has not received sufficient support to continue.
Wendy Pye, who initiated the project in 2005, says, "We're very sad that the New Zealand thoroughbred industry will not have a permanent home for the display and celebration of its extraordinary heritage, or a dynamic gateway to the sport for local and international visitors. Substantial community and private support has not been matched by funding from racing industry organisations and so we are unable to take the project any further.
"We are very grateful to the trusts, racing clubs, breeding businesses and individuals who did share our vision and to everyone who helped us create a viable and attractive proposal."
Mrs Pye has stepped down as chair and trustee of the New Zealand Champions Racing Museum Trust, which will now be managed by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing.
Museum Trustee and NZTR chairman Guy Sargent says, "We will continue to pursue opportunities to establish the Museum and are very grateful for everything Wendy and the Pye Foundation have done to preserve and promote New Zealand's thoroughbred racing and breeding heritage."
All inquiries about the Museum should now be directed to Simon Cooper at New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, Ph: (04) 576 6240, Email: simon.cooper@nzracing.co.nz.
- NZ Champions Racing Museum
