A final day at the Avondale races

What may have been the last official race day at Avondale Racecourse in Auckland took place on Wednesday.

A local crowd turned up, as well as others from further afield, for what some consider an historic occasion.

With no further race days scheduled for the Avondale Racecourse this season, the track's future is under a cloud.

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing is consolidating its Auckland operations into the Ellerslie and Pukekohe race tracks.

The racing body has the legal authority under the Racing Industry Act (2020) to declare the 35ha Avondale site surplus. Some locals fear it will be sold for high-density housing.

But on Wednesday, the fog cleared and the sun shone for what some said was the end of an era.

Sisters Wendy and Constance Brown grew up beside the track on Elm Street. Wendy said they came to honour their grandfather, who was the racecourse caretaker, all the effort he put into his work.

"I think he felt really proud of being the caretaker. We certainly have all these beautiful photographs of our grandfather and grandmother dressed to the nines, looking very dapper with hats on, and race day was a big occasion."

Constance said their mother would walk them down to see the last race on Saturdays.

"But mostly, we'd just see the crowds flocking in and all the directions - members this side, non-members that side - and we'd see all the drunk people coming back at the end of the day."

This week's raceday brought back memories for John Franich, who came with his son, Julian.

"I used to come here with my father and my uncles when I'd be about seven or eight, and that would be 80 years ago. So we're going back a long way at Avondale.

"We used to come regularly to these meetings, so a lot of history."

The day began well for both father and son.

"Well, I feel good because I just backed a 13-to-one shot. And Julian was second, so we're on a roll."

Mark Lorenzen made the trip from Christchurch to document the event for his mother.

"My mum grew up literally opposite the racecourse, at number five, literally opposite the main gate, and she spent most of her life up here at the racecourse.

"She's not with me on Friday, but I'm kind of doing it for her and other people as well."

Lorenzen said he was disappointed it could be the last race day.

"I'm just really looking forward to being here, soaking up the atmosphere and maybe having a few bets."

Also reminiscing was Janice Fullam, who came with her siblings.

"My sister - when she was at university - used to ride track work here, and then because I was too young to be left at home, I had to come and sit in the car."

Trevor Kearns came from Matamata to watch his horse, Gin And Bare It, run in the second race. He was not disappointed when the three-year-old thundered in, in first place.

Kearns said he had seen some really good horses win at Avondale.

"It's just a shame it's got to go. It's a good track to race on - the amenities aren't so flash, but as far as the track goes, you wouldn't get a better winter track."

Avondale Jockey Club (AJC) president Andrew Skinner said on Wednesday the track's future was not yet set in stone.

"We still have some trials coming up, one next week... the tracks, we've still got employees, staff, back of house. We still have the sports pitches, we still have the Sunday markets."

In a statement, Skinner said the club wanted to proactively work with the racing industry to determine the best possible future for the track.

"The future of the Avondale Racecourse is inextricably linked to the future of thoroughbred racing in the northern region.

"The current cashflow crisis recognised by the TAB NZ Racing Advisory Committee suggests that a debate on the future of Auckland racing is now urgent. The AJC looks forward to participating in such discussions with the racing industry."