Kiwis enjoy Melbourne Cup experience
Peter Fenemor • December 3rd, 2025 11:10 AM • 4 min read
Over recent months the Christchurch GRC has selected and funded youth industry participants to travel to and attend high profile Australian Group 1 finals.
Under 30-year-olds from the North Island was included in last week’s Melbourne travelling party with their costs being sponsored by GRNZ.
Erika Matterson was the latest Christchurch youth recipient, and she attended last weekend’s Melbourne Cup meeting at Sandown Park accompanied by her partner Callum Henderson, along with Board member Dan Roberts.
Te Awamutu based trainer Corey Steele and Te Kauwhata conditioner Sean Codlin also made the trip across the Ditch.
Matherson has been an integral part of the Canterbury greyhound rehoming system, based at the Great Mates Kirwee kennels, for numerous years.
“It was a fabulous experience. Being at Sandown Park was an insane experience. The crowd size blew all of us off our feet - young people through to all age groups, with everyone dressed up.
“The facilities were awesome – so high tec. They certainly celebrate their racing over there. You are so close to the track and the racing was incredible – it was so cool just being there,” enthused Matterson.
She also visited the Victorian GAP rehoming kennels. “The facilities there was outstanding. They have 120 kennels with a Vet Clinic on site.
“Greyhounds there wanted for nothing, right from their exercise needs through to their medical needs. It is a very similar operation to the Nightrave kennels back here.
“I truly appreciate the opportunity of being able to fully experience everything I saw I over there.
“However, it’s back to work here as I totally missed all of my dogs that I work with while I was away,” explained Matterson, who apart from working fulltime at the Kirwee kennels, also runs her own set of seven boarding kennels at home. “Yes, it’s a full-on lifestyle, which I wouldn’t swap for anything else.”
Steele, who trains from his parents Wayne and Tracey property, is enjoying a successful season having applied the finishing touches to 31 winners.
“The trip offered to me from GRNZ also included a plus one, so I invited Sean to come over, so he could experience the occasion.
“I had actually booked a trip to Brisbane to visit The Q facility, so I had to make some quick travel rearrangements.
“The Q complex is phenomenal, like to be able to view three greyhound tracks from the stand is amazing. The complex certainly is the pinnacle venue for greyhound racing.
“It was also good catching up with Riley and Bonnie Evans, who along with Steve are really flying with their Goldstar team over there now.
“The Melbourne Cup meeting presentation was truly professional. The large oncourse crowd created an amazing atmosphere for the racing on what was a fantastic track surface.
“Sandown Park is an incredible facility, and it was so good being there with Erika, Sean and Dan.
“I appreciate the opportunity being there provided by GRNZ. I have to thank Mum, Dad, Mellissa and Latrelle who kept my greyhounds ticking over back at home,” acknowledged Steele.
And speaking about Steele’s racing team we asked him who he considers his best prospect at tomorrow’s Cambridge meeting is, which appropriately comes in the last race Happy Birthday Corey Steele Stakes.
“Sweet Bonanza is currently racing great. He’s a greyhound who has great potential and providing everything goes to plan he could be my next Group race greyhound.”
Codlin has his team of greyhounds ticking over sweetly as evidenced by the 39 winners he has mentored for the current season.
“It was so cool being over there in Melbourne. The experience of being there in person was amazing.
“They are so far ahead of us here in terms of the racing and the race day experience. The presentation was at the next level, and the place was jammed packed. The racing was superb.
“They were so welcoming to all of us. We caught up with Liz Whelan, and she introduced us to George Farriuga (Johnny Football’s owner).
“It was an experience that I’ve never had before and probably never get again. I greatly appreciate the opportunity of being there on such a big night,” confirmed Codlin.
Codlin added to keep a close eye on the upcoming race engagements held by Opawa Scarlett, who races at Cambridge tomorrow (Race 6).
“She made a mess of the start when on track debut there last week. Her previous win was very good and she’s one to follow in the north.”
