An open entry format operated with stake money added to the Industry day minimums.  Races where either Open Entry or ‘MAAT’s (Maidens as at 4 May 2022.  This was designed to give all horses that had races at the previous five Polytrack meetings the chance to race.

The highlight of the day was the win by STRIKE FORCE in the Speight’s Open Handicap.  STRIKE FORCE had won two races from two starts when trained by Danny Crozier, was then sold to Hong Kong, did not race, and returned to New Zealand.  Ryan Thistoll, who works on the Riccarton Park Grounds Staff purchased the now six-year-old gelding off Gavelhouse and trained him to win Friday’s race. Thistoll and grandson of the great Canterbury trainer Ned Thistoll owns STRIKE FORCE wit5h family members and two other members of the Grounds Team. Aaron Douglas and John Allen.

FRANKIE THE FOX made it back-to-back wins at Riccarton Park having won on the Turf at his most recent start to win the Winning Edge Presentations Open 1600.  Rohan Mudhoo has ridden him in all seven wins for trainer and owner Mike McCann.

The famous Dennis Brothers colours have won almost everything capable of winning and added a victory on the Polytrack to that history.  THE MOTIVATOR trained at Yaldhurst by Ross Beckett won the 1400 metres MAAT with stable employee Kin Kwo in the saddle.

Premiership leading jockey Michael McNab rode two winners whilst all nine races were won by different trainers.

For the first time there were no track records.