If you’ve spent any time around Arawa Park in Rotorua, chances are you’ve come across Owen Nickel — a man whose passion for horse racing runs deep, both on and off the track. From humble beginnings as a punter to his current role as Track Manager, Owen’s journey through the racing world is anything but ordinary.
Owen’s first introduction to racing was as a punter, and his connection to the Rotorua Racing Club began as a local sponsor through his business, Best Dry Cleaning. What started as support from the sidelines quickly grew into deeper involvement: committee member, board member, president, and now life member.
“It’s a bit backwards from the usual path,” Owen laughs. “I only became an employee a couple of years ago — after being involved in just about every other way you can imagine.”
His professional life has been just as varied. A former hypnotherapist and dry cleaner, Owen now finds himself immersed in the world of turf management. As Track Manager at Arawa Park, he’s responsible for supervising staff and ensuring the track is in peak condition — safe, fair, and race-ready. It’s a job that demands adaptability, especially during Rotorua’s unpredictable weather.
“We’re just 10 days out from our biggest race meeting of the year, and the rain’s not letting up,” he says. “Preparing the track to a high standard with this weather can be a real juggling act.”
Owen’s love for racing has a personal side too. His brother Ross, who was a trainer at Te Aroha, helped ignite his early passion. And like many in the racing world, Owen’s most memorable moments are tied to those unexpected, high-stakes wins.
“I’ll never forget being 16, working my first job, and coming home to see a piece of paper with three horses my brother Allen had marked. I put $1 on a treble and it paid $1056. I was hooked.”
That wasn’t his only big win. During COVID, Owen landed a $20,000 payout on an Australian Pick 6 — thanks in part to three rides by star jockey James McDonald.
Over the years, Owen has owned about ten horses, including his first trained by Bob Autridge. “It would hit the front… and just stop running!” he laughs. He’s also had success with horses trained by Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott — one even managed five wins.
When asked about his racing hero, he mulls it over before answering, “my brother Ross. No question.”
For Owen, Rotorua Racing Club is something special.
“Our track is unique — the camber allows horses to come from anywhere, whether it’s first or last. It really gives every runner a chance,” he explains. “And it’s a great family day out. With plenty of accommodation and activities in Rotorua, it’s easy to make a whole weekend of it.”
Owen’s advice to first-time racegoers? “Have a fun punt, trust your gut, and enjoy the thrill of a win – hopefully!”
Most fans don’t realise just how much planning and work goes into each raceday — or how big a role the weather plays. “You’re constantly adjusting plans based on the forecast. There’s a lot of science and instinct involved in preparing the perfect track.”
Owen Nickel is one of those a true racing lifers, bringing experience, passion, and personality to Rotorua Racing Club. Whether he’s managing turf, recalling legendary punts, or swapping jokes behind the scenes, one thing’s certain: racing is in his blood, and Arawa Park is all the better for it.
Quick-Fire Fun with Owen
• Walkout song if he were a jockey: We Are the Champions
• If not racing: I’d go back to being a hypnotherapist
• Favourite racehorse/trainer/jockey: Balmerino is my favourite racehorse and I would say Lance O’Sullivan because he’s a great person, but he was never the best luck for me when he was riding so I’ll also say Noel Harris.
• Best part of watching racing live: “You feel the emotion and energy in a way you just can’t through a screen. It’s a real sense of involvement seeing it in person.”