Cover image courtesy of Waikato Times
For most of his working life, Andrew "Butch" Castles has been at the heart of New Zealand thoroughbred racing. Whether behind the scenes as a racing administrator, in front of the camera with Trackside, managing elite jockeys or leading some of the country's most recognised racing clubs.
Throughout that time Castle's has built a reputation that extends far beyond race day. His passion for the industry, unwavering work ethic and genuine care for people have made him one of racing's most respected and recognisable identities on both sides of the Tasman.
On Friday, however, the attention turns to the man who has spent decades working tirelessly for others.
Friends, colleagues and members of the wider racing fraternity will gather in Hamilton for The Butcha's Roast, a special fundraising event supporting the Butch Castles Legacy Trust following his cancer diagnosis almost 12 months ago.
While the luncheon promises plenty of laughter, stories and good-natured banter, its purpose is deeply meaningful. Funds raised through the Trust will help provide future opportunities for Butch and wife Tess's two children, Hunter and Frankie, ensuring ongoing support for their education and future aspirations.
It is a cause that has resonated across the industry, with people travelling from throughout New Zealand and overseas to be part of an occasion that is as much about celebrating friendships as it is supporting one of racing's own.
A career built on dedication
Few people have contributed to as many areas of New Zealand thoroughbred racing as Butch Castles.
Across a working career spanning more than 30 years, he has become synonymous with leadership, innovation and a genuine passion for the sport, holding senior positions while earning the respect of participants at every level of the industry.
His administrative career has included leadership roles with Ōtaki Māori Racing Club, Hawke's Bay Racing and Auckland Racing Club before joining Waikato Racing Club in 2020, where he would help guide one of the most significant periods of change in the region's history.
Castles played a pivotal role in bringing together Waikato Racing Club, Cambridge Jockey Club and Waipā Racing Club to form Waikato Thoroughbred Racing, helping establish a unified organisation designed to strengthen the region's future.
Andrew "Butch" Castles | Image courtesy of Waikato Times
During his tenure, the Club recorded strong financial performances, delivered significant infrastructure improvements and achieved modern-day highs in attendance and wagering at Te Rapa, while the ambitious Waikato Greenfields development also gathered momentum.
Away from administration, Butch's influence has stretched across almost every corner of the industry. Racing fans came to know him through Trackside television and radio, while many of New Zealand's leading jockeys worked alongside him during his time as a rider manager, including Group 1-winning jockeys Leith Innes and Michael Walker.
His ability to connect with people, regardless of their role within racing, has long been one of his defining qualities. It is perhaps no surprise, then, that when news of his illness became public, the industry responded in the only way it knew how, by rallying around one of its own.
An industry giving back
In August last year, life changed dramatically for Butch and his family.
A cancer diagnosis marked the beginning of a journey filled with uncertainty, countless medical appointments and 22 rounds of chemotherapy, all faced with the same determination and resilience that had defined his career.
Surrounded by the unwavering support of Tess, Hunter and Frankie, along with family, friends and an outstanding medical team, Butch has continued to approach each challenge with remarkable courage.
Friday's fundraiser is not simply about recognising his contribution to racing.
It is about helping secure the future of Hunter and Frankie through the Butch Castles Legacy Trust - an initiative that, at first, Butch and Tess were reluctant to embrace.
Butch and Tess Castles | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
“It wasn't something that Tess and I were overly keen on at the start when the idea was mentioned. We needed to be convinced, and we were convinced by people that mean a lot to us.
“They have set up a proper trust and trustees, and it is a proper trust that will benefit our children, Hunter and Frankie. The kids can apply to utilise the funds as their lives go on for whatever the trustees think is appropriate.
“If they think what the kids are looking to use the money for is good for them, then the trustees will approve it. So that got us over the line in doing it, and myself and Tess are very grateful.”
A reminder that kindness comes full circle
For Butch, the response to Friday's fundraiser has provided a powerful reminder of the relationships that are built throughout a lifetime in racing.
The industry can be fiercely competitive, but behind the competition sits a network of friendships, shared experiences and connections that often last decades.
One example that particularly stood out to him came from a couple in Taranaki who made contact and were determined to attend the event, despite the travel and commitment involved.
“For example, there's a lovely couple from Taranaki that got in touch and were adamant that they wanted to come, and I thought to myself, why do they really want to come? It's a big trip and commitment.
“They were desperate to come, an older couple, and I thought back and clicked. When I was at Hawke's Bay Racing, they raced a horse at Hastings, and he was quite restricted mobility-wise. I went out of my way and made sure they had a table right on the winning post in the committee room that was reserved for them, made sure they could park close, and made the access as easy as it could be without a lift at Hastings.”
For Butch, the gesture from the couple was not simply about attending a fundraiser. It was a reflection of the small moments of care and consideration that often define people's experiences within racing.
Looking back, he realised those moments had a greater impact than he may have appreciated at the time.
“I thought back, why do all these people want to do these nice things and be a part of it? I suppose it makes you reflect on the fact that hopefully you've been able to do things that have helped people over a long period of time, and this is a way that people are coming together to say thanks and to sort of return the favour, so to speak.”
That sense of gratitude has been a constant theme as preparations for Friday's event have gathered momentum.
People who have crossed paths with Butch throughout his career are making the effort to be there, some travelling considerable distances to share in what promises to be a memorable occasion.
“There will be a fair bit of that. As I said, people are coming from overseas and to be a part of it. Humbling's definitely the word, but it's also heart-warming that, you know, as an industry in a situation like this, people want to help.”
Stories, laughter and a celebration of life
While the reason behind the fundraiser carries a great deal of emotion, Butch is determined that Friday night will also reflect the way he has always approached life, with plenty of laughter, friendship and a good story.
The event will bring together people from many different stages of his journey, including old university friends he has not seen for decades, industry colleagues and lifelong mates.
“There are people coming from all over the place. There's good friends from Varsity that I haven't seen for probably 25 years, they have got a table, and there's people coming from overseas.
“There's good friends from Varsity that I haven't seen for probably 25 years, they have got a table, and there's people coming from overseas.” - Butch Castles
“It's just extremely humbling.”
For Butch, the luncheon represents something more than a fundraiser. It provides an opportunity to enjoy the company of people who have been part of his story and create memories together.
“It's all sort of taken on a bit of a life of its own, and it's just going to be a sort of special day of memories. Hopefully the lines between reality and fantasy are a little blurred because some of the stories could be pretty hard to believe, but unfortunately most of them will probably be true.”
And if there are stories shared at his expense, Butch knows there will be plenty of opportunities to respond.
One person who may need to choose his words carefully is former top-class jockey and close friend Leith Innes.
Leith Innes | Image courtesy of Trish Dunell
“There will be some stories, but people telling them have to remember that I've seen things with my own eyes also,” Castles said while laughing.
“There will be some stories, but people telling them have to remember that I've seen things with my own eyes also.” - Butch Castles
Butch added that his long friendship with Innes means the former jockey should be prepared.
“I have to remind Leith that as you finish telling your stories and are walking off the stage, having said your little piece, I'll still be on the stage with the microphone, so I will have the right of reply. So just be very, very careful.”
That humour is typical of Butch, but beneath the jokes is a deeper appreciation of what the evening represents. For someone who has spent so much time bringing people together through racing, the opportunity to have so many important people in his life gathered in one place is something he values greatly.
“The other side of it is, and not to be morbid, is the fact that people die and then you have a funeral and I suspect that the after party of my funeral will be quite a good piss-up and will be a big one.
“The thing is, I can't be a part of it. But in this way, I'll get to catch up with great friends and celebrate life, like just using those Varsity boys as an example, with friends and people that I haven't seen and had interaction with for a long period of time, along with really close friends, and have them in one place to have a good time together.
“So that's pretty cool as well. And that's certainly something that I'm really looking forward to."
The connections that define racing and the asset that is people
Throughout his career, Butch Castles has always spoken about the people within racing being one of the sport's greatest strengths.
Having worked across so many different areas of thoroughbred racing, Butch has encountered an extraordinary range of people, from owners and trainers to jockeys, administrators and supporters who simply share a love for the horse.
Those relationships have become one of the most rewarding parts of his journey.
“You just come across a whole range of people, don't you? And that's one of the huge attractions of those connections. Whether it be people that you race horses with or whether it be people that you race horses against or end up in the pub on a Saturday afternoon with a shared interest.”
“Whether it be people that you race horses with or whether it be people that you race horses against or end up in the pub on a Saturday afternoon with a shared interest.” - Butch Castles
It is that community spirit that has been on full display ahead of The Butcha's Roast. The response from across the racing industry has reinforced for Butch just how special those connections can be, particularly during the most challenging periods.
“There will be a fair bit of that, as I said, people are coming from overseas and to be a part of it. Humbling's definitely the word, but it's also heart-warming that, you know, as an industry in a situation like this, people want to help.”
For Butch, the most important part of Friday night is not just the auction or the fundraising itself, it is the chance for people to reconnect.
“The support has been fantastic. There is some amazing stuff that will be auctioned off, but we've got a really good raffle as well, because often at these events or fundraisers you go to these things and not everyone has time or the money for the auction items, but everyone can get involved in raffles that have some really good prizes, so we have focused in on that.”
The generosity has been appreciated, but the opportunity to share the night with friends and celebrate the journey matters just as much.
A legacy built on love and gratitude
At the heart of Friday's event is the Butch Castles Legacy Trust — a lasting gesture designed to support Hunter and Frankie as they continue their lives into the future.
For Butch, that is the part of the fundraiser that carries the greatest meaning but he also believes the evening itself represents something important, the chance to celebrate life while people are together.
“Life can be short so it is important to celebrate and spend time together and have a laugh and look back at great times. It's all about celebrating a life that I reckon I've lived pretty well.”
“Life can be short so it is important to celebrate and spend time together and have a laugh and look back at great times.” - Butch Castles
Friday's event will undoubtedly contain emotional moments, but Butch hopes it will ultimately be remembered for the laughter, stories and friendships shared inside the room.
“I'll get to catch up with great friends and celebrate life, like just using those Varsity boys as an example, with friends and people that I haven't seen and had interaction with for a long period of time, along with really close friends, and have them in one place to have a good time together.”
A day of bringing together
The Butcha's Roast will bring together many of the people who have shaped Butch's remarkable journey through racing, and many more whose lives he has influenced along the way.
Butch's career has been built on helping racing move forward, supporting people, solving problems and creating opportunities. Now, the racing community has the chance to give something back.
While the Legacy Trust will provide important support for Hunter and Frankie in the years ahead, Butch hopes those attending Friday's event take away something equally valuable - the chance to enjoy the company of great friends, possibly pick up something from the auction and celebrate memories.
“There are some awesome things that are up for auction, so if anyone is interested in them, there will be lots of New Zealand racing industry people attending, so I recommend getting in touch with them.”
“There are some awesome things that are up for auction, so if anyone is interested in them, there will be lots of New Zealand racing industry people attending, so I recommend getting in touch with them.” - Butch Castles
“But importantly, I hope everyone has a great time reminiscing and celebrating, and it's a lovely bonus that my kids will benefit in the future from everyone's kind will. This has all been very humbling.”
For someone who has spent more than 30 years bringing people together through racing, it is fitting that the luncheon will be built around friendship, stories, laughter and gratitude, a celebration of a life already rich with memories, and a legacy that will continue through Hunter and Frankie.
Bank details for Butch Castles Legacy Trust donations
Full bank name: Westpac New Zealand Limited
Westpac New Zealand BIC/SWIFT code: WPACNZ2WXXX
Butch Castles Legacy Trust
289 River Road, Claudelands, Hamilton, New Zealand 3214
Account number should be formatted as follows (often with no gaps):
0303180107748000
Bank/branch: 030318
Account Number: 0107748000
IBAN numbers are not used in New Zealand.
