Matamata Racing Club, located at the Matamata Racecourse two kilometres south of the township, is a centre of racing and training excellence.
Fourteen race meetings per season, including the premier Breeders' Stakes in February and an October feature race-day, are staged on the left-handed track. The South Waikato Racing Club also conducts its popular annual race meeting at the Matamata course.
The club operates a highly successful training centre, with an average of more than 700 horses prepared on the course each month. In recent years, the club has undertaken an extensive programme to construct five on-site stable barns, now accommodating 152 horses.
Facilities are also available for non-raceday activities, ranging from indoor functions such as weddings and funerals to outdoor gatherings.