Seafield Dairy calf manager Jo Carr said they “must have been spooked by something” and broke through a fence on Seafield Rd at least 15km away.
But rather than scattering, all the calves were accounted for, she said.
“They were actually way over the other side [of the racecourse] but we’ve managed to get them all the way around the track to here.
“They’ll follow me because they are hungry. We’ll take them home, reinforce their paddock and hope they don’t get out again.”
Wanganui Jockey Club track manager Craig Osman said there were 41 calves.
“I’m not sure when animal control started chasing them, but they were all in here by about 5.30am I think.
“A gate was opened and they all came running in, to save them being on the road.”
Whanganui District Council regulatory and compliance operations manager Jason Shailer said the calves were secured at the racecourse because it was the closest and most suitable location.
Carr apologised for any inconvenience caused.
Mike Tweed is a multimedia journalist at the Whanganui Chronicle. Since starting in March 2020, he has dabbled in everything from sport to music. At present his focus is local government, primarily Whanganui District Council.