Dear Stakeholders,
As the second quarter of the 2023/24 racing season is completed, NZTR’s Welfare team have put together an update for industry participants on the 1% Levy on prizemoney.
As of 31 January, the spend of the 1% fund for the current season was $406,909.56, $129,284.55 of this allocated during the second quarter. The season allocation is $908,000.
The biggest portion of the spend in the second quarter was dedicated to supporting thoroughbreds as they move into their second careers via the NZTR Acknowledged Retrainers network and sponsorship to support second career avenues.
This will continue to be a key focus area for the 1% fund as we work to ensure our thoroughbreds are given every opportunity to thrive. Remembering that thoroughbreds are often successfully competing in their 20s, we must ensure the supply and demand chain remains balanced in a manner that encourages thoroughbred ownership in the equestrian community so there is a steady supply of suitable homes as horses retire from racing.
On that note, it has been wonderful to get out and about to see this portion of the spend in action. Tracey and I have been to a variety of events and are always impressed, and proud, to see thoroughbreds competing in a variety of disciplines that showcases just how versatile the breed is.
It really cements just how important second career sponsorship is when encouraging riders to select a thoroughbred as their sport horse of choice.
I’m sure you will agree that as owners, breeders or trainers we can take great pleasure in seeing our thoroughbreds doing so well, whether it be in the show ring or galloping around a cross-country course.
With this in mind, everyone in the industry has a role to play in ensuring we plan and provide for our horses when they finish their racing career. The 1% fund cannot be the sole support and is often used to provide for horses that arrive at an Acknowledged Retrainer’s requiring financial outlay before they are ready to start work.
We encourage all owners and trainers to plan for a horse’s retirement as part and parcel of being involved in a racehorse. If, when making the transition from racehorse to sport horse, they arrive recently shod, in good condition and are up to date with dental and worming programmes, the 1% fund can be directed into other areas.
With all that our horses give us, it is the least we can do to make sure they are set up to have the best chance of success in the next stage of their life.
We also would like to acknowledge the important role the New Zealand Horse Ambulance Trust plays in ensuring the welfare of our thoroughbreds. Not only have they been in attendance at all raceday and trial meetings but have also been present at various equestrian and polo events ensuring the safety of the entire equine community.
As always do not hesitate to contact either myself or Tracey if you have any feedback or would like to share a story of your thoroughbred in their second career.
Justine Sclater
NZTR Head of Welfare and Sustainability
FUND ALLOCATION
Acknowledged Retrainers Funding
This quarter $46,661.12 of the 1% Levy has been allocated to the Acknowledged Retrainers network, $109,749.25 year-to-date.
120 thoroughbreds completed their education with an NZTR Acknowledged Retrainer during the second quarter.
$27,250.07 of the allocation this quarter went towards the Leg Up Grant, which covers initial costs when horses do not meet minimum standards on arrival.
If trainers and owners commit to ensuring horses leave their stable recently shod, in good working condition and with worming and dental treatments up to date then the amount spent on the Leg Up Grant can be redirected to other areas.
It is imperative that the NZTR Acknowledge Retrainers network remains a viable education and rehoming service as the skill set and experience of these riders make sure thoroughbreds get the best opportunity to transition successfully into their second career.
Note that in this quarter the Lesson Scheme has been recoded to the Acknowledged Retrainers budget.
Photo here
This quarter $53,600.64 from the 1% Levy has been allocated to second career sponsorship, $78,810 year-to-date.
This is reflective of the importance of incentivising thoroughbreds in equestrian sports to ensure we create a demand for them as the sport horse of choice.
NZ Polo
Polo is one of the major second career avenues for thoroughbreds. During the second quarter $15,652.17 was allocated to sponsoring the New Zealand Open and Savile Cup which took place in February and March.
To give an idea of the prevalence of thoroughbreds in polo, below is a breakdown provided by the New Zealand Polo Association of how many thoroughbreds are competing in each region:
Annarehab
This quarter $4,063.71 went to Annarehab as part of NZTR’s long term support of their equine assisted learning programme. As well as their onsite programme, Annarehab were also in attendance at various events and racedays promoting not only the work they do, but also the industry as a whole and thoroughbreds in non-athletic second careers. It should also be noted they get great support from Stephen Marsh’s stable and Go Racing.
TiES
This quarter there were 54 TiES classes held across the disciplines of Dressage, Eventing, Showjumping and Show Hunter. Many of those competing were aiming towards qualification and points for the finals at Land Rover Horse of the Year in March.
Welfare Assistance
This quarter $2,105 was allocated to MPI, SPCA and rescue groups, $6,792.91 year-to-date.
This supported one horse found in a neglected condition and ownership had been gained by the SPCA.
Heading into winter we expect this number will increase. It is of note the horses in need of support are often those kept by owners on small blocks of land that rely on pasture-based feeding which is affected by seasonal weather conditions.
This money is a worthwhile spend and we have several good news stories of horses we have provided assistance to then being successful rehomed.
Equine Research
This quarter $3,000 was allocated to research, $38,157.44 year-to-date.
During this period NZTR were a sponsor of the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) - A Good Life for Horses conference. This was held during March but the payment to ISES was made during the second quarter. The conference, held in New Zealand for the first time, provided very interesting learnings and research around thoroughbreds and the challenges due to public scrutiny. EventStars, Tony Pike Racing and Cambridge Stud showcased their operations to the conference attendees which was well received by the international delegation who were present.
We also continue to work closely with Massey University on research projects that provide scientific and New Zealand-specific data that can be used to improve our welfare practices and dispute any mistruths about racing.
Horse Ambulance
This quarter $47,451.24 was allocated to the New Zealand Horse Ambulance Trust, $94,902.24 year-to-date.
This season there has been a horse ambulance in attendance at over 250 thoroughbred race meetings, trials, and jumpouts. An ambulance has been deployed on 61 occasions this season to give an injured horse safe transport or to handle a euthanised horse with dignity.
42 of these deployments were for thoroughbred racehorses, broodmares or a stallion.
This is an increase from the previous two seasons; however, there is now better reporting for incidents that occur off the track.
The NZ Horse Ambulance Trust continues to share stories with positive outcomes through its communications channels.
The horse ambulance attends many equestrian events where NZTR is involved in sponsorship and there are plans to increase the visibility of the partnership to highlight equine welfare initiatives.
The use and purpose of the horse ambulance was recently demonstrated to Japan Racing Association Director Dr Atsushi Kikuta and his associates. There has been interest from overseas racing entities in the New Zealand-built equine ambulance, with one currently being constructed for an Australian racing authority and one on the ground in Perth.
A new horse ambulance is under construction, which will increase the fleet with six in the North Island and four in the South Island. Demand is growing for this valuable service.
Population Analysis and Traceability
This quarter $16,713.70 was allocated to traceability, $35,795 year-to-date
NZTR are still gathering the data and information to complete this population analysis project.
We have also been following the 2020 foal crop to find out the status of horses that have been inactive in our system since they were initially microchipped.
Collection of data and providing reporting systems are vital to ensure NZTR can provide up-to-date statistics to the industry and general public. The independent data analysis provides useful information and reporting to ensure we can defend our social licence when under public scrutiny.
Communication and Education
This quarter $2,052.85 was allocated to Communication and Education, $29,754.14 year-to-date.
During this period we produced a 1% update and an edition of the Thoroughbred Welfare Advocate which was well-received and is meeting its purpose of bridging the gap between the thoroughbred and equestrian communities.
Your feedback is always welcome. Please email Justine Sclater at Justine.sclater@nztr.co.nz.