As we head into the Winter racing months, we are pleased to present New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s 1% Welfare Levy Spend Report for Quarter 3 of the 2025/26 season. This report highlights how levy funds have been invested to support Thoroughbreds throughout their racing careers and beyond, while continuing to advance the objectives set out in our recently released welfare strategy.
This quarter saw continued investment in retraining and rehoming programmes, race-day safety services, welfare assistance, research, and initiatives that promote positive life-after-racing outcomes.
We were particularly encouraged to see growing participation in Thoroughbreds in Equestrian Sport (TiES), with 380 Thoroughbreds competing this season, alongside strong engagement with our Acknowledged Retrainers network and ongoing support for vulnerable horses requiring welfare assistance.
While expenditure in some areas was higher than budgeted for the quarter, this largely reflects the timing of programme delivery and the reallocation of funding to initiatives delivering the greatest welfare impact.
A common misconception is that the 1% Welfare Levy is primarily directed towards the retraining and rehoming of retired racehorses. While supporting Thoroughbreds transitioning to life after racing remains an important priority, the levy is designed to fund a broad range of initiatives that contribute to the welfare, safety and long-term success of our horses.
With finite resources available, NZTR must carefully balance investment across the entire Thoroughbred lifecycle. This includes supporting retraining and rehoming pathways for horses requiring additional assistance, while also investing in race-day safety services such as the New Zealand Horse Ambulance Trust, welfare support and research, education programmes, and sponsorship initiatives that promote the versatility and value of the Thoroughbred beyond racing.
The responsibility for a horse’s transition from racing does not sit with NZTR alone. Owners and trainers play a critical role in planning for and supporting the retraining and rehoming of their horses. The 1% Welfare Levy is intended to complement these efforts by providing targeted support where it can have the greatest impact, while ensuring funding remains available for the wider programmes and services that underpin Thoroughbred welfare across New Zealand.
We are grateful for the racing industry’s ongoing commitment to responsible Thoroughbred welfare. Your contribution supports every advancement we make, and together we continue to strengthen the care, safety, and future opportunities available to Thoroughbreds across New Zealand.
-NZTR Welfare Team
