Established to support registered licence holders who are injured while carrying out their racing duties or who suffer a serious illness, the General Trust Fund (GTF) provided $112,405.08 in financial assistance during the 2025/26 season.
Support was provided through GTF Grants, formerly known as Loss of Earnings grants, hardship assistance, and helmet and vest replacement subsidies.
Although the total value of assistance was lower than in the previous season, the number of approved claims increased, demonstrating continued use of the Fund and the importance of the support available to industry participants.
A significant welfare enhancement during the year was the introduction of concussion-related GTF Grants. These grants support riders during the mandatory stand-down period required under NZTR’s concussion policy.
Ten concussion grants were approved during the season, providing affected participants with financial assistance during their recovery and helping ensure compliance with the policy. The initiative has been well received by licence holders.
The Trustees approved an increase in the helmet replacement subsidy from $500 to $900 following a request from the New Zealand Jockeys Association.
The increase recognises the rising cost of approved safety equipment, with replacement helmets now approaching $1,000. It ensures jockeys and trackwork riders are better supported when replacing helmets damaged in riding accidents.
The vest replacement subsidy remains unchanged at $500.
During the year, the Trust reviewed its policy wording and replaced references to “Loss of Earnings” with “GTF Grants”. This change addressed taxation concerns while retaining the Fund’s existing support framework and administrative processes. The updated General Trust Fund policy was published in June 2026.
Improving awareness of the Fund also remained a key focus. Information about the General Trust Fund and its available support services was distributed directly to licence holders through the licence renewal process, helping ensure participants understood what assistance was available and how to access it.
Additional information was also developed to better promote the welfare support services available across the racing industry.
The season’s figures reflect another active year for the Trust, with assistance provided for workplace injuries, concussion stand-downs, hardship situations, and the replacement of safety equipment.
Breakdown of Grants, Claims and Subsidies for the 2025/26 Season
GTF Grants (formerly Loss of Earnings)
For the season, 37 claims were approved, totalling $60,600, including ten concussion grants provided for two weeks.
Hardship claims
For the season, 5 hardship claims were approved, totalling $32,625.80.
Helmet and vest replacement subsidies
For the season, 33 helmet and vest claims were approved, totalling $19,179.28.
Overall, 75 claims and subsidies were approved by the end of the fourth quarter, providing $112,405.08 in assistance to New Zealand racing participants.
About the General Trust Fund
The General Trust Fund provides financial support to registered licence holders who are injured in an accident while carrying out their licensed duties or who suffer a serious illness. Administered by NZTR and governed by a Board of Trustees under the Rules of Racing and the General Trust Fund Policy, applications are considered individually against the Fund’s criteria. Applications must be addressed to the Trustees and submitted within 30 days of the accident or diagnosis.
Further information is available on the Rules, Directives and Policies page.