Entering its second year, National Thoroughbred Week invites the public behind the scenes of the Thoroughbred industry, with training stables, breeding farms, retrainers, race clubs, veterinary hospitals, and other equine organisations opening their doors to showcase the care, dedication, and expertise involved in every stage of a horse’s life.
The expanded program will run from Friday 20 to Monday 30 November 2026. Hosting enables the industry to be transparent and share their work and passion with people beyond our sport. It provides the chance to witness firsthand how the industry operates day-to-day, ask questions and touch a horse - opportunities people may never have had previously.
Hosts can choose to open their doors to the general public, local schools and universities, aged care or community groups, with numbers capped at their preference. Events can be held at any time during the 10-day period.
In 2025, hosted events included stable and facility tours, morning trackwork, farrier and dentistry demonstrations, industry information sessions, afternoon feed runs, and raceday activities.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) was one of the many industry sponsors and supporters of the 2025 pilot program.
“Following the success of the inaugural National Thoroughbred Week across Australia and New Zealand, we’re incredibly excited to see the initiative return in 2026 and continue building stronger connections between the public and our industry,” said NZTR’s Head of Thoroughbred Welfare, Catlyn Calder.
“The response to the pilot event showed there is genuine public interest in understanding more about our Thoroughbreds and the people behind them. We saw communities engage with the industry in a positive and meaningful way, and that’s something we want to continue growing in 2026.”
Godolphin were another supporter of the pilot, opening the gates to their Victorian and New South Wales farms.
“We were delighted Godolphin hosted an event at Woodlands, there was great attendance,” said Godolphin’s John Sunderland.
“We had various areas showing what we do on the stud farm, from mares and foals, to some retired stallions and some retired Off The Track horses too. Lifetime Care is an important part of what we all do in the Thoroughbred industry, and at Godolphin we take that very seriously.”
Trainer Brad Widdup hosted a morning event to highlight trackwork at Hawkesbury and how the stable routine works.
“Anytime we can publicise the stable is great,” said Brad.
“We had a morning event, from seven until ten. That way people got to see a little bit of what happens in the stables. It was a basic morning of work to show off the running of the stables and I’m positive towards it - the week will gain a fair bit of traction.”
Those interested in hosting an event, volunteering at a national, state, or local level, or sponsoring the program can register at thoroughbredweek.co.nz or directly with the NZTR National Thoroughbred Week team at NTW@nztr.co.nz
Operating as a not-for-profit organisation led by a team of volunteers, National Thoroughbred Week stems from Together for Racing International and continues to be inspired by international initiatives such as Britain’s National Racehorse Week and New Zealand’s Open Farms Day, with a shared goal of increasing transparency, education, and connection between the Thoroughbred industry and the wider community.
To stay up to date, follow National Thoroughbred Week on social media at @nationaltbweek
QUOTES FROM HOSTS AND SPONSORS
“National Thoroughbred Week was an absolutely amazing morning, and it was great to see people from all different walks of life and age groups attend our morning at Rosehill. We were able to explain what goes on at the track, how the horses go through their paces, and how we monitor their work. We also had displays from the farrier, our feed, and a few horses to meet. There was a lot of excitement, and I think people walked away feeling quite amazed at what it takes to have and run a racing stable. I'm sure by word-of-mouth and media support, National Thoroughbred Week will go on to bigger and better things, and we’re looking forward to 2026 when it comes around.” - Darren Beadman, Assistant Trainer, Chris Waller Racing.
"Yulong’s experience with National Thoroughbred Week was very positive. Everyone who attended had genuine enthusiasm and was very interested in learning more about the industry. It was an enjoyable two days for everyone involved, and we’d certainly get involved in future events.” - Claudia McDougall, Marketing Manager, Yulong Stud.
“We had 1089 people. It was absolutely massive, absolutely insane. We thought how good would it be if we could get to 400. It was a great event which gave people an opportunity to see what these horses go through to prepare for their life after racing.” - Jade Willis, JW Equestrian.
“We had 120 people in total on track, which was great. People were able to walk on the course proper back to our stables and see what a day in the life at the stables looks like. It was great to see lots of families there, parents with young kids, and kids got to pat horses. It was a really successful day.” - Mike Callinan, Liam Howley Racing.
QUOTES FROM ATTENDEES
“We loved every moment; it was beyond what we expected as riders ourselves. The hosts were amazing, and it was inspiring on all levels for both my daughter and me.” - Attendee at Jamieson Park, New Zealand.
“Whilst the scale and cost of infrastructure was vastly different at the two stables I visited, what impressed me the most was the thing they had in common that being outstanding horse people whose passion for and care of the thoroughbreds in their care was amazing.” - Attendee, Ciaron Maher Racing Bong Bong & Jack Pilkington Hawkesbury, NSW.
“It was a great experience with fabulous hosts & gorgeous venue.” - Attendee at Little Avondale Stud, New Zealand.
“The team at Silverdale hosted an amazing day, very impressed! The stud manager had amazing knowledge of all the horses on the property.” - Attendee at Silverdale Farm, NSW.