New Zealand is set to open its stable doors this November with the launch of the inaugural National Thoroughbred Week—a five-day initiative aimed at giving the public an inside look at the care, passion, and people behind the country’s thoroughbred racing industry.
Running from November 20–24, racing stables, stud farms, and aftercare facilities across New Zealand will welcome visitors for a hands-on experience—offering everything from observing morning trackwork to learning about equine welfare and life after racing.
The initiative comes at a time of growing public interest in animal welfare and industry transparency. By offering direct access to the inner workings of the sport, organisers hope to foster trust and understanding, helping Kiwis form informed views about the industry.
Aligned with Together for Racing International, the event takes inspiration from the UK’s successful National Racehorse Week and is tailored specifically for New Zealand’s racing landscape.
The week coincides with our friends across the Tasman, who will also host National Thoroughbred Week, in an initiative designed to bring the public closer to the thoroughbred racing industry through real, hands-on experiences.
Justine Sclater, Head of Welfare and Sustainability at New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, has seen first-hand the concept successfully executed at New Zealand’s Open Farms week.
“It was so uplifting and rewarding to have conversations with visitors and see them leave with an insight into the dedicated care our thoroughbreds receive,” Sclater said.
“I'd really like to encourage anyone with the capacity to take part in National Thoroughbred Week to support the concept and we're here to make sure the process is as easy and stress free as possible.”
Sclater highlights the event’s potential to unite the racing community on a national and Trans-Tasman scale.
“National Thoroughbred Week is about unity. This is an opportunity for the entire industry across two countries - trainers, breeders, owners, aftercare facilities, and community groups - to come together and showcase the true heart of racing.
“From trainers to breeding operations, everyone has a role to play. Whether it’s a local country stable or a major stud farm, we want every part of the industry involved. This is about full participation, and we’re here to bring it all together.”
Vicky Leonard, the driving force behind the initiative, believes it is a critical evolution for the next step in improving the industry’s perception.
Leonard heads Kick Up, which provides a balanced view to false claims that have been made about horseracing.
“Kick Up has been focused on tackling perception challenges online and through education, but change marketing also needs real-world action,” Leonard said.
“National Thoroughbred Week is the next step - opening stable doors, creating hands-on moments, and showing people the reality of racing, up close and personal.
“Trust is built through experience and when an industry isn’t open people believe it has something to hide. We’re giving people a direct and special experience.”
More information can be found at thoroughbredweek.co.nz