New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has announced the establishment of a dedicated Industry Investment Fund, a strategic initiative designed to support the long-term financial sustainability of the Thoroughbred racing industry in New Zealand.

The Fund has been launched with $10 million in seed funding, representing a contingency reserve that remains accessible to NZTR if required. This initial capital provides a strong foundation for the Fund to begin operating and building confidence across the industry as a prudent and forward-looking investment strategy.

“This is a significant milestone for the industry,” said Russell Warwick, NZTR Chair.

“The Industry Investment Fund is about future-proofing racing in New Zealand and is a proactive step to ensure we have a sustainable and diversified financial base for generations to come.”

To ensure both security and growth, the Fund has been diversified across multiple investment accounts and providers. This approach balances the need for long-term returns with preservation of capital, aiming to outperform traditional term deposit returns over time. Term deposit rates continue to track down with the lowering of the Official Cash Rate which is expected to reach 2.75% by the end of the year.  

As the Fund grows, NZTR expects to build on the capital sum from any proceeds realised from the venue consolidation process which is a key part of industry strategy. These additional contributions will help reduce the industry’s reliance on wagering revenue and establish a robust alternative income stream.

The Fund’s performance and investment mix will be closely monitored by the NZTR Audit & Risk Committee, with regular reviews to ensure alignment with industry needs and financial best practices.

“The Fund gives us an opportunity to build sustainable revenue streams and allows our existing capital to work for the industry,” Warwick added.

“It’s not just an investment of capital; it’s an investment in the future of New Zealand racing.”