New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s 2023 Thoroughbred Welfare Forum took place at Cambridge Stud last week, an event well attended by different racing industry sectors, government representatives, partnering organisations, researchers and the wider equine community at large.

The Forum was validated by New Zealand’s Minister for Racing, Kieran McAnulty, who in a pre-recorded opening address commended NZTR’s Thoroughbred Welfare Strategy and the importance of the Forum itself.

Once underway, the day’s activities included thought-provoking sessions provided by keynote speakers. The speakers in attendance were Doctor Helen Beattie, a veterinarian and the Managing Director of Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa, Professor Natalie Waran, an internationally recognised equine behaviour and welfare scientist, Doctor Matthew Stone, a veterinary epidemiologist and experienced leader in New Zealand government and international organisations recently appointed as Chair of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, Professor Chris Rogers, programme leader for the equine programme and head of the pre-clinical groups in the School of Veterinary Science at Massey University, and Doctor Sarah Rosanowski, an internationally respected epidemiologist.

NZTR was pleased with the calibre of speakers who provided plenty of insight and knowledge from which the industry benefited, with cooperative discussions held and collaborative ideas shared in the positive Forum.

Head of Thoroughbred Welfare and Sustainability, Justine Sclater, commented on key learnings from the event.

“A key theme throughout the 2023 Thoroughbred Welfare Forum was around the racing industry’s focus on ’Social Licence to Operate’, which is an integral part of NZTR’s welfare strategy.”

“Going forward, we will be looking at how we can help our participants meet welfare expectations in order to maintain a positive perception of racing and ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry.

“The connections and involvement with the wider equestrian and equine community at the Forum was invaluable.

“We recognise the importance in the Thoroughbred welfare sector of not just learning from experts, but also holding such forums where we gain a greater understanding of various perspectives and thereby testing our own perceptions. 

“We will look to hold this event again in 2024, while also finding new ways of engaging with a wider audience of industry participants,” she said.