Message From NZTR's CEO
It is a busy time of year for our industry, with plenty happening on the track and important work underway to shape our future. Your involvement matters, whether that is sharing feedback, contributing to discussions or helping introduce new people to our sport.
I enjoyed being hosted by Owners’ Federation President Sally Blyth at a function at Ellerslie on Melbourne Cup Day. Thank you to Sally and the team for their hospitality and the opportunity to spend time with owners, whose enthusiasm and commitment contribute so much to our industry.
Thank you to everyone who has completed our stakeholder survey. We’ve extended the closing date to Wednesday 18 November to give as many people as possible the opportunity to have their say. If you haven’t yet taken part, we’d love to hear what is working, where we can improve and what matters most to you. If you haven’t received a survey link from Kantar, please let us know and we’ll arrange one for you.
Last week, Establishment Board Chair Dean McKenzie met with the NZTR Board to discuss progress on options for the industry’s future governance and operating model. Our NZTR Board is working with the Establishment Board to ensure the thoroughbred industry’s interests are reflected in its work. Any proposed changes will need to be approved by the NZTR Board and NZTR’s members. Club involvement will remain central as this work develops.
We will hear more from Dean at our AGM on Wednesday 25 November at Rydges Wellington Airport. We look forward to spending time with members and invited guests throughout the day. Our morning industry sessions begin at 9.30am, with updates on NZTR initiatives and presentations from the Racing Integrity Board and TAB NZ, followed by lunch. The formal AGM begins at 1pm for those invited to attend that session and will include the Chair’s and Chief Executive’s reports and an Establishment Board update.
We will also provide an update on Project Stamina’s progress and next steps at the AGM. NZTR management is reviewing the proposals received from clubs, and we are working with Harness Racing New Zealand on feedback relating to dual-code venues. Thank you to everyone who has contributed their time, local knowledge and ideas. No final decisions have been made on the proposed venue changes, with final decisions expected early in the new year.
November also brings an opportunity to share what makes our industry special. National Thoroughbred Week runs from 20–30 November, with events happening all around the country. Please get involved, support your local hosts and share the events with friends, family and your wider communities. Inviting someone who has never visited a stud or stable is a simple way to help more people meet our horses and see the care and commitment behind them. You can explore the programme and register at thoroughbredweek.co.nz.
I recognise that this is a period of change, and that uncertainty can be challenging. Different views and robust discussion are valuable, and we all have a responsibility to keep those conversations constructive and treat one another with respect, whether online or in person. That starts with listening and treating others as we would like to be treated ourselves.
We share a desire for a stronger industry, with thriving horses, people and communities. There is plenty to be proud of and much we can achieve by supporting one another and working together. Thank you for the part you play.
Yours in racing,
Matt Ballesty
Chief Executive Officer
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing
Paul Humphries reappointed to NZTR Board
The New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Members’ Council has reappointed Paul Humphries to the NZTR Board for a second term.
Members’ Council Chair Bernard Hickey congratulated Paul on his reappointment and acknowledged his ongoing contribution to thoroughbred racing.
“Paul brings valuable experience and a strong understanding of our industry. We congratulate him on his reappointment and thank him for his continued commitment to NZTR and the people who make up our industry,” Hickey said.
The NZTR Board will comprise six directors, as permitted under its Constitution. No further appointments will be made at this time.
The Members’ Council also acknowledged Russell Warwick as his term on the Board comes to an end, thanking him for his service as a director and former Chair.
“Russell has made a significant contribution to NZTR during his time on the Board. On behalf of the Members’ Council, I thank him for his leadership, dedication and commitment to thoroughbred racing,” Hickey said.
Paul will serve as Chair through to the conclusion of the NZTR AGM on 25 November. In accordance with NZTR’s Constitution, the Board formed following the AGM will appoint its Chair for the year ahead.
Beyond the Track: 808 horses claimed and a guide to responsible rehoming
Beyond the Track has made a strong start since launching on 1 October, with 487 owners claiming 808 off-the-track Thoroughbreds on the platform (at time of writing). Thank you to everyone who has registered their horse, helping strengthen our understanding of Thoroughbreds’ lives after racing.
Alongside connecting horses and owners, Beyond the Track provides practical resources to support responsible care. The Responsible Rehoming: Planning for Life After Racing guide helps owners understand the steps, costs and support involved in transitioning a horse to its next home.
The guide covers preparing your horse for retirement, choosing a suitable rehoming pathway, sharing health and management information, and planning for initial care costs. It also explains the role of NZTR’s Acknowledged Providers and funded aftercare programmes, which complement owners’ responsibility to prepare and provide for their horse’s transition.
Planning early and working with your trainer, racing manager or rehoming provider can help give your Thoroughbred the best opportunity for a successful next chapter.
Read the Responsible Rehoming guide, explore Beyond the Track and share it with others who own or care for Thoroughbreds.
Horse notification requirements: what you need to know
We would like to remind trainers, pre-trainers and accountable persons of their responsibility to notify us about horses in their care.
The horse notification notice explains what must be reported, how to report it and the deadlines that apply. It covers horses spelling, changes of location, retirement, death and retired horses returning to training, and includes specific guidance for pre-trainers.
You can download the Advisory Notice here or on the Rules and Regulations page with all other Rules, Directives and Policies here. Please read the full notice and check that you are meeting your notification requirements. Failure to meet these requirements may result in enforcement action.
Visit the NZTR forms page to access SR35, SR24 and other forms.
Racing update with Mitch Lamb: spring highlights and Cup Week ahead
The culmination of the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival provided a thrilling edition of the G1 Livamol Classic, with the Wexford trained warhorse Waitak defeating the gallant Tuxedo that he had beaten previously in the Howden Mile. Waiktak’s win took his career earnings past $2.3m. The son of Proisir’s record includes a win in the Group 1 Railway plus back to wins in the Howden Mile and Livamol Classic a feat that is testament to training capability of Wexford Stables.
Speaking of warhorses, it was great to see El Vencedor – aka The Big EV - back in the winner's circle on Tuesday at Ellerslie after winning the Group 3 Elsdon Park Balmerino Stakes under a perfect steer from Craig Grylls. We may see him and Waitak renew their rivalry before too long!
Operationally within NZTR, we have multiple racing reviews mapped out across the season. One of those is an internal Jumps Racing review as part of NZTR's commitment to a three season jumps program that has just completed its second season. A full review of Jumps Racing will again occur post the 2027 season, but it is imperative during the three year period that NZTR constantly undertakes an assessment of the trends we see occurring through both a participation and wagering viewpoint and make changes where appropriate NZTR will release communication post the review and ensure industry participants are up to date on the findings and any specific improvements that may be undertaken.
All the best to the Canterbury Jockey Club and every stakeholder heading down to Christchurch for New Zealand Cup Week. It looks set to be another fantastic week and no doubt we will see some superb action on the track - it will be my first NZ Cup Day and am very much looking forward to it. On that note, NZTR management will be out and about at race meetings and track work more than ever before giving the opportunity for stakeholders to discuss, in person, issues they currently have.
Spring performances build interest in The NZB Kiwi
With promising three-year-olds making their mark on both sides of the Tasman, there is plenty to follow as the field for the $4.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) begins to take shape.
At home, Coniston (NZ) (Wootton Bassett) became the first horse to qualify for the 2027 race’s $1 million Bonus Eligible Race Pool with his victory in the Group 2 James & Annie Sarten Memorial at Te Rapa. The Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained colt now has an added incentive should he secure a slot for Ellerslie on Saturday 6 March.
Across the Tasman, a number of NZB Kiwi-eligible horses have put their hands up this spring, including stakes winners Blind Raise (NZ) (Ace High), De Armas (NZ) (Ardrossan), Saintly Dancer (NZ) (St Mark's Basilica), Satono Glow (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) and Warwoven (AUS) (Sword of State), just to name a few. It has been exciting to follow their progress, with plenty of talent emerging for Slot Holders to keep an eye on.
Attention now turns to Canterbury Jockey Club’s New Zealand Cup Meeting, with the Group 1 Barneswood Farm 54th New Zealand 1000 Guineas this Saturday (1600m), 7 November, followed by the Group 1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai 54th New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) on Saturday 14 November.
Both are NZB Kiwi Bonus Eligible races, offering another opportunity to join Coniston in qualifying for the $1 million Bonus Pool. Horses do not need to have secured a slot when they win, but must subsequently finish in the top three in The NZB Kiwi to receive a bonus payment.
With two important weekends ahead, we look forward to seeing which horses put themselves in the frame as the countdown to Saturday 6 March 2027 continues.
View the full Bonus Eligible race schedule here.
Coniston (NZ) and Justin Case (NZ) running in the Group 2 James & Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images)
Regional Roundup, celebrating standout moments and stories from across the country since our last edition. From milestone achievements to breakthrough wins, these highlights reflect the depth of talent and the strength of our racing community nationwide. If you have a story or highlight to share, feel free to send it through to the editor for a future edition.
Northern
- Congratulations on 100 career wins for apprentice jockey Hayley Hassman. Hayley brought up the milestone aboard White Palace for trainer Lisa Young at Ashburton last Friday.
Hayley and White Palace. Photo credit: Race Images South
Central
- Tisse secured his first stakes victory in the Group 3 Gee & Hickton Thompson Handicap at Trentham on 25 October, giving New Plymouth trainer Allan Sharrock and owners the Crow Family Trust plenty to celebrate. A patient Kelly Myers ride saw the gelding surge through late to beat The Scunner by a short neck. Read more here.
Southern
- Canterbury Jockey Club celebrated the opening of Riccarton Park’s new Pavilion on 16 October, with the project delivered ahead of schedule and within budget. Built on the site of the former Grand National Stand, the facility welcomed the Canterbury Hockey Awards as its first event. Read the club’s announcement.
- Chris Johnson will be honoured with a new race bearing his name at Riccarton’s New Zealand Cup Meeting. Announced in October, the $100,000 Chris Johnson Three-year-old Sprinters Challenge will run over 1200m on 11 November, recognising the Canterbury jockey’s outstanding contribution to racing. Read about the new race.
- Congratulations to Yogesh Atchamah, who brought up his 100th career win aboard the Len and Lacy Stewart-trained Peachy Keen in the McCrea Painters & Decorators Ashburton Cup on 10 October. A memorable way to reach a special milestone!
2026 LOVERACING.NZ Pony Scurry series
The 2026 LOVERACING.NZ Pony Scurry Series wrapped up with an exciting final at Hastings on Livamol Classic Day, rounding out a season involving 98 young riders. Alongside the fun and competition, the series introduces young equestrians to careers in racing. Our junior stars have been bringing their A-game all season long, with Ella Johnston (16) and her pony, Piaccos Return, coming out on top to take home the 14–16YO age group trophy for sponsor NZTR. Meanwhile, Cruze Du Plessis (13) and his pony, Rainbow Princess, claimed the 10–13YO age group trophy for sponsor Westbury Stud. A big congratulations to all the riders and ponies on a fantastic season! Read the full story.
Ella Johnston and Piaccos Return (L) and Cruze Du Plessis and Rainbow Princess (R). Photo Credit: Peter Rubery - Race Images.
Behind the scenes with Nayton Mitchell
Christchurch trainer Nayton Mitchell brings a varied approach to preparing his horses, drawing on his showjumping background with arena schooling and rides through the forest. After finishing runner-up in the Newcomer to Training Award two years running, Nayton has his sights set on the title this season, with a promising team in work. Watch below as LOVERACING takes us behind the scenes at Nayton Mitchell Racing.
Owners’ Service Centre Update
The Owners’ Service Centre is live and is being used by a pilot user group who interact regularly with the NZTR Registrations team.
We are using this period to iron out any issues in the platform with a view to releasing the platform for general use very shortly.
To help with the onboarding process, and to help you to familiarise yourself with the new platform, we’ve produced some handy user guides and training collateral which you’ll be able to find on our website shortly.
We’ll be in touch soon and will provide more information as we move towards a full public release of the Owners’ Service Centre.
2027 jockey apprenticeships: expressions of interest open
Aspiring jockeys and trainers interested in supporting a new apprentice are encouraged to register their interest in NZTR’s 2027 Elite Jockey Programme. The programme combines practical riding experience with coaching and structured learning. Expressions of interest close on 30 November 2026, allowing time for probation, riding assessments and development ahead of licensing.
Read more and find out how to get involved.
Off-the-track Thoroughbred sponsorship applications
Round 2 off-the-track Thoroughbred Sponsorship Applications close this Sunday 8 November! If you're planning an event between 1 February 2027 and 31 July 2027, now is the time to submit your application for NZTR's off-the-track Thoroughbred Sponsorship Programme. As part of our commitment to creating equal opportunities for off-the-Track Thoroughbreds, all sponsorship requests are now managed through our online application process.
Whether you've partnered with us before or you're applying for the first time, we'd love to hear from you! Apply now
Know someone who would thrive in racing?
Looking for a new role, or know someone who is? The LOVERACING.NZ Careers website has a wide range of jobs on offer, from stable staff and trackwork riders to track management, transport and content creation.
Whether you’re ready for your next step or exploring where your skills could take you, have a look and share the opportunities with friends and family. Employers can also advertise vacancies through the site.
Explore the latest racing jobs or list a job vacancy.
Win Your Dream Raceday
NZTR launched Win Your Dream Raceday through LOVERACING.NZ in October to attract new fans to racing and give Clubs across the country a way to keep them involved. The campaign brings four feature racedays together under one national promotion. Fans choose where they’d like to go, and clubs learn who’s keen to visit from further afield and who has picked them as their home Club.
Entrants design their own day at the races, choosing a hospitality spot and four VIP experiences, from watching the field load at the starting gates to visiting the commentary box. Each host Club helps deliver an all-expenses-paid day for one winner and three mates. Our first winner heads to Riccarton Park for NZ 1000 Guineas Day this Saturday, 7 November.
More than 10,700 people have entered so far, with 54% choosing a raceday outside their home region. After each draw, host Clubs receive the entrant details relevant to them, giving them a chance to invite those fans to future meetings. The campaign is also helping NZTR understand the appetite for Thoroughbred ownership. So far, 43% of entrants have said they’re interested in owning a Thoroughbred or would consider it, giving the industry a clearer picture of who might welcome a first conversation about ownership.
There’s still time to enter for the remaining three racedays.
- SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Cup Day at Te Rapa – entries close Sunday 22 November.
- TAB Karaka Millions at Ellerslie – entries close at noon on Monday 14 December.
- Wellington Cup Day at Trentham – entries close at noon on Monday 14 December.
We’d love Clubs and industry participants to share the competition with their communities, particularly with people who have yet to experience a day at the races.
Enter here: win.loveracing.nz
Key Industry Dates and Deadlines
Upcoming dates, deadlines and reminders relevant to Clubs, trainers, license holders and industry participants
- National Thoroughbred Week, 20 – 30 November 2026
- 2026 Mare Return and Live Foal Notification must be completed by 28 February 2027
- Maiden Mares covered for the first time in 2026 must be registered as a broodmare, even if she does not get in foal, by 31 July 2027
