Message From NZTR's CEO

Welcome to another edition of The Rundown. There is a lot happening across NZTR and the wider racing industry, and I wanted to take this opportunity to share an update on some of the key areas of work underway. While there are important decisions ahead, our focus remains clear: making thoughtful, long-term choices that support the future of Thoroughbred racing in New Zealand, while continuing to invest in welfare, technology, participation, ownership and breeding.

You may have seen recent commentary in the media regarding the TAB NZ Advisory Committee and its work, following the unexpected release of a draft report.

The Advisory Committee has been established by TAB NZ to consider racing’s long-term sustainability and viability. While there have been high-level discussions with the Committee to date, the NZTR Board only received responses to its requests for further information last week. We are continuing to engage constructively with both the Committee and Harness Racing New Zealand to ensure a coordinated approach across the codes.

It is important that this process allows for full and informed consideration. Reform is necessary, and we support that, but it must be measured and credible, with a clear understanding of impacts across the industry.

Our focus remains on working collaboratively with the Advisory Committee and our industry partners to fully understand the proposals, test the assumptions that sit behind them, and assess what they could mean for the industry over the short and long term, including any potential implications for participants, clubs and stakeholders. NZTR will work constructively with any party committed to addressing long-term sustainability in a way that supports the future of racing.

Our strategic approach remains balanced and considered, with a clear focus on achieving financial sustainability while continuing to invest in initiatives that support participation, ownership, breeding and fan growth journey.

Work continues on Project Stamina, which is looking at the future shape of racing venues and infrastructure across New Zealand. This is a significant, long-term piece of work that will help guide future investment decisions across both codes. As with all major strategic work, it will be considered carefully by the NZTR and HRNZ Boards once complete and shared jointly with the industry at the appropriate time. Alongside this, we are progressing a new Welfare Strategy and development of a digital race resulting application to simplify and modernise raceday processes, updates on both are below.

We acknowledge there is strong interest in the work of the Advisory Committee. While some aspects remain confidential at this stage, we are committed to sharing information as soon as we are able and to provide opportunities for industry input as the process develops. Throughout this process, we will ensure the interests of our participants, clubs, trainers, owners and breeders are strongly represented.

Our priority is always to work alongside our industry partners to ensure the best possible outcomes for racing, now and into the future.

The remarkable winning streak of Ka Ying Rising (NZ) is a great reminder of what the New Zealand breeding and racing system can produce at its best. As a New Zealand-bred competing successfully on the international stage, his performances highlight the strength of our bloodstock, the skill of our breeders, and the global appeal of our horses. Moments like this not only celebrate current success, but also reinforce the long-term opportunity ahead. By continuing to invest in breeding, ownership and pathways into the sport, we can build on this momentum and ensure more New Zealand horses and participants are competing, and winning, on the world stage.

Yours in racing,

Matt Ballesty
Chief Executive Officer 
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing

 

Successful Trials Pave the Way for Racing’s Return to Hawke’s Bay

Last week marked an important milestone in the Hastings track recambering project, with a full set of trials successfully completed.

A total of 11 trials were run on Tuesday 28 April on a Soft 7 track, with the rail positioned out 5 metres. Most importantly, all trials were conducted safely, providing confidence in the progress being made as we work towards a return to racing at the venue.

It was encouraging to see strong alignment from those on course. Senior riders, alongside representatives from NZTR, Hawke’s Bay Racing Inc., the Racing Integrity Board and the New Zealand Racecourse Managers Association, all agreed the track performed as expected and is heading in the right direction. Feedback from riders was positive, with horses travelling well and experiencing consistent footing throughout.

While this represents a significant step forward, we know there is still work to do. Our focus over the coming weeks will be on continuing to build consistency and resilience in the surface as we prepare for a return to racing.

NZTR Head of Tracks and Infrastructure Tim Lambert said the trials provided validation for the work completed to date and the track performed in line with expectations. 

Chief Stipendiary Steward of Thoroughbred Racing, John Oatham, and Senior Stipendiary Steward, Neil Goodwin, also attended the trials and, after inspecting the track and consulting with senior riders, gave it a tick of approval for the official race meeting to go ahead on May 21, 2026. 

The race meeting will be a significant occasion for the region and the industry, marking the return of racing to Hawke’s Bay following an extended period of work on the track.

Racing has long been an important part of the Hawke’s Bay community, and getting back to racing at Hastings will be a welcome milestone for local participants, clubs, and supporters. It represents not just the reopening of a track, but the return of an industry that plays a key role in the region’s identity and economy.

Racing for Remembrance marks ANZAC Day at Te Rapa and Riccarton Park

Two special raceday events at Te Rapa and Riccarton Park last Saturday provided an opportunity for the racing community to pause and reflect, marking ANZAC Day through the Racing for Remembrance initiative.

Across both meetings, one horse in each race carried the Anzac Poppy colours in tribute to those who served and sacrificed. While none of those runners crossed the line first, LOVERACING.NZ will still donate $3,000 to the RSA, with $1,500 contributed per raceday. Both the Canterbury Jockey Club and Waikato Thoroughbred Racing have also confirmed they will each contribute $1,000. 

The initiative was delivered in partnership with Waikato Thoroughbred Racing and the Canterbury Jockey Club, reflecting a shared commitment across the industry to honour the ANZAC legacy and support those who have served.

Funds raised will go directly to the RSA, which has supported New Zealand’s service personnel and their families since 1916. Today, the organisation provides a wide range of assistance, from healthcare and counselling to financial support and community connection, helping veterans and their families navigate life beyond service.

Following the success of this year’s events, there is strong interest in building on Racing for Remembrance in the years ahead, ensuring the racing industry continues to play a meaningful role in recognising and supporting New Zealand’s veterans.

 

Project Stamina - Shaping the Future of Racing 

As you'll be aware, Project Stamina is a joint initiative led by NZTR and Harness Racing New Zealand to develop a long-term, nationwide masterplan for racing and training venues. 

The project is focused on ensuring investment is targeted where it will have the greatest impact; supporting reliable tracks, a consistent racing product, and stronger returns to reinvest back into the industry. Taking a whole-of-industry approach, Project Stamina will help shape a more sustainable and financially resilient future for racing in New Zealand. 

Work is continuing on the strategy alongside both organisations’ Boards, with more detail to be shared with the industry shortly. Read more about Project Stamina here.

 

New Welfare Strategy - Together for the Thoroughbred

The finishing touches are being made to NZTR’s new Thoroughbred Welfare Strategy, which sets a clear, whole of industry approach to achieving the highest standards of care for horses in New Zealand. It brings together existing practices across breeding, racing and life after racing, strengthening them through a more consistent, transparent and evidence based framework. At its core is a shift to a genuinely horse centred system, where welfare and performance are inseparable and every decision is made with the horse’s wellbeing in mind. This is reinforced through the industry narrative, “Together for the Thoroughbred”, emphasising the shared responsibility to deliver the best outcomes for every horse.

General Manager – Welfare and Industry Capability, Sam Fursdon acknowledged the strong foundation already in place across the industry, noting the role participants play every day in delivering good welfare outcomes. “There are many people across the industry who demonstrate genuine care and commitment to their thoroughbreds every day, ensuring they are well cared for, fit and prepared to perform, and responsibly supported beyond racing through rehoming and life after racing,” she said. “This strategy builds on that commitment by providing a clear, consistent framework to support good decision making at every stage of a horse’s life.”

Grounded in the New Zealand developed Five Domains Model, the strategy adopts a science based approach that considers not only physical health and nutrition, but also environment, behaviour and mental wellbeing. It supports consistent, informed decision making across the Thoroughbred lifecycle and introduces a stronger focus on traceability, from breeding through to life after racing. “It is about ensuring welfare is not seen as separate to performance, but as a fundamental part of it,” Sam said.

Overall, the strategy provides a clear framework to strengthen transparency, lift consistency, and build trust and confidence both within the industry and with the public. Together for the Thoroughbred will be released in May 2026.

 

We are pleased to introduce Regional Roundup, a new section 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

• Apprentice jockey Hyeontaek Oh celebrated a milestone maiden win at Matamata on 15 April, marking a significant step in his journey from South Korea to the New Zealand racing scene.
• Mark Walker recorded his 1500th New Zealand training win with Avantaggia, adding another major achievement to his career with Te Akau Racing.
• Kylie Hoskin reached a career highlight when Geneva powered to victory in the Gr.3 Manawatu Classic at Trentham on 28 March, securing her first stakes success.
• Rich Hill Stud enjoyed breeding a landmark Group One double across New Zealand and Australia, highlighted by She’s A Dealer delivering the farm’s first Group One win in Rich Hill colours in the NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes at Trentham on 28 March.

Central

• English jumps jockey Billy Marshall recorded his first win at Hawera last month, dedicating the moment to his late best friend in a tribute that resonated across the industry.
• Five-time champion jumps jockey Shaun Fannin has retired from riding to focus on training, closing the chapter on a distinguished career in the saddle.
• Charlotte Fulford celebrated her first training success when Dancing Fantail broke through at Tauherenikau, a milestone shared with mentor John Kiernan.
• Apprentice jockey Amber Riddell gained valuable experience in Brisbane last month, competing in Australia’s National Apprentice Race Series at Eagle Farm. She went close to victory aboard Berezka and enjoyed the chance to ride trackwork and build connections.

Southern

• Leading South Island jockey Tina Comignaghi brought up her 500th career win at Riccarton Park on 21 March aboard Henry Thomas, trained by Sophie Hargreaves and Naomi Murfitt.
• Brian and Shane Anderton enjoyed a standout Anzac Day at Riccarton Park, winning two of the three stakes races as Inflamed and Bauble delivered feature victories for the White Robe Lodge team.
• We acknowledge Wayne Stevens, who has retired after 22 years as Track Manager at Wingatui Racecourse. Wayne has made a significant contribution to Wingatui over more than two decades, helping develop the venue into a well-regarded racing and training facility.

 

Future Industry Training Survey – Update

Thank you to all trainers who took the time to complete the Future Industry Training Survey. The survey has now closed, with 189 responses received.

There is strong support for an industry-led approach, with a clear preference for training to be delivered by an industry-owned, not-for-profit model focused on sector needs.

Respondents want training that is practical, hands-on, flexible, and delivered by people with genuine industry experience. Workplace-based learning was the top priority, alongside training that fits around work and is accessible across different regions. Written comments highlighted the importance of keeping training simple, practical, affordable, and closely aligned to the day-to-day realities of racing and breeding.

Overall, the survey provided a strong signal that future training should remain grounded in the industry and focused on real workplace needs. The results will play an important role in informing next steps. A further update will be provided once decisions on future delivery are confirmed.

New Race Resulting Application

NZTR is progressing the development of a new application, designed to digitise and simplify the race finishing and resulting process. It introduces a fully integrated digital solution to support and streamline the current race finishing process, providing live data through NZTR’s core system. The application features customised interfaces for key raceday roles, enables provisional results to trigger fixed odds payouts directly into Entain, and gives raceday control full visibility of results and changes. It also captures a complete audit trail and removes reliance on legacy systems such as the Brice Scale application, improving overall efficiency and consistency.

The system has been refined through input from the Racing Integrity Board and Entain, alongside initial on-course testing at the Matamata races. In coming weeks NZTR will host demonstration sessions, followed by further on-course testing, as part of a staged approach toward a full raceday trial, subject to earlier results.

Leadership update - Members’ Council

Geoff Vazey has stepped down as Chair of the NZTR Members’ Council, following a brief tenure in the role, and has also retired from the Council after six years of service. NZTR thanks Geoff for his significant contribution and commitment to the industry. Bernard Hickey has assumed the role of Chair, ensuring continuity of leadership for the Council. A replacement for Geoff will be sought later in the year through the usual nominations process. Read the full update here.

Club re-registration milestone achieved

NZTR acknowledges the achievement of 100% compliance across the re-registration of all racing clubs under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022, with every club meeting the required 5 April deadline. This process required clubs to update their constitutions to align with the new legislative framework. The successful completion of this work across the full club network, from larger city clubs through to smaller, volunteer-led clubs, reflects the care and effort taken to meet the new requirements. NZTR thanks all clubs for their work in achieving this important milestone and their ongoing commitment to strong governance and regulatory compliance.

Fuel relief package now in place

NZTR, with funding support from TAB NZ and in collaboration with Harness Racing New Zealand, has implemented a fuel relief package to help offset rising fuel costs impacting industry participants.

Announced on 11 April, the package applies to eligible thoroughbred and harness race meetings from 1 April to 31 July 2026. It provides targeted support across the industry, including payments to owners, trainers, jockeys and drivers, and clubs, with payments made automatically through existing processes. More information here.