Each year, the Australasian spring carnivals in Melbourne, Sydney and New Zealand, particularly the global spectacle that is the Melbourne Cup, bring forward anti-racing activists, scrutiny and misconception more than any other period on the calendar.
The heightened public interest brings forward questions about welfare in our breeding system, racehorses competing on the track and life after racing, and now, those seeking answers have the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes view of a thoroughbred’s life and career.
“The week is strategically placed around Melbourne Cup, and even our New Zealand Cup Week, as this is when racing is put under a microscope,” New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s Head of Welfare Catlyn Calder said.
“As a whole, the idea behind National Thoroughbred Week, is to invite those that have no knowledge of racing whatsoever to get behind the scenes, seeing the care that is taken and showcase how seriously the industry takes the welfare of our horses.”
Following suit from Vicky Leonard’s Kick Up for Racing organisation in Australia, New Zealand have more than 20 facilities opening their doors to the public, with the Kiwi-based project led by Calder.
“The idea stemmed from the UK’s National Racehorse Week, as well as Open Farms here in New Zealand, which both Cambridge Stud and Byerley Park participated in last year,” Calder said.
“Vicky Leonard and her team at Kick Up in Australia have created something special that I believe everyone associated with racing should get involved with. NZTR has taken the opportunity to sponsor the initiative and there has been a tremendous amount of work from some passionate volunteers to get it off the ground.”
From major stud operations, to trainers, clubs and aftercare facilities, each venue will offer a unique insight across the country.
“We have been really impressed with feedback from trainers, clubs, and studs and their eagerness to be involved. It’s a busy time of year for everyone but this is so important to the sustainability of our industry, and we are grateful for those who have put their hand up.” Calder said.
Not only is the week a great opportunity to showcase our trainers and breeders but also offers educational opportunities for families who could one day become participants and enthusiasts.
“The events are designed to be family friendly. For those horse-mad kids NZTR will have its premier racehorse simulator available, along with the opportunity to meet foals and off the track thoroughbreds thriving in their new careers.”
National Thoroughbred Week ambassador, Gracie Hitchcock, with her family at Trelawney Stud. Photo credit: Cooper Foreman
“Each event is designed and managed by the individual stud or stable, so they will all have their unique vantage point.”
Calder encourages industry participants to play their role, if not having an event, then bringing along five ‘non-racing’ people as a part of the ‘Five Mates Challenge’. It is targeted towards those who only know racing from television, social media or what they’ve heard from the outside, without having a real look in.
“This time of year, there is ample misinformation being spread online about racing. The only way to combat this is to educate and be as open and transparent as possible,” Calder said. “Each host has the ability to tell their own story and may even convert a few to ownership or a career in racing, if done well.”
While host registrations are now closed for this year’s event, those interested can still get involved as volunteers or share with a friend who may be curious about racing.
Find an event at thoroughbredweek.co.nz or email Catlyn Calder at Catlyn.Calder@nztr.co.nz for more information.