Following a successful inaugural year, National Thoroughbred Week will return in 2026 with an expanded 10-day program across Australia and New Zealand, running from Friday 20 November to Monday 30 November.
The 2026 program will expand from five days to ten days, giving the public two full weekends to attend events and giving hosts greater flexibility in how they take part.
National Thoroughbred Week invites the public behind the scenes of the Thoroughbred industry, with training stables, breeding farms, retrainers, race clubs, veterinary hospitals and other equine organisations opening their doors to showcase the care, dedication and expertise involved in every stage of a horse’s life.
The 2025 pilot attracted more than 5,000 attendees across Australia and New Zealand, with 84 events delivered by over 100 hosts and partners. Audience engagement exceeded expectations, with strong attendance, high satisfaction rates and widespread industry collaboration.
“2025 proved there is a real appetite for this kind of transparent industry access that shows the magic happening behind the scenes,” said Tai Ryan, returning NTW Project Manager.
“We had families, students, racing fans and people completely new to the industry walking through farms, stables and equine facilities, meeting the horses and seeing their level of care.
“The next step is to build on that momentum and create a structure that allows National Thoroughbred Week to grow in a sustainable way, while keeping the same grassroots spirit that made the pilot so special.”
In 2026, NTW will introduce a national committee and local hub structure to support the program’s next stage of growth.
The national committee will help guide the overall direction of the event and provide support across the areas that make the week possible, including operations, marketing, communications, volunteer coordination and host support.
Local hubs will then bring the program to life in each region. Where a local area has two or more participating events, a hub subcommittee will connect hosts, share resources, promote the week locally, coordinate volunteers and create a stronger visitor experience across that area.
“National Thoroughbred Week is an international event, but it works best when it is delivered locally,” Ryan said.
“Every region has its own people, horses, stories and strengths. Local hubs will help bring those stories together and make it easier for hosts, volunteers and communities to get involved.
“Personal connections are what make these events work. When local people bring their networks, knowledge and passion together, the whole community benefits.
“We are now looking for people who want to help. Whether you have experience in sponsorship, media, education, funding, event coordination, community engagement or simply know your local racing community well, there is a role to play.”
Planning is underway, with organisers calling for volunteers to help shape the next stage of the event’s growth.
At a national level, NTW is seeking pillar leads in four key areas:
- Education
- Media & PR
- Sponsorship
- Grants
NTW is also seeking state-based leaders to help coordinate activity in each state and New Zealand, as well as local hub members who can help bring events to life in their own areas.
National Thoroughbred Week stems from Together for Racing International and continues to be inspired by international initiatives such as Britain’s National Racehorse Week and New Zealand’s Open Farms Day, with a shared goal of increasing transparency, education and connection between the Thoroughbred industry and the wider community.
Organisers are also inviting expressions of interest from potential hosts, sponsors and event partners.
Those interested in volunteering as a pillar lead, becoming a state-based leader, joining a local hub, hosting an event or supporting the program can register via the Volunteer Registration Link or email hello@thoroughbredweek.com.au.
Further announcements, including host registrations and event details, will be released in the coming months.
To stay up to date, follow National Thoroughbred Week on social media at @nationaltbweek.
