Thoroughbred racing in New Zealand has completed the 2025/26 season with growth in participation, domestic wagering and customer numbers, alongside nearly $102 million in funded prizemoney distributed.
Across the season, 306 race meetings were held, and 2,508 races were run, eight more meetings and 40 more races than in 2024/25.
A total of 4,481 individual thoroughbreds competed during the season, an increase of 91 on the previous year. Together, they generated 26,031 starts.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Chief Executive Matt Ballesty said the results reflected the contribution of participants, clubs and industry partners across the country.
“More horses participated, more races were run and domestic wagering performance strengthened during the season,” Ballesty said.
“These results give thoroughbred racing in New Zealand a solid platform to build from. They also reflect the considerable commitment of owners, trainers, jockeys, breeders, stable staff, volunteers and clubs throughout the country.”
Funded prizemoney reached $101.93 million, up $2.10 million on the 2024/25 season. A further $2.86m was paid in bonuses to stakeholders across the season.
Domestic wagering on New Zealand thoroughbred racing delivered strong growth during the season. New Zealand customers wagered $510.76 million, an increase of $35.47 million, or 7.5 percent, on 2024/25.
Gross betting revenue generated from that wagering increased by $7.92 million, or 9.4 percent, to $91.93 million. The stronger growth in gross betting revenue compared with turnover shows an improved margin against last season and resulted in the value generated from domestic wagering increasing faster than the total amount wagered.
“These are strong results for thoroughbred racing. More customers were wagering on our racing, the total amount wagered increased and thoroughbred racing grew its share of the domestic racing market,” Ballesty said.
“The growth in gross betting revenue is particularly important because it supports the funding available to the wider racing industry and, ultimately, the returns delivered to participants.”
The number of active New Zealand thoroughbred racing wagering customers across the season reached 218,656, an increase of 29,837, or 15.8 percent, on 2024/25.
“This customer growth is encouraging and shows the opportunity to bring more New Zealanders closer to racing, whether they are attending, participating, owning or engaging through wagering,” Ballesty said.
“Our focus is on converting that interest into sustained engagement and ensuring thoroughbred racing continues to deliver compelling experiences for customers and meaningful returns for participants.”
While the overall results were positive, Ballesty said there remained areas requiring attention.
The season included 396 races with fewer than eight starters, 44 more than in 2024/25. Racefields export income was also lower, currently down 6.4 percent on 2024/25 to the end of June, with July returns still yet to be received.
“Average field size remained steady at 10.38 and was ahead of budget, but the increase in races with fewer than eight starters shows that field composition remains a challenge,” Ballesty said.
“We also saw a clear difference between strong domestic wagering performance and softer export income. We will continue working with industry stakeholders to address these pressures while building on the areas showing positive momentum."
