New Zealand has been selected to host the 42nd Asian Racing Conference (ARC), with Auckland set to welcome an estimated 600–800 racing industry leaders, administrators and participants from around the world in 2028.
First held in 1960, the Asian Racing Conference is regarded as one of the Thoroughbred racing industry's premier international events, bringing together key decision-makers and experts to discuss the future of racing, wagering, breeding, equine welfare and industry development.
New Zealand has a proud history with the conference, having previously hosted the event in 1968, 1984 and 2003. The 2028 conference will provide an opportunity to showcase New Zealand racing, hospitality and innovation to a global audience while strengthening international relationships across the racing industry.
The conference follows the highly successful 41st Asian Racing Conference in Riyadh in 2026, which attracted delegates from across the world. Auckland's hosting of the 2028 event will build on that momentum while delivering a distinctly New Zealand experience for international visitors.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) accepted the hosting responsibilities on behalf of the New Zealand Thoroughbred industry alongside the Auckland Convention Bureau, the business events division of Tataki Auckland Unlimited, with both organisations partnering to plan, deliver and promote the conference internationally.
The conference will be held at the International Convention Centre in the SkyCity precinct in central Auckland, with a programme designed to showcase both Thoroughbred racing in New Zealand and Auckland hospitality.
Racing Minister Winston Peters says New Zealand will welcome racing leaders from across Asia and beyond to Auckland.
“Bringing the Asian Racing Conference to Auckland in 2028 is an important opportunity for New Zealand to showcase a Thoroughbred industry that continues to perform strongly on the international stage, while also highlighting the innovation, capability and modern direction of our racing sector.
“We are proud of the numerous high-impact, positive changes this government has introduced to the New Zealand racing industry, strengthening both its financial base and long-term sustainability and hosting this major gathering is further evidence of the industry’s significant economic potential,” Mr Peters said.
Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chair of the Asian Racing Federation and Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said the hosting of the 42nd ARC in New Zealand signals the next chapter for the ARC and looks ahead to a strong programme and delegate experience in Auckland in 2028.
“The Asian Racing Conference plays a vital role in bringing global leaders and stakeholders together to collaborate for the continued advancement of our sport, and I am delighted that the next edition will be hosted in New Zealand.
“With its strong racing and breeding heritage, integrity framework and forward-looking vision, New Zealand will provide an excellent setting for meaningful dialogue on the key challenges and opportunities facing us. I thank New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing for its dedication to hosting the conference and look forward to welcoming the global racing community to Auckland in 2028,” Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges said.
NZTR Chief Executive Officer Matt Ballesty said securing the conference was significant, with the event set to place the country’s Thoroughbred industry on an international stage.
“Hosting ARC 2028 is a major opportunity to showcase the strength of New Zealand Thoroughbred racing and breeding, and to deepen relationships with key racing jurisdictions across Asia and beyond.
“We are grateful to the Asian Racing Federation for the opportunity to bring this important event to New Zealand,” Mr Ballesty said.
“ARC 2028 will be a chance to welcome global leaders of the sport to Auckland and show what New Zealand racing does best, with Champions Day at Ellerslie as the centrepiece, delegates can enjoy outstanding hospitality alongside our premier raceday,” Mr Ballesty said.
The 2028 ARC programme is planned to run Tuesday 7 to Sunday 12 March 2028. It will conclude with Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s Champions Day meeting at Ellerslie Racecourse on Saturday 11 March, giving international delegates the opportunity to experience New Zealand’s premier raceday as a feature event. Optional stud farm tours are proposed for Sunday 12 March for delegates wishing to further explore New Zealand’s leading Thoroughbred nurseries.
Ken Pereira, Head of Business Events at Tataki Auckland Unlimited, says securing the conference reflects the region’s growing appeal on the global stage.
“Securing the ARC for 2028 is a significant win for Tamaki Makaurau Auckland. The event will bring hundreds of international delegates to the city and provide an opportunity to showcase Auckland's capability as a host destination for major international conferences. It will also give delegates the opportunity to experience Auckland’s renowned hospitality and explore the unique mix of natural landscapes, urban attractions and cultural experiences that our region has to offer.
"Working alongside New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and the Asian Racing Federation, we look forward to welcoming delegates and delivering a high-quality business event experience," Pereira said.
NZTR’s proposal positions ARC 2028 as a chance to showcase a Thoroughbred industry that continues to perform strongly on the international stage, while highlighting the modern direction of the sport, including a stronger focus on welfare, integrity, innovation and fan engagement.
The Thoroughbred industry is a significant contributor to New Zealand’s economy and communities, generating NZD $968.4 million in direct expenditure annually, supporting more than 9,400 full-time equivalent jobs, and involving nearly 25,000 people through employment, participation and volunteering.
NZTR and Auckland Convention Bureau will now work with the Asian Racing Federation and industry stakeholders to confirm key milestones and deliverables over the coming months, including programme development, event partners, and delegate experiences across racing, breeding, hospitality and culture.
