New Zealand’s industry-funded 1% Thoroughbred Welfare Levy invested $1.095 million in Thoroughbred welfare during the 2025/26 season, supporting racing safety, retraining and rehoming, and opportunities for Thoroughbreds after racing.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s (NZTR) General Manager Welfare and Industry Capability Sam Fursdon said the report demonstrated how industry contributions translated into practical support for Thoroughbreds.
“The Welfare Levy helps fund care for Thoroughbreds before, during and after racing. This includes emergency response at racedays, professional support as horses transition from racing, and assistance when welfare concerns arise,” Fursdon said.
“Reporting on this investment gives participants a clear view of where their contributions go and the work they support. Our focus is on continuing to improve the outcomes for horses throughout their lives.”
Racing safety and research received $357,556, the largest share of annual expenditure. This included $269,490 for NZ Horse Ambulance Trust services and $71,621 for research to improve understanding of the factors influencing catastrophic injuries and inform racing, training and veterinary practices.
A further $321,507 was invested in retraining and rehoming, including support for NZTR’s network of nine Acknowledged Retrainers and 185 Leg Up Grants to help meet the needs of horses transitioning from racing.
Across the season, retraining and rehoming programmes supported 260 horses, with 239 successfully rehomed.
“Professional retraining is an important part of helping a Thoroughbred move into a suitable home and a new role after racing,” Fursdon said.
“Supporting owners beyond that initial transition also matters. Access to lessons, events and practical guidance helps people build successful partnerships with their horses and creates more opportunities for Thoroughbreds outside racing.”
Investment in promoting Thoroughbred versatility and incentivising the leisure and equestrian sectors to take on Thoroughbreds after racing totalled $267,844. Funding supported equestrian events, sponsorships, clinics and lessons, polo, and non-athletic opportunities including Riding for the Disabled.
Six clinics were held and attracted 153 individual horse and rider combinations.
Direct welfare support and intervention received $98,582, supporting 24 horses across seven welfare cases and enabling NZTR to work alongside organisations including MPI, the SPCA and the Racing Integrity Board.
Education, engagement and traceability received $49,285. During the final quarter, this included purchasing microchip scanners for distribution across the industry alongside the ID My Thoroughbred application, helping make horse identification more accessible.
Future investment will be guided by NZTR’s 2026–2030 Thoroughbred Welfare Strategy, Together for the Thoroughbred. Priorities include safer racing and training, stronger post-racing traceability, evolving aftercare programmes, and improved access to welfare information through Beyond the Track.
The full report is attached or download it here.
