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The Live Sport Bible is here!New welfare strategy sets clear, whole of life approach for Thoroughbreds
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing • May 8th, 2026 11:30 am
Well Written and Matt Cartwright | Photo: Kenton Wright
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has today released its new Thoroughbred Welfare Strategy, Together for the Thoroughbred, setting a clear, whole of industry approach to delivering high standards of care for horses across their entire lives.
The strategy brings together existing welfare practices across breeding, racing and life after racing into a more consistent, transparent and evidence based system. It marks a shift to a genuinely horse centred approach, where welfare and performance are inseparable and every decision is made with the horse’s wellbeing in mind.
NZTR General Manager Welfare and Industry Capability Sam Fursdon said the strategy builds on the strong foundation already in place across the industry.
“The New Zealand racing industry as a whole already demonstrates a strong commitment to Thoroughbred welfare. There are many people across the industry who show genuine care and dedication to their Thoroughbreds every day, ensuring they are well cared for, fit and prepared to perform, and responsibly supported beyond racing through rehoming and life after racing,” she said.
“This strategy brings that work together into a clear and consistent framework, and reinforces that welfare is a shared responsibility across the industry. It also sets a clear expectation that every Thoroughbred is tracked, cared for, and supported throughout its life and that every decision, from breeding and training through to racing and retirement, is made with the horse’s wellbeing at the centre”
Professor Nat Waran said the strategy was significant not only for the direction it sets, but for the structures being established to support long term accountability and continuous improvement.
“One of the strongest aspects of this strategy is that it goes beyond being simply a written document,” she said. “The establishment of the Thoroughbred Welfare and Ethics Advisory Group demonstrates a clear commitment to embedding welfare expertise, independent advice and ongoing oversight into decision making across the industry.”
“The strategy recognises that good welfare is not static. It requires continuous review, evidence based decision making and a willingness to evolve as knowledge and community expectations change. The combination of clear strategic direction, practical initiatives and independent welfare input provides a strong platform for New Zealand to continue advancing Thoroughbred welfare outcomes.”
Grounded in the New Zealand developed Five Domains Model, the strategy takes a science based approach to welfare, considering not only physical health and nutrition, but also environment, behaviour and mental wellbeing. It introduces a stronger focus on traceability, with improved systems to track horses from birth through racing and beyond, supporting greater visibility and accountability across the Thoroughbred lifecycle.
The strategy outlines a programme of work focused on safer racing and training, stronger retraining and rehoming pathways, responsible breeding and ownership, and improved education and communication across the industry.
Sam said transparency and accountability are central to the strategy.
“This is about being clear on what is expected, supporting participants to deliver good outcomes, and being open about how we are tracking. It strengthens our ability to demonstrate the care and commitment that already exists across the industry.”
“Together for the Thoroughbred” reinforces a unified, industry wide commitment to ensuring every Thoroughbred is well cared for, valued, and supported throughout its life.
The full strategy is available at Together for the Thoroughbred - NZTR
