Commonwealth Games
League
Rugby
Football
Cricket
Golf
Sport Nation
Racing
Motorsport
Netball
Combat Sports
Basketball
Other Sports
Project Stamina sets a clear path for the future of NZ racing infrastructure
Sport Nation • July 28th, 2026 12:13 pm
Ellerslie racecourse | Photo: Nicole Troost
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) and TAB NZ have released Project Stamina, a long-term roadmap aimed at creating a modern and sustainable racing and training venue network for New Zealand racing.
Released today, Tuesday 28 July, Project Stamina combines an independently developed, evidence-based National Masterplan, prepared by consultancy RCP, with One Equine View, the shared position adopted by NZTR and HRNZ on how the recommendations should be implemented across both codes.
Funded by TAB NZ on behalf of the two racing codes, the National Masterplan follows an extensive independent review of New Zealand’s racing and training venue network and represents the first truly cross-code infrastructure strategy for the industry.
The project is designed to provide a coordinated approach to future investment and infrastructure planning, with the aim of aligning racing and training infrastructure with where horses, participants and racing activity are concentrated today.
Over time, New Zealand’s racing footprint has changed, while participant numbers, horse populations and industry economics have also shifted. As a result, the industry now has more venues than can be sustainably supported, with capital and operating expenditure spread too thinly across the country.
Project Stamina recommends focusing investment on fewer, higher-quality facilities that can support the long-term future of racing, while also recognising the importance of racing quality and performance.
More than 50 workshops and meetings were held with clubs, participant groups and industry organisations throughout New Zealand as part of the independent review, with feedback helping shape the final recommendations.
The Masterplan also drew on more than a decade of previous industry reviews and strategic work, including the recommendations of the Messara Report.
NZTR Chair Russell Warwick said the release of Project Stamina was a significant milestone for the industry.
"This is about ensuring New Zealand racing has the infrastructure it needs to thrive for decades to come.
"Project Stamina provides a clear, evidence-based roadmap that puts the long-term interests of the industry first, while keeping the welfare of the horse at the centre of the network.
"Doing nothing is not an option. Our infrastructure must reflect today's racing landscape and be capable of supporting future growth. This plan gives us the opportunity to invest where it will deliver the greatest long-term benefit for participants, horses and the wider industry."
In his last race day start, The Lazarus Effect won at Addington on New Zealand Cup Day, 2024 | Photo: Race Images
HRNZ Chair Grant Jarrold said the collaboration between the two codes was a key feature of the project.
"NZTR and HRNZ have worked collaboratively together through this significant body of work with Project Stamina, with each code contributing their specific perspectives to the development of One Equine View.
"While each code has its own operational needs, we recognise that many venues and investment decisions are interconnected.
"This is not simply another review. It provides a unified direction that links strategy, investment and implementation, giving the industry greater certainty about the future."
The recommendations focus on creating a venue network that delivers reliable racing and training surfaces, stronger wagering performance, sustainable revenue and high-quality facilities for horses and participants.
As part of the next phase, NZTR and HRNZ will develop a minimum standards framework for community venues to ensure retained venues provide safe, fit-for-purpose facilities while remaining financially sustainable.
NZTR and HRNZ acknowledged that some recommendations will have significant implications for clubs and communities, but said the code views had been informed by extensive industry engagement, independent analysis and a focus on the long-term sustainability of the sport.
The release of Project Stamina marks the beginning of the next phase of engagement, detailed assessment and implementation planning. The recommendations do not, by themselves, constitute final decisions to cease racing at a venue, close a facility or dispose of a property.
Meetings will now be held with clubs directly affected by proposed venue changes, giving them the opportunity to discuss the recommendations, consider local circumstances and provide feedback before the project moves to implementation.
Implementation is expected to occur over a number of years and will be supported by detailed business cases, investment planning and continued engagement with clubs, participants and stakeholders.
The two codes are encouraging industry participants to read the full Project Stamina report before drawing conclusions, with supporting resources including a video and frequently asked questions also made available.
Project Stamina provides a long-term roadmap to ensure New Zealand racing has the infrastructure, investment focus and industry alignment needed to build a stronger and more financially sustainable future.
