Auckland secures 2028 Asian Racing Conference

Auckland will host the 42nd Asian Racing Conference from March 7 to 12, 2028, with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing expecting between 600 and 800 delegates from across the global racing industry.

The conference will be staged at the International Convention Centre in the SkyCity precinct. Its racing programme will culminate in Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s Champions Day at Ellerslie on Saturday, March 11, before proposed stud farm tours on Sunday.

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) accepted the hosting responsibilities on behalf of the domestic industry in partnership with Auckland Convention Bureau, the business events division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.

First held in 1960, the Asian Racing Conference brings together international decision-makers to address racing, wagering, breeding, equine welfare and industry development. The Auckland event will be the fourth hosted by New Zealand and the first since 2003.

The announcement follows the 41st conference in Riyadh in 2026, where the Asian Racing Federation formally transferred hosting responsibilities to NZTR.

NZTR chief executive Matt Ballesty said the event would promote New Zealand’s breeding and racing sectors while strengthening international relationships.

“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,” Ballesty said.

The programme includes Champions Day at Ellerslie, giving delegates access to one of the country’s premier meetings. Its 2026 edition featured Group 1 racing and the $4 million NZB Kiwi.

NZTR said the programme would also present the industry’s work in welfare, integrity, innovation and fan engagement. It estimates New Zealand’s Thoroughbred sector generates NZD $968.4 million in direct expenditure each year and supports more than 9,400 full-time equivalent jobs.