Domestic wagering strengthened, says Ballesty
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has reported increased participation, domestic wagering and customer numbers for the 2025/26 season, with $101.93 million in funded prizemoney distributed, up $2.10 million on the previous season.
A total of 306 race meetings and 2,508 races were held, while 4,481 individual thoroughbreds made 26,031 starts, increases of eight meetings, 40 races, 91 horses and 420 starts respectively.
NZTR chief executive Matt Ballesty said the results reflected the contribution of participants, clubs and industry partners across the country.
“More horses participated, more races were run and domestic wagering performance strengthened during the season,” Ballesty said.
Domestic wagering turnover rose $35.47 million, or 7.5 percent, to $510.76 million, while gross betting revenue increased $7.92 million, or 9.4 percent, to $91.93 million, with thoroughbred racing’s share of the domestic racing market rising 1.7 percentage points to 60.9 percent.
The number of active New Zealand thoroughbred racing wagering customers increased by 29,837, or 15.8 percent, to 218,656, while a further $2.86 million was paid in bonuses during the season.
However, 396 races had fewer than eight starters, 44 more than in 2024/25, while racefields export income was down 6.4 percent to the end of June, with July returns yet to be received.
