National Thoroughbred Week extended to 10 days

National Thoroughbred Week will return in 2026 with an expanded 10‑day program across Australia and New Zealand, following a successful inaugural edition that drew more than 5,000 public attendees.

The event will run from Friday, November 20 to Monday, November 30, doubling in length from the five‑day 2025 pilot and providing two full weekends of activities.

Organisers said the extended format would improve public access while giving participating hosts greater flexibility.

National Thoroughbred Week offers behind‑the‑scenes access to the Thoroughbred industry, with training stables, breeding farms, retrainers, race clubs, veterinary hospitals and equine organisations opening their doors to the public to showcase horse welfare, care and industry expertise.

The 2025 pilot delivered 84 events across Australia and New Zealand, supported by more than 100 hosts and partners. Organisers reported strong attendance, high satisfaction levels and extensive cross‑industry collaboration.

Project manager Tai Ryan said the response confirmed demand for greater transparency and engagement beyond race day.

“The pilot showed there is strong public interest in understanding how the industry operates and how much care goes into horses at every stage of their lives,” Ryan said.

To support the program’s next phase of growth, organisers will introduce a national committee and a local hub structure in 2026.

The national committee will oversee strategy, operations, marketing, communications and volunteer coordination, while local hubs will manage delivery and promotion at a regional level.

Organisers are calling for volunteers to help shape the 2026 program, including national leads across education, media and public relations, sponsorship and grants, as well as state‑based and local coordinators.