National Thoroughbred Week opens bookings for more than 100 free events
Bookings have opened for the second National Thoroughbred Week, with more than 100 free behind-the-scenes events scheduled at stables, stud farms, spelling properties, veterinary and equine therapy clinics and racecourses across Australia and New Zealand from November 20–30.
Organisers said the inaugural week in 2025 drew more than 5000 attendees. This year’s programme includes tours of stables and studs, early-morning trackwork, veterinary, equine therapy and retraining demonstrations, open racedays and educational sessions that follow the thoroughbred from birth to life after racing.
Events will run in every state and territory, with regional hubs including the Southern Highlands, Hunter Valley and Goulburn Valley. Entry is free but requires online registration, and places at individual venues are limited.
Hosts include Chris Waller Racing, Ciaron Maher Racing, Coolmore Australia, Godolphin, Yulong Stud, Newgate Farm, Rosemont Stud, OTI Racing, Living Legends, Avenel Equine Hospital, Scone Equine Hospital, Racing Victoria and the Victoria Racing Club.
In New Zealand, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s published programme covers Auckland, Waikato, the Central Districts and the South Island. It includes Cambridge Stud tours, Counties Cup Day at Pukekohe Park on November 21, a family festival in Cambridge on November 22 and a Cambridge Equine Hospital tour on November 25. Some dates are yet to be confirmed.
Separately, Sportsbet will invest $1 million in equine welfare initiatives during the week through its Every Horse Counts campaign. The money will go to retraining, rehabilitation and rehoming, and to helping horses move into second careers.
