A considerable body of work in the welfare area comes to fruition on 1 September 2020 with the introduction of new rules regarding traceability at both ends of the spectrum.

NZTR’s focus on ensuring comprehensive traceability of the racing and breeding thoroughbred population has involved extensive consultation with industry sector groups.  This sustained commitment from NZTR, and industry participants has led to the development of these new rules around foal notification and those concerning death or retirement from racing and breeding.

The 30-day foal notification requires NZTR to be advised of a foal’s existence within 30 days of its birth.  This can be undertaken through the Breeders’ Centre online and there is no fee attached.  At the time the Mare Return is filed (prior to 28 February) the foal is registered, and the fee is paid.

The introduction of the 30-day foal notification was supported by the NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association and addresses the previous window of up to six months between foaling and registration.

From 1 September all horses will be required to have an Accountable Person – an owner, racing manager, trainer or studmaster.  That person will become responsible for informing NZTR of the death or retirement from racing or breeding of the horse/s under their care.   In the case of retirement and rehoming they must also ensure the horse goes to someone with appropriate horse knowledge and they must also provide NZTR with the contact details of the new owner.

This information can be shared with NZTR via an SR24 form which is available on the website here, or in the case of a trainer or racing manager being the Accountable person, can be completed online through the Members’ Service Centre.  There is no charge for the completion of the SR24.

NZTR has been undertaking work around retirement, following up with the registered owners of those horses presently listed as “inactive” on our website.  There have been some fantastic stories of retired racehorses going to have second and even third careers as sport horses, or even those who have become much loved paddock ornaments.  We look forward to sharing these stories and welcome your personal contributions.

While it is well-known within the industry that our horses are well cared for in their retirement, recording this information allows us to better document where our retirees end up once their racing days are over.

Check out our traceability video here.