The NZTR Board would like to communicate the outcome of a recent review of the current New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards’ categories and eligibility criteria.

The objective of the review was to determine whether the current categories and eligibility criteria for the Awards are still fit for purpose given recent changes in New Zealand’s racing landscape.

“NZTR is aware the industry is in a phase of change and the racing landscape is evolving.” NZTR CEO Bruce Sharrock said.

“Entain’s investment into stakes will attract more international interest in racing in New Zealand and has led us to review our current structure that best captures the motivation for NZ Horse of the Year recognition.”

Under the current eligibility criteria for the Awards, a horse must have been trained by a New Zealand-licensed trainer for the season and either have been stabled in New Zealand with the trainer at any time in the season or raced in New Zealand at least once in the season to be eligible for an Award.  Under these rules, horses trained overseas that race successfully in New Zealand are excluded from being eligible for any of the Horse of the Year Awards.

To attract greater international participation in our racing and enhance our racing’s international relevance and reputation, NZTR is of the view that overseas trained horses that race successfully in New Zealand should be eligible to receive a Horse of the Year Award.

Historically, New Zealand trained horses such as Sunline, Veandercross and Bonecrusher have been crowned Australian Horse of the Year. Therefore, it seems appropriate Australian-trained horses should also be eligible to for our Horse of the Year Awards based on their performances in New Zealand.

In addition, NZTR is of the view that New Zealand horses that race out of a New Zealand-licensed trainer’s satellite stable in Australia should also be eligible for an Award in New Zealand provided there is an appropriate connection with the New Zealand stable.

Approved changes

Following the completion of the review, NZTR has made the following changes to the Horse of the Year Awards’ categories and eligibility criteria with effect from 1 August 2024.

• A horse trained by a licenced New Zealand trainer will be eligible for a Horse of the Year Award if it races at least once in New Zealand in the relevant season or, if it does not race in New Zealand in that season, it was stabled in New Zealand at the start of the season (i.e., as at 1 August) and returns to New Zealand by the end of the season (i.e., by July 31).
• A horse trained overseas will become eligible for the HOTY Award at the time they race in New Zealand, but will only be assessed on their New Zealand performances in the season.
• Other aspects of the Awards which were reviewed were the changing ownership landscape and whether recognition under the Awards for different ownership models may be appropriate. Following the review, NZTR is of the view that the current model for Owner of the Year Award is working effectively, using a calculation of percentage owned and points accumulated by the owner’s runners through the season, and therefore does not need to be changed.
• Finally, NZTR has determined that the Voting Panel structure will be reviewed ahead of voting for the 2024/25 season.