As Champions Day approaches and the racing world gets set to celebrate one of the biggest days on the calendar, OnTrack is preparing to showcase their programme on the big stage.

Designed by the kiwi racing industry, for the kiwi racing industry, OnTrack isn’t just about mental health, it’s about strengthening the racing community to look out for one another, and building a culture where support is always available.

The OnTrack programme has three stages that help people build confidence and skills. On March 8, OnTrack will be at Ellerslie for Champions Day, celebrating the people who’ve become OnTrack Champions.

“Our Champions are making a real difference by being there for their peers, so it’s the perfect day to recognise the impact they’re having in their racing community,” OnTrack Head of Operations and Engagement Andy Cowan said.

“Our programme is about empowering our racing community, and our Champions play a key role in that. They’re just like everyone else in the industry but have picked up a few extra skills to help out when it’s needed.”

OnTrack’s network of over 70 Champions is growing and spans every part of the racing industry. They’re not counsellors or experts, they’re people who live and breathe racing, just like everyone else on track.

“That’s what makes them so relatable and approachable. The difference is they’ve learned how to listen, how to spot when someone’s struggling, and how to offer a bit of support,” says Cowan.

OnTrack Champions are supported by the OnTrack team, who you are likely to meet alongside everyone else on track.

“We want people in racing to know who we are, where to find us, and that it’s okay to reach out, or just have a yarn,” Andy explains.

OnTrack will be at Ellerslie Champions Day with a free barbecue and plenty of opportunities to chat about what they do. It’s a chance to swing by, grab a bite, and get to know them.

“We meet people where they are, on race days. It’s the best place to connect, listen, and explain what we’re all about,” Andy says.

The OnTrack programme has three levels of training.

OnTrack to Action and OnTrack Yacks raise awareness of the challenges and strengths found in our racing community. They break down the stigma, and show you how easy it is to have open chats when you are struggling.

The OnTrack Champion programme empowers everyday people within the racing community to look out for each other without needing to be experts or professionals. It gives them the confidence to notice when someone might be struggling and the skills to reach out and offer support in a genuine, caring way. Champions are role models who encourage open conversations about wellbeing and help build a positive environment where looking out for each other is just part of the culture.

Through a FREE one-day training, Champions learn how to have supportive conversations and listen with empathy. They gain practical skills to recognise when someone may need help and learn how to guide them to the right support services. The training also includes LivingWorks SafeTalk, a leading suicide prevention programme that equips Champions to identify signs of distress, engage in meaningful conversations, and connect their peers to professional help. This approach helps build a network of support within the racing community, ensuring that no one has to face tough times alone.

The final part of the OnTrack programme is OnTrack to ASIST, which provides advanced skills for safely supporting someone at risk of suicide.

Find the OnTrack the team near the stables from 10am, grab a free BBQ sausage, and have a chat. Find out more about their training programmes for small or large groups at ontrack.org.nz.

OnTrack is funded by TAB NZ, Entain, and is supported by NZTR, HRNZ and GRNZ.