New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), in consultation with the Racing Integrity Board (RIB), has made updates to the Trainers Service Centre to simplify the nomination process for horses.

Default Gear for First Starters
From now on, any horse nominated for a race or trial without any declared gear will automatically be issued with:

• Approved Plates
• Lugging Bit

This ensures that first starters at trials or races can be nominated quickly and without unnecessary delay. You can make any additional or alternative gear declarations before the nomination is submitted like you usually would.

Gear Not Requiring Stewards’ Approval
The following items no longer require Stewards’ approval and can be declared freely:

• Approved Plates
• Lugging Bit
• Standard Bit

What do trainers need to do?
Nothing changes for horses that already have gear declared — that gear will remain. These updates are designed to save time for trainers, streamline the nomination process, and reduce unnecessary workload for both the NRB and Stewards.

If you have any questions about these changes, please contact NZTR.