Photo supplied by NZTR

From Whangarei to Christchurch, this November, New Zealand’s Thoroughbred industry is opening its gates. National Thoroughbred Week, running from 20–24 November 2025, will give Kiwis a chance to step inside the world of the Thoroughbred, offering behind-the-scenes access to training stables, breeding farms, and aftercare facilities across the country.

It’s the first time open-gate experiences have been coordinated across both New Zealand and Australia, with over 70 venues already confirmed – 17 in New Zealand alone – and more to come.  Whether you’ve followed the Melbourne Cup on TV, been to your local raceday, or never set foot on a horse farm, this is your invitation to meet the Thoroughbreds behind the headlines, and the people who care for them.

Photo supplied by NZTR

Kiwis opening their gates

New Zealand has stepped up in a big way for the inaugural National Thoroughbred Week. Proudly embracing the opportunity to open farm gates and stable doors, the week will showcase the depth and passion that define its Thoroughbred industry, from iconic studs and powerhouse training centres to family-run farms and aftercare specialists.

Hosts in Cambridge and Matamata, the country’s largest training and breeding hubs, ensure the Waikato is a hive of activity. A strong showing includes breeding operations like Cambridge Stud, Elsdon Park, and Rich Hill Stud, as well as top trainers and boutique private yards.

Just up the road in Karaka, historic Haunui Farm will also open to the public, offering insights into one of the most enduring family-run farms in the country, while Byerley Park, a state-of-the-art training centre and jockey academy, offers a close-up look at professional horse development.

In the lower North Island and South Island, stud farms, retrainers, race clubs, and emerging stables will give visitors a full view of life after racing.

Scott Calder, Sales and Nominations Manager at Cambridge Stud, says most people have no idea how much care goes into raising racehorses until they see it for themselves.

“People are genuinely surprised by how well these horses live – the facilities, the attention, the round-the- clock care. There’s this idea that everything happens behind closed gates, but when people visit, they see the reality for themselves.”

“I’d love to see plenty of new faces, young and old, come through during National Thoroughbred Week. For anyone who loves horses, it’s a chance to see just how many different career paths exist with hands-on work, vet-science, management, marketing, and so much more.”

“If you’ve never been on a stud farm or inside a racing stable before, come and see what it’s really like. There’s nothing quite like watching a young foal gallop through green grass, it’s magic.”

Photo supplied by NZTR

The first week of its kind

 Inspired by successful models like National Racehorse Week (UK) and Open Farms (NZ), this is the first coordinated week of open-gate events for the Thoroughbred industry across both New Zealand and Australia.

Whether it’s a metro training stable, a rural stud, or a retraining centre for retired racehorses, each venue will offer free access to see, touch, and learn about these extraordinary animals.  Visitors can ask questions, meet the horses, and see exactly how Thoroughbreds are cared for across all stages of life, not just race day but afterwards as well.

A national map of participating hosts is live at: www.thoroughbredweek.co.nz

Each participating venue will offer its own curated experience, from guided tours to hands-on demonstrations, providing a unique glimpse into the daily life of the Thoroughbred.

While all events are free to attend, spaces are limited and bookings are essential to secure your spot, so don’t miss the chance to step behind the gates and experience the world of the Thoroughbred up close.

Northland

  • Michelle Bradley Racing – Based at Ruakaka Beach, this northern stable brings a close-up look at racehorse training by the sea.

Auckland

  • Byerley Park – A purpose-built training and education hub just outside Karaka, home to trainers and equestrian professionals and the NZ Equine Academy. Participating on-site trainers include Kylie Hoskin of Pinnacle Racing, Donna Logan, Barbara Kennedy, Danny Walker and Arron Tata of Brookby
  • Haunui Farm – A cornerstone of New Zealand breeding, with a proud reputation for stallion standing and high-quality bloodstock.

Waikato

  • Ballymore Racing – The Matamata base of Group 1 trainer Pam Gerard, giving a behind-the-scenes look at life on a working racing stable.
  • Cambridge Stud – One of New Zealand’s most iconic farms, home to leading stallions and an extraordinary legacy of breeding excellence.
  • Club Med Lodge – Family-run equestrian property in Taupiri, opening its doors to share the joy of Thoroughbreds after racing.
  • Elsdon Park – A rising star in Matamata’s breeding scene with a strong focus on quality and horsemanship.
  • Matamata Racing Club – The heart of training in the Waikato, offering a guided look into New Zealand’s busiest training centre.
  • Monacurragh Lodge – Trainer Lauren Brennan’s boutique training operation in Cambridge.
  • Trelawney Stud – Historic boutique farm producing top-class racehorses, proudly showcasing its world-class facilities.

Central Districts

  • InToWin Open Day – The Barns – An ownership syndicator offering a unique day for new fans to meet racehorses and experience the buzz of ownership. Trainers include Singapore’s champion trainer Stephen Gray, Roydon Bergerson, Peter & Trent Didham, Mike Breslin, Lisa Latta and Matthew Eales
  • Little Avondale Stud – Home of Per Incanto and one of New Zealand’s most historic and successful commercial studs, based in Masterton.
  • Makohau Stables – Niall Quinn – Set on rolling hills outside Turakina, this stable blends horsemanship and passion in a boutique environment.

Canterbury

  • Champagne Racing – Located at Riccarton Park, this team is known for its love of Thoroughbreds and dedication to their welfare and performance.
  • Kezia Murphy Racing – A rising female trainer in Christchurch, opening her stable for fans to learn more about racing life in the South Island.

Other

  • New Zealand Horse Ambulance Trust will be participating in several host events, giving visitors the chance to step inside a purpose-built horse ambulance, equipped with support and recovery equipment to assist in the provision of critical care to horses injured while competing in equine
  • The NZTR Premier Racehorse Simulator will be available at events across the North Island, giving attendees the chance to experience what it’s like to ride like a top The mobile unit is used to educate and inspire new talent to join the racing industry and features a racehorse simulator that replicates the thrill of race riding.

For more see www.thoroughbredweek.co.nz.

(supplied)