New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has released key metrics from its racing season that has seen wagering, prizemoney and horses competing all rise.
The NZTR figures, which show a number of key metrics grew in 2025/26, comes as the industry seeks greater financial security.
The figures come as New Zealand racing grapples with significant questions over its long-term future, including financial sustainability, operating deficits and calls for some tracks to close.
In data released on Monday, the NZTR’s figures show:
- It provided $101.93m in funded prizemoney, up $2.104m
- $510.76m in domestic turnover, up $35.47m or 7.5%
- $2.86m in bonuses were paid out this season
- Held 306 race meetings, eight more than in 2024/25
- 2,508 races were run, 40 more than 2024/25
- 26,031 total starts, 420 more than 2024/25
- 4,481 individual starters, up 91 on 2024/25
- 10.38 average field size ahead of budget and level with last season
- 218,656 active customers, up 29,837 or 15.8%
- $91.93m in domestic gross betting revenue, up $7.92m or 9.4%
NZTR CEO Matt Ballesty described the results as a ‘’solid platform to build from’’.
“More horses participated, more races were run and domestic wagering performance strengthened during the season,” Ballesty said.
“These results give thoroughbred racing in New Zealand a solid platform to build from. They also reflect the considerable commitment of owners, trainers, jockeys, breeders, stable staff, volunteers and clubs throughout the country.”
Funded prizemoney reached $101.93 million, up $2.10 million on the 2024/25 season. A further $2.86m was paid in bonuses to stakeholders across the season.
Domestic wagering on New Zealand thoroughbred racing delivered strong growth during the season. New Zealand customers wagered $510.76 million, an increase of $35.47 million, or 7.5 percent, on 2024/25.
According to NZTR, the ‘’stronger growth in gross betting revenue compared with turnover shows an improved margin against last season and resulted in the value generated from domestic wagering increasing faster than the total amount wagered’’.
Ballesty also pointed to growth in the sport’s customer base, with 218,656 local punters placing a bet across the season, up 15.8% year-on-year.
“These are strong results for thoroughbred racing. More customers were wagering on our racing, the total amount wagered increased and thoroughbred racing grew its share of the domestic racing market,” Ballesty said.
“The growth in gross betting revenue is particularly important because it supports the funding available to the wider racing industry and, ultimately, the returns delivered to participants.
“This customer growth is encouraging and shows the opportunity to bring more New Zealanders closer to racing, whether they are attending, participating, owning or engaging through wagering.
“Our focus is on converting that interest into sustained engagement and ensuring thoroughbred racing continues to deliver compelling experiences for customers and meaningful returns for participants.”
Ballesty said NZTR had work to do increasing field sizes, with 396 races attracting fewer than eight starters, 44 more than in 2024/25. Field sizes are a key driver of wagering turnover.
Race Fields export income was also lower, currently down 6.4 percent, with July figures still to be incorporated, according to NZTR.
“Average field size remained steady at 10.38 and was ahead of budget, but the increase in races with fewer than eight starters shows that field composition remains a challenge,” Ballesty said.
“We also saw a clear difference between strong domestic wagering performance and softer export income. We will continue working with industry stakeholders to address these pressures while building on the areas showing positive momentum.”
