FAQs

About Beyond the Track

What is Beyond the Track?

It brings together practical information, education, events, rehoming resources and support to help Thoroughbreds and their owners navigate life beyond the racetrack.

The platform is designed for everyone involved in a Thoroughbred’s life after racing, from racing owners and trainers planning for retirement through to experienced equestrians and people welcoming their first off-the-track Thoroughbred.

Who is Beyond the Track for?

Beyond the Track is for anyone involved with a Thoroughbred before, during or after its transition from racing.

That includes racing owners and trainers, breeders, retrainers and rehomers, current Thoroughbred owners, prospective owners and members of the wider equestrian community.

Do I need to own an off-the-track Thoroughbred to join?

No. You can explore Beyond the Track resources, events and information without owning a Thoroughbred.

If you do own a retired Thoroughbred, claiming your horse allows you to connect yourself with that horse and access additional benefits available to the Beyond the Track community.

Claiming your Thoroughbred & traceability

What does it mean to claim my Thoroughbred?

Claiming your Thoroughbred links you as the horse’s current owner within Beyond the Track. It helps improve the traceability of New Zealand Thoroughbreds after they leave racing and allows NZTR to better understand where horses are and how they are progressing through life after racing.

It also gives owners access to relevant Beyond the Track benefits, opportunities and partner offers.

Why is traceability important?

Our responsibility to Thoroughbreds does not end when their racing career does.

Better traceability helps build a clearer picture of where Thoroughbreds go after racing, supports responsible ownership and enables NZTR to develop programmes, resources and initiatives based on what horses and their owners actually need.

By claiming your horse and keeping its details up to date, you are contributing to better outcomes for the wider Thoroughbred population.

I don’t know my horse’s race name. Can I still find them?

Yes. If you don’t know your Thoroughbred’s racing name, there are other ways to help identify them.

Your horse’s microchip number is usually the best place to start. Other information such as brands, age, breeding, previous owners or trainers, and where the horse came from may also help establish their identity.

If you are still unable to identify your horse, get in touch with the Beyond the Track team and we can help you work through the information you have available.

Retiring & rehoming a Thoroughbred

When should I start planning for my horse’s future?

Ideally, from the beginning of ownership. Retirement may feel a long way away, but circumstances can change quickly through injury, performance or simply reaching the natural end of a racing career. Having a plan before you need one gives you more choices and avoids rushed decisions. Your trainer, racing manager or syndicator should also be part of these conversations.

Isn’t organising retirement usually my trainer or syndicator’s responsibility?

Your trainer, racing manager or syndicator may manage much of the process on your behalf, and many do an excellent job.

However, owners should still understand what the plan is and remain involved in decisions about their horse’s future. If you are part of a syndicate, ask what arrangements are in place for horses when they finish racing and whether provision for aftercare is included in your ownership costs. Responsible ownership includes what happens beyond racing.

How much should I budget?

Every horse and situation is different, but as a general guide owners should consider having an aftercare provision of around $3,000–$5,000 per horse available for transition from racing or breeding.

This is not a fee and does not mean every horse will cost $3,000–$5,000 to transition. Some horses may require considerably less, while horses needing rehabilitation, extended spelling or specialist retraining may cost more.

The important thing is to plan ahead rather than face an unexpected cost when your horse is ready to retire.

What might my transition budget need to cover?

Depending on your horse, costs could include:

• veterinary or transition assessment;
• spelling and let-down time;
• transport;
• farrier, dental and routine health care;
• rehabilitation;
• professional retraining and rehoming; or
• where appropriate, humane euthanasia and cremation.

A horse that is sound, well prepared and has a suitable home waiting may require relatively little expenditure. Others may need considerably more support before they are ready for their next chapter.

How can I make provision while my horse is racing?

One option is to set aside a small amount as part of the ongoing cost of ownership. For example, $100 per month set aside for three years would create a $3,600 aftercare provision.

Syndicators and racing managers may also choose to incorporate an aftercare provision into their ownership model so owners know from the outset that there is a plan and funding available when their horse finishes racing.

Why should the owner pay when the racing industry has a 1% welfare contribution?

The industry’s welfare contribution supports a broad range of Thoroughbred welfare initiatives, including targeted programmes and a safety net for horses with genuine welfare or more complex needs. It is not intended to replace normal owner responsibility for transitioning every horse from racing or breeding. Planning and providing for your own horse’s future helps ensure industry funding can be directed where it is most needed.

Can I just give my horse to an Acknowledged Provider?

Retrainers and rehomers play an important role in creating successful futures for Thoroughbreds, but taking on a horse also means taking on costs.

Where possible, horses should be appropriately prepared and come with financial support for any spelling, rehabilitation, veterinary care or retraining required.

Passing ownership on should not simply mean passing the cost and responsibility on too.

How do I know when my horse is ready to transition?

Every horse is different. Consider its physical health, soundness, temperament, behaviour, previous injuries and likely suitability for another purpose. Some horses may benefit from a period of spelling or rehabilitation before retraining begins.

The Beyond the Track Transition Assessment can help support good decision-making about the most appropriate next step for your horse.

What if my horse isn’t suitable for rehoming?

Not every horse will be suitable for another ridden or companion home, and responsible ownership does not mean rehoming at all costs.

Where a horse has significant physical, behavioural or welfare concerns, humane euthanasia may be the most responsible option.

Making a good end-of-life decision at the right time is also part of responsible ownership.

What information do I need to give NZTR?

Please keep your horse’s information up to date and tell us when your horse:

• retires from racing or breeding;
• changes ownership or location; or
• dies.

Good traceability helps us understand where Thoroughbreds go after racing and demonstrate the positive outcomes being achieved across the industry.

What should I ask before joining a syndicate or buying a racehorse?

It is completely reasonable to ask:

“What is the plan for this horse when its racing career ends?”

You might also ask who will manage the transition, how owners will be involved in decisions and whether an aftercare provision is included in the ownership model.

At the significant cost of owning and racing a Thoroughbred, owners should be able to have confidence that planning for the horse’s future is part of the journey.

The key message - Plan early. Ask questions. Make provision. Stay involved.

Responsible ownership doesn’t finish at the horse’s last race. By planning ahead and working with your trainer, syndicator or racing manager, you can help give your Thoroughbred the best possible opportunity for a safe and successful next chapter.

Riding & competing an OTT

How do I know if my horse is eligible for Beyond the Track-sponsored classes and awards?

To be eligible for awards and prizes provided through Beyond the Track, your horse must first be claimed on the Beyond the Track website. Your horse must be a registered Thoroughbred listed in a Thoroughbred Stud Book in New Zealand, Australia or another international jurisdiction. Individual events may also have their own eligibility or entry requirements, so we recommend checking the event details before entering.

I don’t know my horse’s race name or microchip number. How can I identify them?

If you don’t know your horse’s racing name, microchip number or other identification details, the Beyond the Track team can help. Complete our TB Identification Form and we’ll help you discover more about your horse’s identity. For more information, visit Discover Your Horse’s Story.

Where can I find upcoming events sponsored by Beyond the Track?

All events currently supported by Beyond the Track are listed on the Events page.

You can browse events by discipline using the tabs at the top of the page, making it easy to find events relevant to you and your OTTB.

How do I enter an OTTB class or event supported by Beyond the Track?

First, make sure you have claimed your horse on the Beyond the Track website and that they meet the eligibility requirements for the class or event. You can then find supported events under the Events tab on the homepage. Use the discipline tabs to find the type of event you’re interested in.

Each event has its own information page, including details on the supported OTTB classes and how to enter. Where available, use the ‘Register Interest’ button to let the event organiser know you’re interested in participating.

Please note that registering your interest through Beyond the Track does not replace the event organiser’s official entry process unless specifically stated.

Equestrian event organisers

How do I apply for Beyond the Track to sponsor our event?

Beyond the Track sponsorship applications are open twice a year and are submitted through our online application portal.

You can find more about the application process under the Events dropdown on the Beyond the Track website.

Can my event be supported by Beyond the Track?

We support a range of equestrian events that provide opportunities for Off The Track Thoroughbreds to compete. To be considered for support, your event should have OTTBs competing and provide opportunities to promote and celebrate their participation. Event organisers are also expected to support the partnership by providing results, photos and promotional content, as well as managing the sponsored classes and prizes on the day.

All applications are assessed as part of our sponsorship process, and submitting an application does not guarantee funding or support.

How can I promote my OTTB event?

Beyond the Track will list supported events on our Events page and can use information you provide to help promote the event through our social media channels.

Event organisers are also expected to promote their own event through their usual channels, including highlighting the Beyond the Track support and the OTTB classes or opportunities available. The more information you can provide, including event details, photos, entry information and promotional content, the more we can help share your event with the OTT community.

Beyond the Track sponsorship applications

How is sponsorship support determined?

Beyond the Track sponsorship is assessed based on a range of factors, with the aim of supporting opportunities for Off the Track Thoroughbreds to showcase their versatility across different disciplines.

When considering applications, we may look at:

• The discipline and type of event
• The number of OTTBs expected to participate
• The opportunities the event provides for OTTBs to compete and be recognised
• The reach and visibility of the event, including opportunities to showcase OTTBs to a wider audience
• The potential benefit to OTTBs and their owners/riders
• How the event helps demonstrate the versatility and capabilities of Thoroughbreds beyond racing
• The promotional opportunities available through the event and its organisers

All sponsorship decisions are made at the discretion of NZTR and are subject to the number and nature of applications received and the sponsorship budget available each season.

Meeting the above considerations does not guarantee sponsorship, and the level or type of support offered may vary between events.

How will I know if my application has been successful?

When applications close, they will be reviewed by the Beyond the Track team in order of event. If you have provided all the required information, please expect a reply with 14 working days.

Can I apply if my event has never had OTTBs competing before?

Of course, we always welcome new events, classes, and disciplines. The main prerequisite is that there must be thoroughbreds competing for us to consider sponsoring your event.

Welfare & support

Where can I find welfare information?

Beyond the Track has practical resources to help you care for your Thoroughbred throughout life after racing, including information on health and care, transition, responsible ownership, rehoming, retirement and end-of-life planning.

For information about NZTR's wider approach to Thoroughbred welfare, visit the NZTR Welfare section of the NZTR website

Where can I get help if I'm struggling to care for my OTTB?

If you're finding it difficult to meet your Thoroughbred's needs, seek help early.

Depending on your circumstances, support may be available through your veterinarian, an NZTR Acknowledged Provider or one of NZTR's aftercare and welfare support programmes.

Contact the Beyond the Track team at Info@beyondthetrack.co.nz and we can help you understand the options available.

Who can I contact for welfare support?

For advice about your own Thoroughbred and the support that may be available, contact the Beyond the Track team at Info@beyondthetrack.co.nz.

If you have immediate concerns about a horse's health or wellbeing, contact your veterinarian.

For emergency help please check out or Emergency Help page.

What should I do if I can no longer keep my horse?

Start planning as early as possible. Avoid giving your horse away quickly or sending them to an unsuitable home simply because your circumstances have changed.

Consider whether the horse is suitable for rehoming, whether they require rehabilitation or additional support, or whether a companion or retirement home may be more appropriate. An NZTR Acknowledged Provider may also be able to assist with assessment, retraining or rehoming.

The priority should always be finding a safe and sustainable outcome that meets the individual horse's needs.

Where can I find information about responsible rehoming?

Our Responsible Rehoming Guide explains what to consider before rehoming your Thoroughbred, including assessing suitability, preparing your horse, choosing the right home and providing important information to the new owner.

You can also find NZTR Acknowledged Providers through Beyond the Track.

What should I do in an emergency?

Refer to Beyond the Track's Emergency Help page. 

Who should I contact if I have concerns about a Thoroughbred's welfare?

If the horse is currently with a licensed person or involved in racing:

Contact the Racing Integrity Board (RIB). This includes horses currently under the care or control of a licensed racing participant.

If the horse is owned or cared for by someone outside the racing industry:

Contact you local SPCA  centre or the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) at 0800 00 83 33 if you have concerns about the horse's welfare.

Beyond the Track / NZTR

Is Beyond the Track an NZTR programme?

Yes. Beyond the Track is an initiative of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), created to support Thoroughbreds and the people who care for them throughout life after racing.

Supported by the industry through the 1% welfare levy, It brings together practical resources, education, events, Acknowledged Providers and information about the support available to Thoroughbreds transitioning from racing.

How is Beyond the Track funded?

Beyond the Track is supported by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing as part of its commitment to Thoroughbred welfare and life after racing.

This includes investment made through NZTR's broader welfare activities and the Thoroughbred industry through the 1% welfare levy.

What does the Thoroughbred Welfare Levy support?

The 1% Thoroughbred Welfare Levy contributes to initiatives that support Thoroughbred welfare across the racing industry and throughout life after racing.

This includes areas such as research, education, welfare programmes, traceability, aftercare initiatives, Acknowledged Providers and projects designed to improve welfare outcomes for Thoroughbreds.

Does Beyond the Track replace NZTR's existing welfare programmes?

No. Beyond the Track brings information about life after racing together in one place and provides an easier way for owners and the wider Thoroughbred community to access resources, programmes and support.

NZTR's welfare and aftercare programmes continue to operate alongside Beyond the Track, with the platform helping connect people with the services and information most relevant to their ho

Where can I find NZTR welfare information?

Information about NZTR's wider welfare work, policies, research and Thoroughbred Welfare Strategy is available in the welfare section of NZTR.co.nz.

For practical information specifically about owning and caring for a Thoroughbred after racing, you can continue exploring Beyond the Track.

Where can I find information about Thoroughbred registration?

Information about Thoroughbred registration, ownership, naming, identification and stud book requirements is available through New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing.

For registration or ownership enquiries, visit the NZTR website.

Resources & support