Supporting traceability and successful transitions through Acknowledged Aftercare Providers

Programme Overview

The Pathways Programme supports the traceability and welfare of retired Thoroughbreds by providing funding to NZTR Acknowledged Aftercare Providers for the timely reporting of eligible horses entering their care and their subsequent outcomes.

The Programme recognises the important role providers play in maintaining accurate records of Thoroughbred movements and outcomes. Complete intake and transition reporting helps NZTR understand post-racing pathways and demonstrate responsible lifetime care for horses bred and raced in New Zealand.

The Programme provides a single payment for each eligible care episode once both the intake and transition reporting requirements have been completed and verified by NZTR.

Programme Objectives

  • Improve the traceability of Thoroughbreds exiting racing.
  • Support NZTR Acknowledged Aftercare Providers to maintain complete and accurate records.
  • Improve NZTR’s understanding of post-racing pathways and outcomes.
  • Strengthen accountability and transparency across the Thoroughbred aftercare network.
  • Support appropriate transitions and positive welfare outcomes for retired Thoroughbreds.

Eligible Horses

To be eligible for the Programme, a horse must:

  • Be an NZTR-recognised Thoroughbred
  • Be formally retired from racing through the SR24 process no more than six (6) months prior to the date of application, unless otherwise approved by NZTR in exceptional circumstances.
  • Be individually identifiable through its registered name, microchip, brand or another NZTR-approved identifier.
  • Enter the care of an NZTR Acknowledged Provider during the Programme period.
  • Be reported through the required NZTR intake and transition processes.
  • Not have previously received a Pathways Programme payment for the same care episode.

Eligible Providers

To participate in the Programme, an organisation must:

  • Be recognised by NZTR as an Acknowledged Aftercare Provider.
  • Comply with NZTR aftercare policies, standards and reporting requirements.
  • Maintain appropriate records for horses in its care.
  • Submit complete and accurate information within the required timeframes.

NZTR may suspend or withdraw Programme eligibility where these requirements are not met

Circumstances Where No Payment Will Be Made

A payment will not be made where:

  • The horse entered the provider’s care, possession or control before the provider became recognised by NZTR.
  • The horse is retained by the provider for its own personal use or ownership.
  • The horse is receiving funding under another NZTR-funded programme for the same period or purpose.
  • The horse does not meet the Programme's eligibility requirements.
  • A Pathways Programme payment has already been made for the same care episode.
  • The Programme’s eligibility or reporting requirements have not been met.

Fraudulent, misleading or dishonest submissions may result in suspension or revocation of the provider’s NZTR acknowledgement and recovery of funding paid.

Record Keeping and Audit

  • Retain records supporting Programme claims for at least two years.
  • Provide records or supporting documentation when requested by NZTR.
  • Cooperate with any review or audit undertaken to verify compliance and protect Programme integrity.

Programme Administration

The NZTR Pathways Programme is administered by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing. NZTR may approve or decline claims, request additional information, review provider records, suspend eligibility and amend Programme criteria, funding levels, reporting requirements or operational processes from time to time.