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PROPOSED RULE AMENDMENTS

NZTR PROPOSED RULE AMENDMENTS:

JANUARY 2026

PROPOSED RULE AND REGULATION CHANGES
The proposed rule amendments encompass the following:
1. JUDGING RACES, FINISHING MARGINS, AND OFFICIAL PLACINGS
2. ELIGIBILITY OF HORSES FOR RACES - banning horses who have had following procedures: Thermocautery; Blistering; Chemical Castration; 
Immunocastration
3. EQUINE WELFARE. - not withhold water from the horse to the detriment of its health, welfare or safety
4. SAMPLING. - full responsibility to RIB and removing NZTR
5. SOCIAL MEDIA - abuse - serious racing offence
6. USE OF DEVICES WHILE HANDLING HORSES  - Applying rule to all licence-holders when at trials/races and also covers showing of licences
7. REPORTING OF CONCUSSIONS.
8. PARAMEDICS AT TRIALS. - paramedics must be in attendance
9. ADDITIONAL MICROCHIPS, ALTERATIONS TO PERMANENT IDENTIFICATION MARKINGS - to avoid confusion
10. WHIP USE IN JUMPS RACES - maximum of 7 strikes per whole race

Link to full details here
 
*(New wording is in bold and underlined, words to be deleted are struck out)
 
If you would like to make any comments or provide any other feedback on the proposed Rule amendments, please do so in writing to [email protected] on or before Thursday 5 February 2026.

 

Draft 2026-27 Racing Calendar
 
Please find link to a draft copy of the 2026-27 Racing Calendar here. as developed in consultation with TAB NZ, Entain and the other racing codes. Commentary on the Draft Calendar is here
The process for consultation on the Draft Calendar is the same as that followed for the adoption of this season’s Racing Calendar. Accordingly, Clubs are required to make submissions on the Draft Calendar to their racing code, who will then provide their views to the TAB NZ Dates Committee.
Submission Process
Submissions are due to NZTR from racing Clubs and other RIOs on the Draft Calendar by 5pm on Friday 20 February 2025.
 
Where possible, submissions should include supporting information and seek to specifically identify the impacts of any suggested changes to the Draft Calendar. NZTR will work with TAB NZ and Entain to understand the likely wagering outcomes of any changes. NZTR will endeavour to ensure wagering revenue is maximised through the Dates Calendar process, while providing a sensible balance for Club benefits and community engagement.
 
Please send all Thoroughbred-related submissions on the Draft Calendar to [email protected].

 


CONSULTATION ON NZTR DRAFT POLICY ON THE RELOCATION OF GROUP AND LISTED RACES

As part of NZTR’s ongoing work to strengthen governance and consistency around the racing calendar, NZTR is seeking consultation on a draft policy regarding the relocation of Group and Listed Races. This policy sets out the guiding principles and decision-making process NZTR will apply when considering any relocation of Group or Listed races. It aims to ensure transparency, fairness, and alignment with the long-term interests of the New Zealand racing industry while recognising the historical contribution of the clubs that have hosted these races.Please take a moment to review the attached circular and full draft policy. Clubs and sector organisations are invited to provide written submissions on the draft policy by Friday 7 November 2025. Submissions should be sent to [email protected]

 


GENETIC ENGINEERING: GENE DOPING, GENE MANIPULATION, GENE THERAPY AND GENE
EDITING
The IFHA has recommended that member countries amend their Rules to prepare for the likely growth of gene therapy which will bring along with it, the increased threat of gene doping.
If you would like to make any comments or provide any other feedback on the proposed Rule amendments, please do so in writing to [email protected] on or before Wednesday 10 December 2025.