National Thoroughbred Week
Changing racing’s perception through real world experience.
About
The Event
For five days, racing stables, stud farms, pre-training, aftercare centres and charity partners open their doors across Australia to the public for a free experience.
Visitors get hands-on experiences
Trainers, grooms, jockeys, and breeders share and show what goes on behind the scenes.
It’s nationwide, but localised
Whether it’s a country training track, a city stable, a farm or a retirement home for ex-racehorses, every location offers a unique experience.
This is an iterative next step in perception shift; creating real-world experiences that reinforce public understanding.
THE VISION
Building trust in our industry through real experiences.
Horse racing needs a perception shift. Misinformation spreads fast, and public trust is at a crossroads. National Thoroughbred Week is our answer – an annual celebration that invites the public to experience the reality of thoroughbred care firsthand. Inspired by global initiatives like National Racehorse Week (UK) and Open Farms (NZ), this event is part of the Together for International Racing movement – uniting ideas worldwide to strengthen the industry.
It’s a chance to see, touch, and connect with these incredible horses, breaking down misconceptions and showcasing the heart of the industry.
Join us
How to get involved
Racing must invest in grassroots engagement to secure its future. National Thoroughbred Week is that investment.
Join us as a sponsor
Fund a movement that transforms industry trust.
Become a partner
Align your brand with education, transparency, and public engagement.
Host an event
Click here to open your gates and let people see what racing is really about.
Volunteer your time
We need passionate people to help bring National Thoroughbred Week to life – join a sub-committee!
Let’s Talk:
Thank you for getting in touch.
Thank you for reaching out! One of our volunteers will be in touch with you shortly. In the meantime, we invite you to download our free Contributor Information pack below.
FAQ
Host FAQs
What is National Thoroughbred Week and why do we need it?
Horse racing needs a perception shift. Public understanding of our highly regulated industry is being challenged. Misinformation spreads faster than facts, and most people only see what social media tells them. The solution? We show them the reality.
Part of the Together for International Racing initiative, National Thoroughbred Week bridges the gap between perception and reality by opening stable doors, studs and aftercare centres and giving people across Australia and New Zealand firsthand experiences with Thoroughbreds to educate and build trust in racing.
Inspired by international models like National Racehorse Week (UK) and Open Farms (NZ),
National Thoroughbred Week is racing’s opportunity to engage the public at scale, aligning
global ideas and initiatives.
For the past three years, Kick Up For Racing has been working to shift the conversation online—
countering misinformation, engaging audiences, and reshaping public understanding of
horse racing.
National Thoroughbred Week is the next step – an annual celebration of the Thoroughbred
as an Australasian collaboration; a hands-on experience that allows people to see, touch,
and connect with these incredible horses firsthand. It is strategically timed shortly after the
Melbourne Cup to leverage heightened public attention.
It’s a chance to witness the reality of the care and attention that goes into looking after
them, breaking down misconceptions and showcasing the heart of the industry.
What is the event experience?
For five days (20 – 24 November 2025), racing stables, stud farms, pre-training, aftercare centres and charity partners open their doors across Australia and New Zealand to the public for a free experience. It is strategically timed shortly after the Melbourne Cup to leverage heightened public attention.
- Visitors get hands-on experiences – Meet a thoroughbred, touch them, watch how they’re trained, learn about their life after racing.
- Industry professionals tell their stories – Trainers, grooms, jockeys, thoroughbred educators and retainers, breeders, equine therapy, vets, farriers etc all share and show what goes on behind the scenes.
- It’s nationwide, but localised – Whether it’s a country training track, a city stable, a farm or a retirement home for ex-racehorses, every location offers a unique experience.
- Marketing, media, and ambassadors drive awareness with a PR machine that amplifies it nationwide.
- This is an iterative next step in perception shift; creating real-world experiences that reinforce public understanding.
- The event will support a charitable element to raise funds for needed industry-related causes.
Why should I be a host?
Being a NTW host is the perfect way to tell your story, your way, and help us to shift perceptions. It’s also an excellent opportunity to promote your business, give back to your local community and the industry as a whole. Register to host here.
What do I need to do as a host?
How you run your event is entirely up to you. Activities can include such as farm and barn tours, parades, workshops and demonstrations, and games.
Some things to consider include:
- How many visitors can you accommodate?
- What date and time frame suits your business?
- What do you want to show people?
- Where will people park?
- Who is going to help?
- Have you considered health and safety aspects?
- Do you have appropriate insurances?
You may decide to open to the public or host a private event for a local school,community group or aged care facility.
How many events do I have to host?
NTW runs for 5 days from 20 – 24 November 2025. You can open up your business once, or as many times as you wish during this time. Each activation will be counted as an individual event (e.g. a morning and afternoon tour is counted as two events).
How many people will be visiting? How do visitors register their attendance?
You can set your own event capacity to control the number of people at your venue at any one time. Visitors will register via the NTW website. There is no charge to attend, but their registration will assist with numbers and ensure we can contact all visitors pre and post event. You will be responsible for recording attendance (exact or estimate) on event day, this is important to help us track attendees and measure success.
What kind of activities are most popular or impactful?
For many of your visitors, this will be their first time to an establishment like yours. Don’t underestimate how effective and educational simple activities can be. Wherever possible, give visitors the chance to interact and get hands-on. Some activity ideas include feeding demonstrations, farrier, dentist or vet talks, Meet the Horses, Kids Treasure Hunt, Stable or Farm Tour, Tack Room Tour, Off The Track Showcase or Parade, Q&A with a jockey, stud manager, or other staff member. You could also provide equipment or gear, such as racing silks or bridles, for kids to wear and touch.
How long should each visit go for?
Timeframes will depend on what activities you are providing. The adult concentration span is about 10 minutes and much less for kids, so keep presentations short. You may decide to run multiple presentations throughout the day allowing guests to drop-in at a time to suit them, or open for a shorter timeframe (eg 1 hour) for one main tour/presentation. You may decide to time the visits around your standard operating hours so visitors can see your staff in action.
What do I need to provide?
As a NTW host, you are expected to provide a safe, open and educational environment for visitors. You will need to complete an OHS assessment, staff and volunteers and anything else you need to execute your chosen activities. NTW will provide you an event kit including signage, tips, forms and kids activity book.
What support does NTW provide hosts?
The NTW planning team is here to help you make your event a success! We will provide all required support for your website listing, a Host Handbook, a support kit with signage and collateral, marketing and promotions. We’re always here to talk through ideas and concerns, and connect you with other nearby hosts.
How will the event be promoted?
A strategic marketing and media plan is being developed and will include promotion across mainstream and racing television, radio and social media / online channels. You are welcome to also promote your specific event to your local community.
What Insurance or permits do I need?
As a host, you will need to ensure you have current Public Liability Insurance. Most NTW weeks events will not require a council issued or other event permit. However, if you are considering a particularly large event, installing marquees or running non-regular business activities, please let us know and contact your local council to check.
What about wet weather?
Unless forced to postpone due to significantly inclement weather, NTW will go ahead rain or shine. Please make rainy day plans and consider which activities can be bought indoors.
What do hosts do about security?
We hope this event will only attract genuinely curious and positive attendees, however, your event kit will include tips to assist you in dealing with any difficult situations you might encounter.
How do I become a Sponsor?
If you’re interested in becoming an event sponsor, please get in touch with the NTW team at hello@thoroughbredweek.com.au
Who is behind National Thoroughbred Week?
This will be a major volunteer-driven effort, led by experienced industry professionals on the Event Steering Committee:
- Vicky Leonard – Kick Up For Racing, Kick Collective, The Thoroughbred Report
- Karen Day – Racing Australia
- Emma Ridley – Godolphin Australia
- Justine Sclater – New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing
Our sub-committes are run by by other committed industry volunteers, and managed by industry participant and experienced event manager, Tai Ryan.
Want to get involved?
Download our free Contributor Information pack
