Open Letter to the Racing Community: Adherence to Racing Codes of Conduct

[Wandering Eyes]

To all participants, members, volunteers, employees, suppliers, and supporters of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and Harness Racing New Zealand.

New Zealand’s racing industry thrives because of the dedication, integrity, and passion of thousands of individuals, on the track, behind the scenes, and in our communities. Each of those individuals who run businesses, are employed, volunteer their time, or in other ways lend their positive support to racing and its participants play a vital role in ensuring our sport remains strong, inclusive, and future-focused.

Unfortunately, there is a small minority of people whose persistent negative behaviour runs counter to these shared values.  This may be either online abuse, personal attacks, public harassment or unwanted attention. These behaviours cause real harm, impacting individuals’ mental wellbeing, reputation or career, and eroding the trust and cohesion our sport depends on.

Together, we have a collective responsibility to uphold the standards of respect, professionalism, and integrity that define a healthy and sustainable industry. Abuse, whether verbal, physical, written, digital or psychological, has no place in New Zealand racing. We all deserve to work and participate in an environment where people are treated with dignity.

This is not just about compliance, it’s about maintaining a supportive and positive culture and community that more people want to be a part of. It’s about creating an environment where people feel safe, valued, and proud to be part of the racing industry.

We ask everyone, regardless of their role, to lead by example, speak out when behaviour falls short, and support one another in maintaining high standards of conduct.

As part of this commitment, our organisations have:

• Maintained strong channels to raise concerns or report misconduct, so individuals can confidently, safely and confidentially report concerns.
• Reinforced expectations for on-course behaviour at all race meetings and industry events.
• Confirmed that appropriate consequences will be applied, ranging from formal warnings up to disciplinary action or removal from participation in industry activities.
• Committed to strengthen each Code’s respective Rules of Racing, including explicit references to such misconducts and to the sanctions that may be imposed.

This letter marks a united stance across equine codes and the Racing Integrity Board. We are committed to taking meaningful action, and just as importantly, to setting a positive and respectful tone for the future.

Let’s lead with integrity. Let each of us call out poor behaviour. And let’s all stand together in creating a racing industry where everyone feels safe, supported, and welcome.

Yours in racing,

Racing Integrity Board
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing
Harness Racing New Zealand

Racing Integrity Board Confidential Integrity Line

Make an anonymous report by:

• calling 0508 742 123, or
• submitting information online via: www.integrityline-nz.org/rib,
• or this QR code:

OnTrack Racing 

In a non-emergency, contact the OnTrack support line on 0800 667 224 for free, confidential support and assistance.

Tel: 0800 667 224 (support line)

Email: support@ontrack.org.nz

 

Full press release can be viewed here

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