Project Stamina Report Released

[Chief Stipe]

 

[Chief Stipe]

Project Stamina: A Long-Term Vision for the Future of New Zealand Racing

Today marks an important milestone for New Zealand racing with the release of Project Stamina – the industry's first cross-code infrastructure strategy.

We encourage you to watch the launch video and take the time to read the full report. Project Stamina is a comprehensive, long-term strategy, and understanding the full context is essential. Alongside the report, you'll also find FAQs and supporting resources to help explain the recommendations and what they mean for the industry.

Watch the introductory video: 

Project Stamina combines the independently prepared National Masterplan, developed by RCP, with One Equine View – the shared position of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) on how the recommendations should be implemented. The project was funded by TAB NZ on behalf of the two codes.

The project provides a clear, evidence-based roadmap for creating a racing and training venue network that is fit for the future.

Over many years, New Zealand's racing footprint has evolved while participant numbers, horse populations and industry economics have changed. The current network has more venues than can be sustainably supported, resulting in capital and operating expenditure being spread too thinly across the country.

Project Stamina is designed to better align racing and training infrastructure with where horses, participants and racing activity are concentrated today, enabling investment in fewer, higher-quality facilities that will support the long-term success of the industry.

The recommendations are underpinned by more than 50 workshops and meetings with clubs, participant groups and industry organisations across New Zealand, alongside independent analysis undertaken by RCP.

A shared vision for the future

Project Stamina represents the first time New Zealand's two racing codes have agreed a shared direction for infrastructure planning.

One Equine View sets out where NZTR and HRNZ align on the recommendations and how the industry can move forward together through a coordinated implementation programme.

NZTR Chair Russell Warwick said Project Stamina is about ensuring the industry has the infrastructure it needs to succeed for generations to come.

"This is about ensuring New Zealand racing has the infrastructure it needs to thrive for decades to come. Project Stamina provides a clear, evidence-based roadmap that puts the long-term interests of the industry first, while keeping the welfare of the horse at the centre of the network."

"Doing nothing is not an option. Our infrastructure must reflect today's racing landscape and be capable of supporting future growth. This plan gives us the opportunity to invest where it will deliver the greatest long-term benefit for participants, horses and the wider industry."

HRNZ Chair Grant Jarrold said the collaboration between the two codes is a defining feature of the project.

"NZTR and HRNZ have worked collaboratively together through this significant body of work with Project Stamina, with each code contributing their specific perspectives to the development of One Equine View.  While each code has its own operational needs, we recognise that many venues and investment decisions are interconnected."

"This is not simply another review. It provides a unified direction that links strategy, investment and implementation, giving the industry greater certainty about the future."

What happens next?

Project Stamina is a strategic roadmap and marks the beginning of the next phase.

The recommendations recognise that some proposed changes will have significant implications for clubs and communities. NZTR and HRNZ acknowledge the history and contribution of those clubs and are committed to working closely with those directly affected.

Over the coming weeks, meetings will be held with clubs affected by proposed venue changes.

Implementation of the National Masterplan will occur over a number of years and will be supported by detailed business cases, investment planning and ongoing engagement with clubs, participants and stakeholders. It will be regularly reviewed to measure progress, assess outcomes and ensure the strategy continues to reflect changes in industry participation, horse numbers, infrastructure needs and financial conditions. This will enable the codes to adapt the implementation programme over time while remaining focused on the long-term objectives of the plan.

Project Stamina is about creating a modern, financially sustainable racing and training venue network that supports stronger racing, better facilities and improved long-term outcomes for horses, participants and the industry as a whole.

We encourage everyone to read the report in full before forming a view on the recommendations. The report, launch video, FAQs and supporting resources are available at: www.nztr.co.nz/projectstamina

 

[Nowornever]

Overall not too damaging.

Interesting that One Equine View seem desperate to save Auckland even though RCP advise selling it and making Cambridge the northern Metropolitan track.  Which sinkhole in the North will get the funds from selling other tracks?

[mikeynz]

So when are the tracks earmarked for closure actually closing?

Rather amusing closing Spotswood and Balfour, woudnt think they would drain as much industry funds as others lol.

[hesi]

While it is not the remit of the report, it does not really address the real issue in NZ racing, that being not enough wagering turnover on the horses.

The assumption of the report whether you agree with it or not, seems to be, if we improve the product, improve race quality, field sizes, a structured calendar, upgraded infrastructure, it will naturally follow that wagering turnover will increase to the extent that income matches costs.

Not so sure this will happen

 

[Shab]

9 minutes ago, hesi said:

Not so sure this will happen

You can be sure it won’t. Only a limited amount of mugs will trade a buck for seventyish cents no matter how good the racing looks

[mikeynz]

Johny Turner has a Facebook page, it appears racing at Gore and Wyndham is done, i stand to be corrected, Gore still has training for now, Oamaru short term racing, so old Doomed and his ideas aren't worth a piece of shit, sadly on that one, don't think we've heard the last of this, saddest part is we often spend ages suggesting, commenting thoughts and things, all for nothing.

Sorry people read it again, this is the recomendation, got a bit ahead of myself.

Edited July 28 by mikeynz

[mikeynz]

Bit late to re edit.....won't be long if these are the recommendations until the fighting starts.

[Nowornever]

8 hours ago, mikeynz said:

Rather amusing closing Spotswood and Balfour, woudnt think they would drain as much industry funds as others lol.

They must be worth a juicy amount of money to throw into the kitty then.

[Shab]

Dunno about other punters but I find racing from these outfits where they only have 1 or 2 tracks, the most boring thing imaginable. Same horses on same tracks probably all fixed. Some whales only ones making any money. If that’s the future for nz racing good luck to them but won’t get any of mine not that they want it anyway 

[mikeynz]

Only two galloping tracks in Southland, nothing at Oamaru, don't seem feasible to me, me.

[Special Agent]

On 7/30/2026 at 1:30 PM, mikeynz said:

Only two galloping tracks in Southland, nothing at Oamaru, don't seem feasible to me, me.

Oamaru with good winter footing closed.  Kurow with one meeting per year open.

[Special Agent]

On 7/28/2026 at 5:37 PM, mikeynz said:

Bit late to re edit.....won't be long if these are the recommendations until the fighting starts.

Judging by headlines around the country, most communities are fighting back.  Local communities might have more entitlement to racecourse sale funds than NZTR envisaged.

[Special Agent]

Trentham and Hawera closed.  Waipukurau open.

Until NZTR amended, Otaki and Wanganui were also on the list to close.

With such pearls of wisdom, what did this report cost?

[Shab]

guerin back with the hour of propaganda Monday nights to tell us how this will save the industry if we just all get in behind it. Just like he told us how geoblocking was going to save the industry. Hopefully we also get some updates on how his winter holiday went and what's happening with baby gee or whatever that horse of is called 

[mikeynz]

32 minutes ago, Shab said:

guerin back with the hour of propaganda Monday nights to tell us how this will save the industry if we just all get in behind it. Just like he told us how geoblocking was going to save the industry. Hopefully we also get some updates on how his winter holiday went and what's happening with baby gee or whatever that horse of is called 

Guerin says what he's told to say, just like some presenters on trackside are told what not to say in regards to the dogs, gee even trackside closed comments on their Facebook pages on some subjects,  but I do firmly believe though that closing tracks at Balfour and Spotswood, is the first step to a brighter future lol.

In regards to geo blocking I hope those large punters have been allowed on, especially in sports betting, I never hear about those big punts but I do see the odd multi of 5000 grand being struck.

Edited August 2 by mikeynz

[Freda]

19 hours ago, Special Agent said:

Trentham and Hawera closed.  Waipukurau open.

Until NZTR amended, Otaki and Wanganui were also on the list to close.

With such pearls of wisdom, what did this report cost?

Way too much. And considering it followed some computer- model thingy that Chief will understand but is quite beyond me, to have someone input parameters so this rubbish could be spewed out shouldn't have cost very much at all.

[hesi]

Like it or not, the people running the industry have commissioned a consultant (RCP) who has consulted with the industry directly and via the officially recognised industry organisations, namely the owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys to develop a report.

Social media is not one of those recognised, nor should it be as it is dominated by a small number of anonymous, disenfranchised, very opinionated and personally abusive people.  People that would like to think they speak for the industry but do they.

Very few of anybody of note in the industry has a say on social media, why is that?

[sarge]

This report is not the real game.

Weirdly all parties seem oblivious to the bigger threat of Entain “cooking the books” in years 6 through to year 25 of this deal that was put together by long since gone TAB Chair Mark Stewart , rubber stamped by Kieron McAnulty.

Entain will cough up with 50% of their profits to the TAB each year. However no one seems to be able to be able to accurately define how that “profit” will be defined. 

Bottom line is that Entain will “define” it on their terms and NZ racing will be completely rooted between 2028 until 2047.

[Special Agent]

On 8/3/2026 at 7:26 AM, hesi said:

Like it or not, the people running the industry have commissioned a consultant (RCP) who has consulted with the industry directly and via the officially recognised industry organisations, namely the owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys to develop a report.

Social media is not one of those recognised, nor should it be as it is dominated by a small number of anonymous, disenfranchised, very opinionated and personally abusive people.  People that would like to think they speak for the industry but do they.

Very few of anybody of note in the industry has a say on social media, why is that?

How many do you know in the industry who were consulted?

The four officially recognised industry organisations you name put in written submissions in support of keeping Levin.

Who was consulted, and who was listened to?

 

[The Centaur]

15 minutes ago, Special Agent said:

How many do you know in the industry who were consulted?

The four officially recognised industry organisations you name put in written submissions in support of keeping Levin.

Who was consulted, and who was listened to?

 

Good response. Perhaps Hesi could observe how many elections around the world are decided in favour of those who have embraced social media.

Many in racing have this weird phobia of offering any solutions themselves seemingly believing they aren't "brainy" enough so leave it to the charlatans who operate under the guise of consultants.

A report should consist of a mountain of figures i.e. costs, profits, equity, projections, assets & resources etc. THe idea all those figures are "confidential" is bullshit. All participants, supporters and enthusiasts must have the complete picture available.

[curious]

2 hours ago, Special Agent said:

How many do you know in the industry who were consulted?

Many have not been. RCP say so in their draft report which is subject to stakeholder feedback before they make any final recommendations to the codes.

Stakeholder engagement was selective and time-bounded; not all interested parties were consulted.

This document is a draft prepared for review and consultation purposes. It does not represent RCP’s final
advice or conclusions. The analysis, recommendations, and data presented are subject to revision in response to
stakeholder feedback, additional information, or further analysis. p.96.

Edited August 7 by curious

[The Centaur]

12 minutes ago, curious said:

Many have not been. RCP say so in their draft report which is subject to stakeholder feedback before they make any final recommendations to the codes.

Stakeholder engagement was selective and time-bounded; not all interested parties were consulted.

This document is a draft prepared for review and consultation purposes. It does not represent RCP’s final
advice or conclusions. The analysis, recommendations, and data presented are subject to revision in response to
stakeholder feedback, additional information, or further analysis. p.96.

So what is the definition of "stakeholder" and does that include groups of stakeholders?

For example a grouping of owner/trainer, trainers, jockeys, owners, breeders. An important group would be sponsors. Feedback from the top 20 raceday sponsors would be of consequence.

 

[curious]

On 4/08/2026 at 10:21 PM, sarge said:

Entain will cough up with 50% of their profits to the TAB each year. However no one seems to be able to be able to accurately define how that “profit” will be defined. 

Bottom line is that Entain will “define” it on their terms and NZ racing will be completely rooted between 2028 until 2047.

Not at all. It is clearly defined and has been from the start. No way Entain, nor anyone else can "re-define" it.

If NZ racing is completely rooted by 2028, it won't be Entain's doing.

Edited August 7 by curious

[hesi]

Face reality fellas, the report has been done in what is believed to be a professional way (not the social media, anonymous circus way).

I have seen very little discourse from anyone of note in the industry on social media, too busy getting on with it, I guess.  At least Chris Waller and Garry Chittick had the balls to write, respectful but robust articles with their names attached

What's next, a strike, give me a break.  I can just see the Wexford's, TA's, Latta's, Roger James's, Stephen Marsh's of this world striking, especially with Spring racing coming up.

Go back to your rabbit holes, or perhaps to AI to write more long winded and boring diatribe.  Perfectly articulated diatribe

You may be under the delusion that more hand wringing on social media will bring about change, but all it will do is the opposite

Edited August 7 by hesi