National Thoroughbred Week calls for volunteers as 2026 expansion gathers pace

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After a strong inaugural year, National Thoroughbred Week will return in 2026 with a broader program and a clear focus on growth. The event will expand to a 10-day schedule, running from Friday November 20 to Monday November 30, deliberately spanning two weekends to maximise accessibility for both hosts and the public.

Delivered across Australia and New Zealand, the next phase is centred on building on that early momentum while preserving the authentic, community-led spirit that underpinned its success.

At its core, National Thoroughbred Week remains grounded in a simple idea: that opening doors and inviting people in creates a stronger, more informed connection to the industry. The 2026 program is designed to deepen that connection, giving more people the opportunity to experience the horses, the environments and the people behind them in a way that feels accessible, genuine and memorable.

National Thoroughbred Week expands for 2026

Building on the strong foundation established in its pilot year, the next phase of National Thoroughbred Week is centred on growing that engagement while remaining committed to retaining the grassroots essence that made the inaugural event so impactful.

“The next step is to build on that momentum and create a structure that allows National Thoroughbred Week to grow in a sustainable way, while keeping the same grassroots spirit that made the pilot so special,” returning NTW Project Manager Tai Ryan said.

To support this evolution, 2026 will see the introduction of both a national committee and a local hub structure.

The national committee will play a key role in shaping the overall direction of the event, offering guidance and support across essential areas such as operations, marketing, communications, volunteer coordination and host assistance.

At a regional level, local hubs will be responsible for bringing the event to life within their communities. In areas hosting two or more events, hub subcommittees will connect organisers, share resources, promote activities locally, coordinate volunteers and enhance the overall visitor experience.

This localised approach reflects a core philosophy behind the event, as Ryan explained.

“National Thoroughbred Week is an international event, but it works best when it is delivered locally.”

“Every region has its own people, horses, stories and strengths. Local hubs will help bring those stories together and make it easier for hosts, volunteers and communities to get involved.

“Personal connections are what make these events work. When local people share their networks, knowledge and passion together, the whole community benefits.”

What is National Thoroughbred Week?

At its heart, National Thoroughbred Week offers a rare opportunity for the public to step behind the scenes of the Thoroughbred industry. A wide range of participants - including training stables, breeding farms, retrainers, race clubs, veterinary hospitals and other equine organisations opened their doors to showcase the care, expertise and dedication involved at every stage of a horse’s life.

The 2025 pilot program demonstrated strong public interest, attracting more than 5,000 attendees across Australia and New Zealand. A total of 84 events were delivered by over 100 hosts and partners, with engagement levels surpassing expectations. Attendance was robust, satisfaction rates were high, and collaboration across the industry was widespread.

Nearly 98 per cent said they would attend again, and almost 80 per cent said the experience made them more likely to engage with racing in the future.

Behind-the-scenes access ranked as the number one highlight for more than 70 per cent of attendees.

Reflecting on this success, Ryan commented that “the pilot proved there is a real appetite for this kind of transparent industry access that shows the magic happening behind the scenes.”

“We had families, students, racing fans and people completely new to the industry walking through farms, stables and equine facilities, meeting the horses and seeing their level of care.

National Thoroughbred Week reframes the entire challenge facing racing. The issue isn’t that people won’t engage - it’s that they don’t trust what they can’t see.

Tai Ryan is blunt about that shift.

“The pilot didn’t just prove people will turn up - it showed what they’re actually looking for. They want access, context and honesty. Once they see the care and the systems up close, the conversation changes.”

Get involved

The next phase of National Thoroughbred Week is focused on building a structure that can support continued growth while maintaining the authenticity that defined the pilot.

One of the more telling outcomes from 2025 was the breadth of participation.

Trainers, studs, race clubs, retrainers, vets, syndicators - over 100 hosts across the ecosystem opened their doors, that level of alignment is rare in a fragmented industry.

With planning already underway for 2026, organisers are actively calling for community involvement to help shape the event’s continued growth. Opportunities exist for individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and skill sets.

Specifically, national pillar volunteers are required for four specific areas: education, media & PR, sponsorships and grants.

“We are now looking for people who want to help. Whether you have experience in sponsorship, media, education, funding, event coordination, community engagement or simply know your local racing community well, there is a role to play.” Ryan said.

In addition to national roles, state-based leaders are being recruited to coordinate activity within each region. These individuals will act as a point of connection between the national committee and local participants, helping to ensure that communication flows effectively and that each region is supported.

At the local level, hub members will play a hands-on role in delivering the event within their communities. This includes assisting with event coordination, supporting hosts, welcoming visitors and helping to create a positive and engaging experience for everyone involved.

These roles are open to people from a wide range of backgrounds.

Importantly, the introduction of structure is not intended to formalise the event to the point where it loses its character. Instead, it is designed to support the people involved and make it easier for them to contribute.

“The goal is to make participation more accessible, not more complicated. We want to give people the tools and support they need so they can focus on what they do best, which is sharing their knowledge and their passion for the horse.”

Inspiration from international initiatives

The continued development of National Thoroughbred Week has been influenced by a range of successful international initiatives. While firmly grounded in the local industry, the program draws inspiration from similar efforts around the world aimed at increasing transparency, education and public connection.

Originating from Together for Racing International, the concept has been shaped by initiatives such as Britain’s National Racehorse Week and New Zealand’s Open Farms Day. These programs share a common purpose: to open doors, foster understanding and build stronger relationships between the Thoroughbred industry and the wider community.

Looking ahead, organisers are also inviting expressions of interest from prospective hosts, sponsors and event partners. Those keen to contribute, whether as volunteers, leaders, hosts or supporters, are encouraged to register via the Volunteer Registration Link or email hello@thoroughbredweek.com.au.

Further announcements, including host registrations and detailed event information, are expected in the coming months. To stay informed and connected, follow National Thoroughbred Week on social media at @nationaltbweek.