New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Inc (NZTR) is the governing body for thoroughbred horse racing in New Zealand. It represent the interests of thoroughbred code stakeholders, principally the 69 thoroughbred racing clubs with over 16,000 members. The Clubs have 51 galloping tracks and over 300 race meetings a year. NZTR's job is to promote the sport of thoroughbred horse racing; maximise returns to industry participants and increase efficiency and effectiveness. NZTR recently went through substantial change with an Electoral College appointing an Independent Board of Directors. A new Business Plan for 2012-14, a living document was unveiled in December. The Board aims to revitalise thoroughbred racing. "Whatever NZTR does must pass one simple test: what is best for New Zealand thoroughbred horse racing." The racing industry (tri code) has a value added contribution to the GDP of $1.483 billion – the equivalent of the fishing industry. Thoroughbred racing is responsible for 73% of this total. Every year the industry generates more than $130 million in export sales. Over 24,000 people are direct participants in the thoroughbred industry as employees, breeders or owners. Approximately 15,000 are directly employed in the thoroughbred industry. The NZ breeding industry consists of 200 stallions and 8,900 mares with a foal crop of approximately 4,700