Skip to Content search facebook instagram pinterest twitter youtube

Off The Track

Welfare Commitment

Thoroughbred Racing NT (TRNT) is the principal racing authority in the Northern Territory. Bound by the Australian Rules of Racing, TRNT governs, promotes, and supports racing in the Northern Territory.

Off The Track is an extension of TRNT and aims to support the welfare of racehorses in their life after racing. TRNT Off The Track is strongly committed to the welfare of all Thoroughbreds, both during and after racing. Leading welfare practices have been developed to support the care of our racehorses and aid with their transition into retirement. Additionally, we intend to build on strong partnerships within the racing industry and the community.

During 2024, a total figure of 116 horses within the Northern Territory were retired from racing. TRNT Off The Track recognises that 31% of horses retired in the NT were re-homed interstate. Trainers in the NT understand that re-homing horses interstate can provide better support for their welfare and well-being.  This is largely due to weather conditions, as some horses within the NT can develop anhidrosis, which impacts their ability to sweat. Horses that develop this condition can be re-homed down south to a cool climate and completely recover from anhidrosis. 

For information regarding the TRNT Minimum Standards and Guidlines for Equine Welfare please click here. 

In 2024, $100,606 was spent from the equine welfare provision, supporting retired racehorses in various ways:

Transport Subsidy: 44 horses utilised this benefit.

Feed Package: 54 horses received a package of 3 feed bags plus Hygain supplements.

Education Grant: 33 horses accessed the $250 grant for training and/or lessons.

Local Equestrian Sponsorship: Sponsored 13 clubs, including generous prizes for Thoroughbred owners (e.g., $300 feed vouchers, $250 dental vouchers, $160 nutrition consult vouchers).

Equestrian Clinic Sponsorship: Sponsored 19 clinics with 50% cost reimbursement for participating Thoroughbreds.

Thoroughbred Clinics: Hosted 3 exclusive clinics by Nicole Mutimer.

Welfare Assistance: Supported 4 horses through:

  • Emergency vet assistance
  • Emergency transport for a horse with severe anhidrosis
  • Feed packages following a nutrition consultation with Hygain and meeting with a TRNT Off The Track Educator)

Additional sponsorships included:

Masters Games: $10,000 for Pony Club NT's event hosting, Thoroughbred clinic, and OTTB prizes.

Racing Hearts: $5,200 for an equine therapy clinic for disadvantaged youth, exclusively using retired NT Thoroughbreds.

Interschool Competition: Individual sponsorship for 3 young NT riders competing with Thoroughbreds at the Marcus Oldham Interschool Competition in Tamworth.

Related Pages