Most racehorses in New Zealand are kept at boarding stables, where a monthly fee is charged for their care. Due to their size and needs, most horses are unable to go home with their owners.
New Zealand Horse Racing Suffers During Global Health Crisis
As the global health crisis sweeps the world, New Zealand’s alert level 4 comes into effect on Thursday, March 26th. This alert level will cause all non-essential businesses to close across the country. The TAB will continue to operate; however, Kiwis will need to bet on foreign sporting events including Australian and Hong Kong racing.
Unfortunately, during the downtime for the New Zealand horse racing industry horses and dogs are not like other business supplies that can be left on the shelf and survive the alert period without care. Most racehorses in New Zealand are kept at boarding stables, where a monthly fee is charged for their care. Due to their size and needs, most horses are unable to go home with their owners or jockeys.
The racehorses and dogs require basics like food, water, and their stables cleaned daily to remain healthy; as well as medical care, and shoes replaced. Additionally, it is dangerous for a fit and healthy horse to regularly train and race, then stop working and be left in a stable! The horse can suffer serious health complications. Time off work can also make returning to New Zealand horse racing more difficult and result in serious injuries when they resume racing.
