Harness racing : The facts and figures for 2022-23

The Racing New Zealand Board has released its 2022-23 size and scope report. The report, commissioned by Racing New Zealand and the TAB, was carried out by IER.

The report outlines an industry that has 13,632 full-time equivalent jobs and generates close to $1.9 billion in value-added contribution to the New Zealand economy. Harness racing contributes $414.5m of that figure.

Racing generated $1.4 billion in direct expenditure, with harness racing accounting for $303.2m or 22 per cent, 62 per cent of which was in the South Island.

In Canterbury-Westland harness racing contributed nearly $200m to the economy, more than thoroughbreds and greyhounds combined.

Harness racing has :

1615 breeders
4774 owners
506 trainers (389 in SI, 117 in NI)
1422 industry staff
416 drivers
2357 volunteers

In 2022/23 there were 1876 broodmares covered, producing 1405 foals and there were 2852 horses in training.

To see the full report click here