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About
The New Zealand Trotting Owners Association (NZTOA) consists of a group volunteers who have a keen interest in the harness racing industry. It plays a vital role in representing the interests of harness racing participants across the country. This organisation advocates for owners involved in harness racing, working closely with industry bodies including Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) to ensure fair practices, transparent policies, and sustainable development within the sport.
The NZTOA provides a unified voice for its members, offering support in areas such as race programming, stakes distribution, and animal welfare. It also fosters communication between grassroots participants and administrators, aiming to improve the overall experience and financial viability of those involved in the harness racing industry. Regular meetings, newsletters, and consultations keep members informed and engaged.
By promoting responsible owner ship and ethical racing practices, the NZTOA contributes to the long-term success and integrity of New Zealand’s harness racing scene.
Ultimately, the NZTOA serves as a cornerstone of the harness racing community, championing the rights and responsibilities of those who dedicate their time and resources to this unique and historic sport.
Your NZTOA Team
Gayleen MacKinnon
“There’s no greater thrill for me in Harness Racing than that exhilarating moment when I realise my horse or a friend’s horse has won. Celebrating with family and friends is simply the best.”
Nigel Armstrong
“Horse Ownership the Journey the Friendships along the way, the emotional rollercoaster, simply priceless !!”
Paul Hailes
“A good southern man who enjoys the thrill of racing horses.”
Paul Grondin
“There’s nothing like your first win. I’ll never forget it when Mike Ross crossed the line in first place.”
Dave Barley
“First winning experience was a Group 3 race and was then hooked for life!”
Barry Dent
“I raced Poppymalda, bred her first filly and my greatest thrill so far is watching her first foal Clotilde Wainwright starting out on her racing career and waiting for Poppy’s next foals to start racing.”
Harness Racing
Harness racing is a longstanding and respected discipline in New Zealand’s equestrian and sporting landscape. Unlike thoroughbred racing where horses gallop with a jockey on their back, Harness Racing involves horses pulling a lightweight, two-wheeled cart known as a sulky, driven by a person called a driver. In trotting races, horses maintain a diagonal gait where opposite legs move in unison. This is distinct from pacing, the more dominant gait in New Zealand harness racing, where horses move the legs on the same side together.
Although pacers dominate the harness racing scene in New Zealand, both in terms of number of races and prize money, trotters hold a special place due to the skill required to train and drive them. Trotting demands a higher degree of balance, rhythm, and control from both the horse and the driver, and is often seen as a more challenging gait to maintain throughout a race.
The sport is overseen by Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ), the governing body that organises race days, sets standards, and supports breeders and trainers. Pacing and Trotting races take place across the country, with notable venues including Addington Raceway in Christchurch, Alexandra Park in Auckland, and regional raceways nationwide.
New Zealand is renowned for its strong breeding and training industry, particularly in the Canterbury region. The country has produced many world-class pacers and trotters.
Harness racing maintains a loyal following, especially in rural communities. Industry stakeholders have made ongoing efforts to modernise and promote the sport, including digital broadcasts and youth engagement programs like Kidz Kartz, which introduces children to harness racing in a safe, fun environment.
Harness Racing in New Zealand is more than a sport—it’s a blend of tradition, athleticism, and community spirit. Whether at the elite level or in grassroots events, it continues to thrive as an integral part of this country’s racing culture.
Harness Racing owners and syndicators in New Zealand play a vital role in the country’s thriving harness racing industry where Standardbred horses compete in either trotting (diagonal gait) or pacing (lateral gait) races.
Harness Racing New Zealand has a comprehensive website with detailed information on the harness racing industry, including racing dates, fields, nominations, results, trials, and workouts.
We invite you to explore it and learn more.
