Chief Executive's Report - November - 11/12/09
As I mentioned in my editorial last month, the second annual NZTR Fact Book has just been published. I would like to share some of the facts from the 2008/09 season and provide some real data.
THE FACTS ARE:
The number of registered broodmares has been increasing over the past three seasons with the largest annual jump being from the 2007/08 season from 7,470 to the 2008/09 season at 8,326.
After declining foal crops for the past four seasons the 2008/09 season saw a rise in the number of foals born from the 4,126 of the 2007/08 season to 4,224 in the 2008/09 season with approximately 300 foal returns still due, so this figure is forecast to increase to around 4,450-4,500.
Total stakes paid have increased from $56,227,702 in the 2007/08 season to $58,409,592 in the 2008/09 season.
The average number of starts per horse per season has returned to levels of 10 years ago. From a low of 5.5 starts per season to 5.9 starts in 2008/09.
Registered non-Riding Stablehands have increased from 507 in the 2007/08 season to 709 in the 2008/09 season, while trackwork riders have increased from 133 to 151. Fully licensed jockeys have increased from 112 in 2007/08 to 131 in 2008/09.
The number of people racing a horse has increased by 20% over the past three seasons. This appears to be largely due to syndication, although domestically the number of horses raced has also jumped from 5,221 in the 2007/08 season to 5,826 in 2008/09 – a 10-year high.
Finally, yes, wagering was down overall in the 2008/09 season by 3.4% on the previous season. Not the dramatic drop as some had anticipated. However, these figures show that the industry is in good heart and some long-term strategic objectives are now coming to fruition.
If you would like a complimentary copy of the Fact Book 2009 please contact Victoria Simmonds victoria.simmonds@nzracing.co.nz Ph (04) 576 6256.
