From the thunder of The Everest to the tradition of the Melbourne Cup, Thoroughbreds dominate headlines every spring. But beyond the racetrack lies a vast rural industry - one built on land, livestock, and the dedicated care of thousands of regional Australians and New Zealanders.
This November, the public is being invited to see that world for themselves.
National Thoroughbred Week will run from 20–24 November 2025, giving thousands of people a chance to step inside working farms, stables, and retraining properties across every state of Australia and throughout New Zealand.
With more than 70 venues confirmed, visitors can meet a Thoroughbred, tour facilities, speak directly with those who raise and retrain them, and gain firsthand insight into an agricultural sector that rarely opens its gates.
A rural industry with billion-dollar impact
The breeding and racing industry is a significant driver of regional jobs and land use. The breeding sector alone contributed $1.68 billion to the national economy in the last financial year, supporting more than 9,200 full-time equivalent jobs, many in rural communities.
Across Australia, over 6,000 breeders and 33,000 people work directly with Thoroughbreds across stud farms, transport, feed production, veterinary services, fencing, pasture management, and more.
"This is a rural industry in motion," said Vicky Leonard, one of the organisers of National Thoroughbred Week.
"A lot of people have questions about horse racing around Melbourne Cup time, so we are giving them the opportunity to directly see it for themselves. It's about care, jobs, livestock, and land - and now the public can see it in action."
'People will be surprised by what they find'
One of the major breeding operations opening its gates is Silverdale Farm in the Southern Highlands of NSW.
"The moment people walk through the gates, they realise it's not what they imagined," said Steve Grant, owner of Silverdale.
"They see the facilities, the care, the way the horses live - it changes their view. We've designed everything around the safety and wellbeing of the horses and the people who work with them. The paddocks aren't just open spaces - they're enriched environments with shelter, stimulation, and grazing rotation built in. That's the kind of detail people don't see unless they visit."
Grant believes that opening up the farm gates to the public is long overdue.
"If I had to come back as an animal, I'd be a Thoroughbred. They're incredibly well looked after."
Opening the gates across the country
This is the first time a coordinated national event of this scale has been held. Participating venues range from elite breeders and boutique farms to retraining and rehoming centres.
Included in the line-up:
- Elite breeding operations Yulong, Coolmore, Newgate, and Arrowfield, where visitors can pat young foals or see some of the country's most valuable stallions;
- Training operations from Chris Waller Racing (trainer of Winx) to Ciaron Maher Racing, which will open both its Ballarat and Bong Bong bases;
- And dozens of smaller farms and aftercare specialists opening their gates for the first time.
Legendary trainer Gai Waterhouse is also opening her Randwick stables to the public.
"Everyone will be able to enjoy it," Waterhouse said.
"People can step into our world, see how the horses are bedded, how they live, and how they're cared for. Families will learn something about our industry - and meet the horses themselves."
'A chance to learn and ask questions'
Claudia Miller, Marketing Manager at Yulong, says the initiative is about creating space for curiosity - especially outside the racing bubble.
"Racing should be an industry for everyone. National Thoroughbred Week gives everyday Australians the opportunity to be curious and ask questions about a world they may never have experienced before.
"We're excited to showcase what happens beyond the racecourse, debunk a few myths, and let people get up close and personal with the real stars of the show - the horses."
How to attend
All events are free to attend, but registrations are essential.
Visit www.nationalthoroughbredweek.com.au
