For the first time, National Thoroughbred Week is being held across Australia, and a few of the events are in Hunter Region between 20 – 24, November.
It’s a week that opens doors the public never normally gets to walk through – racing stables, rehoming farms, and training yards that are usually not open to the public. Locals can meet the horses, talk to the people who care for them, and see a side of the industry most never get to.
In Hunter Region, there’s plenty happening:
· Backstage at the Races, Newcastle Racecourse Race Day: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/newcastle-racecourse/ – Experience a behind-the-scenes Race Day on Thursday, 20 November—enjoy lunch, meet horses and riders, and join a guided tour of the grounds at 4 PM.
· Celebrate the Thoroughbred on and off the Track, Manning Valley Race Club Race Day: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/manning-valley-race-club/ – Enjoy a community race day at Taree on Sunday, 23 November, celebrating Thoroughbreds, classic cars, and family fun with hands-on horse activities.
· Guided Tour, Annabel Neasham (Archibald) Racing: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/annabel-neasham-racing/ – As part of National Horse Week, Annabel Neasham Racing invites you to enjoy morning coffee at Scone Race Club, watch trackwork, then head to the stables for a behind-the-scenes tour where you’ll meet the team, learn about training methods, and get up close with horses.
· Guided Tour at Modern Equine Care, Scone Equine Hospital: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/scone-equine-hospital/: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/arrowfield-stud/ – Take a guided tour of the new state-of-the-art veterinary facility and see firsthand what goes on inside an equine hospital. You’ll have the chance to observe surgeries, visit patients in care, and experience the daily work that keeps our horses healthy and thriving.
· BBQ Breakfast, Morning Trackwork and Stable Tour, Scone Race Club: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/scone-race-club/ – Enjoy a free BBQ breakfast at Scone Race Club from 7:30 to 8:30 as you watch the final hour of trackwork, then follow us to Rob and Annabel Archibald’s nearby stables for an exclusive guided tour.
· Behind the Scenes at the Thoroughbred Genetics Laboratory, Racing Australia Equine Genetics Research Centre: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/racing-australia-equine-genetics-research-centre/ – Join a behind-the-scenes tour of the genetics laboratory with the Director of the EGRC, where you’ll learn how commercial genetic testing works, discover how Racing Australia and the EGRC help protect the integrity of the Thoroughbred breed, and hear about the latest research projects from the team.
· Guided Tour, Arrowfield Stud: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/arrowfield-stud/ – Experience the world of Thoroughbred excellence with an exclusive guided tour of Arrowfield Stud in Scone. Over three days, small groups of just 10 guests will enjoy a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of Australia’s leading breeding and racing operations, including its historic stud, yearling preparation centres, and the daily work that shapes future champions.
· Guided Tour, Kia Ora Stud: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/kia-ora-stud/ – Enjoy a two-hour guided tour of Kia Ora Stud where you’ll meet the horses, including newborn foals and retired racehorses, explore the breeding barn to learn about the breeding process, and chat with the team to have all your questions answered.
· Guided Tour, Activities for Kids and Morning Tea, Newgate Farm: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/newgate-farm/ – Visitors to Newgate Farm are invited to experience the heart of world-class thoroughbred operation with morning tea on arrival, a stallion parade featuring some of their leading sires, time with broodmares and their foals, a look at yearlings in training, and a Q&A session with the team about breeding, care, and sales preparation.
· Guided Tour and Light Snacks, North Bloodstock (Fromelles): https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/north-bloodstock-fromelles/ – Visit North and discover the ins and outs of their incredible industry as you meet the team, learn what it has to offer, and spend time with their beautiful horses of all ages.
· Guided Tour, Cressfield: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/cressfield/ – Enjoy a tour of Cressfield’s beautiful property, home to Group 1-winning mares, their foals, and other top performers, and meet the dedicated team who care for them around the clock while upholding a culture of hard work, harmony, and excellence.
They’re all free to attend and family-friendly. It’s a genuine chance to get behind the scenes and see what goes on in your own backyard.
Skip to content