Here for the Horse Winter appeal raises $50,000

The NZ Horse Ambulance Trust’s ‘Here for the Horse’ Winter appeal has raised $50,000 in just six weeks, thanks to the generous support of people in the racing industry. 

The finale of the six-week fundraising drive was a live auction on gavelhouse.com that featured a range of exclusive and covetable items, including a hosted race day experience at the $6 million Cox Plate in Melbourne, gifted by Entain. The winning bid of $3,100 went to a racing enthusiast from Hamilton.  

Other items included Cambridge Stud silks signed by Kiwi champion Kiwi James McDonald and Chris Waller, an ultimate racing experience for ten people on Champions Day 2026, and a weekend away at the stunning Breckon Farms in the Waikato.

Image credit: Angelique Bridson at Cambridge Raceway

A range of on-course activities took place across the country from Ruakākā to Winton, with racing clubs supporting the appeal through race sponsorship and donations.

Entain created engaging media content for Trackside and Sport Nation to raise awareness and drive support.

Entain is a principal equine welfare partner of the NZ Horse Ambulance Trust, alongside Cambridge Stud, New Zealand Bloodstock, and many other key players in the racing industry who support the welfare and well-being of the equine athletes.

The annual appeal is vital for the national horse ambulance service, protecting the welfare and well-being of the equine athletes at the heart of horse racing.

Winning in the NZHAT colours at Addington Raceway

The NZ Horse Ambulance Trust provides an invaluable service in New Zealand racing - and across many other equine sports as well - promoting and protecting the magnificent animals' wellbeing and welfare.

While the Trust is part-funded through the racing codes’ welfare budget, it still needs to raise over $200,000 to operate sustainably. The ongoing support of the racing industry is crucial to providing a world-class horse ambulance service at no charge to the clubs.

These aren’t just vehicles; they’re a lifeline, equipped with hydraulic systems and features to keep injured horses safe and calm on their way to specialist care, providing them with the dignity and care they deserve.

New Zealand stands proudly as the only racing nation in the world with a dedicated national horse ambulance service, comprising 10 state-of-the-art ambulances built in Otago, which serve 700 race meetings and equine events annually.