Auckland Harness Summit Unites Industry Behind a Growth Agenda

More than 20 leading stakeholders from across the Australasian harness racing industry came together at the recent Auckland Harness Summit 2026, sending a strong message that the industry is ready to move from managing decline to planning for growth.

Hosted by the Auckland Trotting Club (ATC) at Alexandra Park, the Summit brought together owners, trainers, breeders, administrators, sponsors, investors and industry leaders with a shared objective: to identify practical initiatives that can strengthen the future of harness racing in Auckland and the Upper North Island.

ATC Chief Executive Brad Steele said the Summit exceeded expectations, with attendees demonstrating a high level of engagement, optimism and willingness to collaborate.

“What stood out most was the positive energy in the room and the strong sense of unity around the challenges and opportunities facing Auckland harness racing.

While there were many different perspectives, there was widespread agreement that Auckland has a future worth investing in and that we now need to focus on growth rather than simply managing decline.”

Discussions throughout the day centred on increasing horse numbers, growing ownership participation, strengthening trainer support, improving industry collaboration and enhancing the long-term sustainability of harness racing in the region.

A key outcome from the Summit was agreement to establish a small Implementation Group, tasked with progressing ideas and recommendations generated during the event.

The group will focus on practical initiatives aimed at:

• Growing the horse population in Auckland and the Upper North Island;

• Increasing ownership participation and investment;

• Supporting trainers and racing participants;

• Enhancing collaboration across industry stakeholders;

• Turning Summit discussions into measurable outcomes.

“One of the strongest messages from the Summit was that we cannot allow this to become another discussion forum. Participants wanted action, accountability and momentum.

The Implementation Group will provide a vehicle for moving ideas forward and ensuring the enthusiasm generated by the Summit translates into meaningful industry outcomes,” Steele said.

The Summit also provided a valuable opportunity to review key industry data, including horse population trends, ownership participation, wagering performance and broader economic and operational challenges.

Despite the challenges currently facing the industry, attendees identified a significant number of opportunities to rebuild participation and create a stronger future for harness racing in Auckland.

Steele believes the industry’s mindset is beginning to shift.

“There was a genuine feeling that Auckland harness racing can once again become a growth story.

ATC is also exploring the possibility of holding a follow-up Auckland Harness Summit in February 2027, providing an opportunity to review progress, share outcomes and continue building industry alignment.

The Club will be releasing updates from the Implementation Group over coming months and will continue engaging with stakeholders as initiatives are developed.

“The Summit demonstrated that there is a strong appetite throughout the industry to work together.

We received overwhelmingly positive feedback after the event and there is a clear desire to keep the momentum going.

Auckland harness racing has a future worth investing in, and the responsibility now sits with all of us to help build it.”