World Trotting Conference comes to Christchurch

Tackling issues such as sustainable breeding, global wagering changes and animal welfare, the World Trotting Conference will get underway from next Tuesday (November 2).

Around 45 people, from 10 countries, will be here for the four-day conference in Christchurch.  

This year Australia will be the most represented, with delegates also coming from all over Europe as well as Canada and the United States.

Held to unite national harness racing organisations and to exchange information and shape the future of the sport, the WTC was first held in Ohio in 1969 following the establishment of the International Trotting Association. The last conference was held in Berlin 2023.

Having the WTC in this country comes a year after it hosted the highly successful World Driving Championship, won by now two-time champion James MacDonald from Canada. 

Topics to be discussed include :

Protecting Participants from on-line abuse and providing safe environments
Global wagering challenges
Equine health and integrity including Racing the Young Horse 
Sustainable Breeding 

Thursday will see a presentation and panel discussion on Changing Fan Behaviours and Sporting Success. Among those taking part in the discussion will be One New Zealand Warriors and former Auckland Racing Club Chief Executive Cameron George and Caroline Harvie-Teare, the Chief Executive of Venues Otautahi which runs the new One New Zealand Stadium.

Conference-goers will also have the opportunity to go to the races including the Kaikoura Cup meeting on Monday as well as Go Media New Zealand Trotting Cup day at Addington on Tuesday, November 10.