About OnTrack
A movement from within
At the heart of the racing industry lies the people. The early mornings, the hard graft, the fierce pride in getting the job done, no matter what. For the 40,000 workers across New Zealand’s tracks, stables, kennels and clubs, racing isn’t just work. It’s a world. A way of life. It’s our identity.
But even in a world built on strength, people can struggle. Long hours, financial pressure, the constant push to do more with less. It takes a toll. And in racing, we haven’t always had the words, or the space, to talk about it.
That’s where OnTrack comes in.
Not as a top-down programme. Not as something done to the industry. But as something built by it, shaped by the people who live this life, who know its pulse, who care enough to want change.
It started by listening, in stables and kennels, at race meetings, over the phone, face-to-face. What we heard was clear: people were hurting, but didn’t know how to ask for help. And more than that, they didn’t believe anything would change.
So, we did something different.
We didn’t ask people to speak up. We work with them and train their workmates how to reach in. At the core of OnTrack is a simple belief: no one in racing should go through tough times alone. And no one understands racing better than the people in it.
That’s why our OnTrack Champions are people you already know, fellow trainers, riders, club staff, farriers and breeders who’ve lived it, who care, and who want to be part of the solution. We back them with the tools to have real conversations, spot when something’s not right, and walk alongside someone who’s struggling.
It works because it’s grounded in what already connects us. In racing, people don’t just work side by side, they share a way of life, a sense of who we are and what matters. That’s our strength. It’s why we feel it so deeply when someone is doing it tough, and why we’re willing to step up and help. OnTrack builds on that shared identity, calls out the unfairness of facing hardship in silence, and backs people with the skills and confidence to make a difference. And because it’s led by those who have lived this, it’s real. Trusted. Like something we all believe in. We don’t have to sit in silence anymore and it’s our responsibility to do something about it.
OnTrack is still in its early stages – established in 2023 and delivering our programmes from October 2024 – but already the momentum is building. More people are stepping forward. More clubs are jumping on board. It’s working, because it’s ours.
If you’re part of this industry, you’re already part of this movement.
So, if you’re part of this industry, no matter your role, this is your time to act. Together, we’re creating a culture where mental health is everyone’s business. Where support is visible, trusted, and real.
Let’s all get OnTrack.
Programme Logic Process
Turning vision into action
This shows how OnTrack moves from identifying industry challenges to creating lasting change.
Problem statement
Racing industry workers face real mental health challenges, including depression, suicidality, stress, bullying, and job insecurity. OnTrack is tackling these head-on.
Programme objectives
Setting SMART goals
(Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) that drive collective action, training, and long-term workplace wellbeing.
Assumptions
We believe that strategic activities lead to real change, backed by research, evidence, and industry insights.
External
Factors
Acknowledging that industry culture, economic pressures, and external conditions can impact success—OnTrack is built to adapt and respond.
inputs
Investing the right resources, research, and funding to ensure OnTrack delivers the best outcomes for the industry.
outputs
Practical actions like direct support, awareness campaigns, research, and workforce development to strengthen the industry from the ground up.
outcomes
Immediate wins like greater awareness and skill development, leading to long-term culture shifts that make racing safer and healthier for everyone.
“OnTrack is about making mental health a priority in racing. It’s about working together to create a strong, supportive culture that values the wellbeing of people and empowers them to harness their strengths.”
VICTORIA McARTHUR – CEO, ONTRACK RACING
Through our dedicated, evidence-based programmes, we strive to:
Raise awareness.
Together, we can raise mental health and suicide prevention awareness, build strong peer support networks, and connect workers with essential services. By doing this, we create a supportive community, leading to more resilient workplaces and a positive cultural shift in the racing industry.
Build knowhow. Build skills.
We want to empower workers to take an active role in promoting better mental health and reducing suicide risk in their workplace. By recruiting OnTrack Champions and encouraging peer-to-peer support, we can help people in racing develop the skills to listen, support, and seek help.
Create cultural change.
This ‘whole of industry approach’ will create real cultural change in racing. By working together, we can celebrate our successes and show the positive impact of our efforts on mental health and workplace culture.
Seek feedback.
In our ever-changing industry, we’re committed to learning and listening to the racing community. We’ll use your feedback to shape our programs and make sure they offer the support you need. Research is key to OnTrack, providing evidence-based insights to tailor our initiatives to the unique challenges of the industry.
Harness our strengths.
The racing industry’s true strength is its people. OnTrack’s success relies on everyone embracing the programs and sharing their knowledge. Together, we can build on our strengths and celebrate what makes our industry great.
Track success.
OnTrack will measure its progress through regular monitoring and feedback to ensure our programs are effective and continuously improving. This ongoing evaluation will demonstrate our commitment to making a lasting difference in the racing community and highlight the positive impact of our collective efforts on mental health and workplace culture.
Stay in touch.
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Become an OnTrack Champion
Our Champions are the backbone of the OnTrack programme! As a volunteer, you’ll play a crucial role in supporting your peers and be part of a dedicated network improving mental health and wellbeing in the racing industry. Be the key to our success and help us create a stronger, healthier community.
Mā tini, mā mano, ka rapa te whai.
By many, by thousands, the work will be done.