New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has reached an agreement with a prominent US racing and wagering company that promises to showcase the best of Kiwi thoroughbred action to a broader audience.
As the countdown begins to the inaugural Champions Day at Ellerslie on March 8, NZTR has joined forces with 1/ST in a bid to expand its global reach.
Under the terms of the deal, Champions Day will be connected to two racedays in the US - the Pegasus World Cup meeting at Gulfstream Park on January 25 and the California Crown fixture at Santa Anita Park on September 27.
The collaboration will introduce golden ticket pathways, offering the winning horses direct entry into marquee races in the US and New Zealand.
1/ST is part of the Stronach Group, which specialises in wagering, gaming, entertainment, and hospitality innovation in the US horse racing market.
Led by Belinda Stronach, the company has a business alliance with Gulfstream Park, Santa Ania Park and the Maryland Jockey Club.
Stronach is the brains and powerhouse behind the Pegasus World Cup, the slot race that provided a template for introducing the $20 million Everest to Australia.
The US$1 million Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup Turf (1800m) winner will earn automatic entry into the NZ$1 million Bonecrusher Stakes (2000m).
A golden ticket will also be available to the Group 2 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf (1600m) winner to contest the Group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m).
The Bonecrusher Stakes and the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes will be key undercard events to the NZ$3.5 million NZB Kiwi, a slot race for three-year-olds.
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Conversely, the winners of the NZ$500,000 Champion Middle Distance Series and the NZ$500,000 Champion Sprint Series on Champions Day will receive respective invitations to the US$750,000 Grade 1 John Henry Turf (2000m) and the US$750,000 Eddie D Turf Sprint (1300m) on California Crown day.
To enhance the partnership, NZTR and 1/ST will cover travel and freight costs for golden ticket-winning horses travelling internationally to compete in the respective countries.
“This partnership marks an exciting milestone in showcasing New Zealand racing on the world stage,” NZTR chief operating officer Darin Balcombe said.
“The golden ticket concept creates a unique pathway for international competition, enriching the experience for racing participants and fans alike.”
Aidan Butler, President of 1/ST, said: “This partnership with NZTR exemplifies our commitment to elevating thoroughbred racing globally.
“By linking these iconic racedays and supporting international competition, we’re looking to drive innovation, collaboration and global excitement in the sport.”
Lachlan Fitt, Deputy chief executive of Entain Australia and New Zealand, operator of the NZ TAB, also welcomed the announcement:
“Congratulations to NZTR and 1/ST on reaching this exciting outcome,” he said.
“The partnership will continue the opportunity for NZ racing to be showcased to racing fans globally and is another new pathway for NZ racing participants to consider.
“And through our Trackside and Sport Nation media brands, we look forward to bringing the best of US racing to our wagering customers in NZ.”
Warwick Barr
1/ST CONTENT, a subsidiary company of 1/ST, has partnered with Australian wagering firm Tabcorp during the past 12 months to manage content rights, data, odds and broadcasts on an expanding global thoroughbred portfolio that includes racing from Turkiye and Morocco.
