Straight Up – The Trans-Tasman connection

The thoroughbred industries of New Zealand and Australia are inextricably linked, especially when it comes to bloodstock. Such is the level of trade and business between the two, an economic tremor – positive or negative in one country – will be felt across the Tasman.

So when New Zealand announced this week it would be investing significantly into its summer racing series, adding a $NZ3.5 million slot race, expanding the Karaka Millions series and creating a super Saturday with four Group 1 races in early March, it was a sign to Australia that Kiwis were putting difficult days behind them.

Key to the sudden flow of cash has been the multi-billion dollar 25-year wagering deal struck between New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and wagering company Entain last year.

What that means is that Kiwis shopping at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale at Karaka, which begins on Sunday, will have extra incentive to invest, providing greater competition for the international dollar, led by the Australians, which usually make up 60 per cent of the market at the sale.

We saw with the positive results at the Ready To Run Sale in November that the New Zealand bloodstock industry is imbued with confidence in the wake of the landmark Entain deal, and we can expect to see a similarly bullish attitude at Karaka.

Entain, NZ racing initiatives hailed as a ‘game-changer’ ahead of Karaka sale

On the eve of New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale, there is a sense of optimism around the nation that racing is about to turn the corner.

The StraightJessica Owers

Rich slot race for 3YOs highlights massive boost to NZ feature racing

A $3.5 million slot race is among a slew of racing program changes in New Zealand designed to reinvigorate the country’s summer carnival from 2025.

The StraightBren O’Brien

It’s an excellent example of how the economics of the wagering, racing and bloodstock industries are closely linked.

Equine welfare is a key challenge for the entire thoroughbred industry and it was interesting to see Racing Victoria implement a rule this week that will ban participants from sending any live horses to a knackery or an abattoir. It follows a similar rule implemented in NSW in 2017.

The post-racing life of thoroughbreds is a complex and difficult challenge, but it is one the broader industry can not afford to ignore. Consistency between the states is crucial in addressing that challenge, but the dysfunction of Racing Australia makes that close to impossible.

Victoria follows NSW lead on knackery ban for thoroughbreds

Racing Victoria has followed Racing NSW in prohibiting participants from sending live thoroughbreds to knackeries or abattoirs.

The StraightBren O’Brien

Regulation is also a complex beast in the wagering space, just ask the Northern Territory Racing Commission, which oversees the majority of Australia’s corporate bookmakers. We had a look at some of the more ‘interesting cases’ to come before the NTRC in 2023.

Irish hurling, US elections and minor Euro football leagues – all in a day’s work for NT betting regulator

Nothing is off limits for the Northern Territory Racing Commission when it comes to settling wagering disputes between punters and bookmakers.

The StraightWarwick Barr

Finally, the exit of Element Hill from the Australian breeding and bloodstock scene was announced this week. Few can say they bred a champion, even fewer can boast two, as the Hutchins family can with Typhoon Tracy and Golden Sixty. Their farm is set to hit the market and their bloodstock will be dispersed at the Magic Millions National Sale late this year.

Golden Sixty half-sister a star attraction in Element Hill dispersal

Queensland farm Element Hill will offer more than 40 Lots for unreserved sale.

The StraightWarwick Barr

Enjoy your long weekend of racing!

Regards

Bren O’Brien, Founder and Managing Editor

The Straight