Known for its renowned venues, including Santa Anita Park (California) and Gulfstream Park (Florida), 1/ST is a leader in modernizing horse racing by mixing live racing with innovative video gaming, hospitality and way of life experiences.
As leaders of world-class racing, hospitality and entertainment occasions, 1/ST is also dedicated to advancing racing's global profile through cutting-edge technology and global collaboration. This collaboration brings an unique opportunity to link three distinguished racedays: Auckland Thoroughbred Racing's Champions Day (March 8 at Ellerslie Racecourse), together with 1/ST's Pegasus World Cup (January 25 at Gulfstream Park) and California Crown (September 27 at Santa Anita Park).
This partnership will introduce "Golden Ticket" pathways, offering the winning horses direct entry into marquee races consisting of:
From the Pegasus World Cup (25 January 2025) to Champions Day (8 March 2025):
- The US$ 500,000 Group 2 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf (1600m) winner earns entry to the NZ$ 600,000 Group 1 World Pool New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (1600m).
- The US$ 1,000,000 Group 1 Pegasus World Cup Turf (1800m) winner gains entry to the NZ$ 1,000,000 Group 1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m).
From Champions Day (8 March 2025) to California Crown (27 September 2025):
- The NZ$ 500,000 Rich Hill Stud Champion Middle Distance Series winner secures a Golden Ticket to the US$ 750,000 Group 1 California Crown John Henry Turf (2000m).
- The NZ$ 500,000 Sport Nation Champion Sprint Series winner makes entry to the US$ 750,000 Group 2 California Crown US$ 750,000 Eddie D Turf Sprint (1300m).
To further enhance the partnership, NZTR and 1/ST will cover travel and freight costs for Golden Ticket-winning horses taking a trip globally to complete in the particular nations.
"This collaboration marks an exciting turning point in showcasing New Zealand racing on the world stage," commented Chief Operating Officer of NZTR, Darin Balcombe. "The Golden Ticket concept produces an unique path for worldwide competition, enriching the experience for racing participants and fans alike."
Aidan Butler, President of 1/ST, added: "This partnership with NZTR exemplifies our dedication to raising Thoroughbred racing worldwide. By linking these renowned racedays and supporting worldwide competition, we're wanting to drive development, collaboration and worldwide excitement in the sport."
Lachlan Fitt, Deputy CEO of Entain Australia and New Zealand, operators of the NZ TAB, also invited the announcement:
"Congratulations to NZTR and 1/ST on reaching this interesting result. The collaboration will continue the chance for NZ racing to be showcased to racing fans globally and is another new pathway for NZ racing individuals to consider. And through our Trackside and Sport Nation media brand names, we anticipate bringing the best of US racing to our betting clients in NZ."
This collaboration paves the way for substantial growth in Thoroughbred racing throughout both regions, with both NZTR and 1/ST delighted to develop on this promising foundation progressing.
