I’m pleased to introduce this edition to you, having taken on the role of Chief Financial Officer of Entain Australia and New Zealand and Managing Director – New Zealand earlier this month, following on from almost two years as Entain ANZ’s Deputy Chief Financial Officer.

If we haven’t met previously, here is a little more information about me. Prior to our Strategic Partnering arrangement with TAB NZ taking effect in June 2023, I was lucky enough to spend 10 years in the TAB NZ business in financial and operational roles, covering the breadth of our business in New Zealand.

Along the way, I have had oversight and leadership of the retail and broadcasting operations of the business, so it’s timely that this update includes a section on the big improvements we’re making to our retail and on-course network over the coming months.

In this update, there’s news around our Trackside Media slot runner in this year’s Kia Quokka in Perth, a reflection on the outstanding Barfoot & Thompson Champions Day at Ellerslie, a look ahead at the Night Of Champions, and a team profile from Trackside’s Executive Producer, Scott Freeman.

Please share or forward this newsletter to anyone in the industry who you think might like to read this. They can sign up to receive the Entain Edition directly by contacting communications@entaingroup.co.nz. If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please contact the same address.

Earlier today, we shared the exciting news that Crocetti will run in the Trackside NZ/Perth Racing slot in the A$5m slot race, The KIA Quokka.

Crocetti was the winner of this year’s Sport Nation NZ Champion Sprint Series, so it was a great outcome when owner and co-breeder Daniel Nakhle and the rest of the Crocetti team confirmed they were keen to take up our invitation.

He’s delivered on the New Zealand stage, so look out Perth on April 26!

Read more at entaingroup.co.nz/news and take in the Crocetti hype reel below with exactly one month to go until the big race.

It was a milestone day for our New Zealand retail customers on Monday last week (17 March), with the first of many installations of our brand-new technology taking place at Manukau City TAB.

For the combined Retail, Product, Design, NZ Operations and Development teams, this is a big moment. A world-class wagering experience for more than 450 TAB venues and pubs and clubs in New Zealand with brand-new technology is set to be rolled out over the coming months, and we’re already more than a week into the installations.

The new terminals deliver an outstanding experience for TAB customers across all channels, and customers are now able to seamlessly move from betting through the TAB App and tab.co.nz, to their visits to our retail outlets.

Our racing and sports fans know the fun of celebrating a win with their friends, whether that’s in a TAB retail store or a pub or club with TAB facilities, and now everything a TAB customer could do through the app or tab.co.nz is now possible in retail.

Find out more at entaingroup.co.nz/news, and for a look at the past and the future, check out the below.

The atmosphere at Barfoot & Thompson Champions Day earlier this month was electric, and that has been reflected in some outstanding figures, thanks to the hard work from our team at Entain Australia & New Zealand alongside Auckland Thoroughbred Racing, NZ Thoroughbred Racing and New Zealand Bloodstock.

The 10-race card recorded turnover of $7.98m, the second highest total ever in New Zealand, and up 77% on the corresponding Auckland Cup meeting last year.

Importantly, almost 55,000 customers placed a bet on the meeting through TAB and betcha – the highest ever achieved for a New Zealand race meeting – and The NZB Kiwi’s high profile through media and marketing activity attracted more than 37,000 active customers on the new slot race – the most for a thoroughbred race in New Zealand in the past 12 months.

The first running of The NZB Kiwi had turnover of $1.38m, instantly placing it third on the list of the biggest New Zealand races by turnover in the past 12 months, while all four Group 1 races recorded increases in both active customers and turnover. The racing industry and our New Zealand customers have embraced the concept of Champions Day incredibly quickly. The opportunity for growth into 2026 and beyond is very exciting.

Capture the essence of the day through this great highlight video from the Trackside team.

The Night of Champions continues to grow as a key event on the harness racing calendar, and this year, there’s a step into new territory for our betting brand, betcha. The $1m slot pacing race, The Race by betcha, will be the first venture into major race sponsorship for the new betting brand on the block. The race, and the whole race night, has captured the attention of a similar demographic to our betcha customers, so there is a natural alignment between The Race and betcha.

The race is shaping up brilliantly, with Miracle Mile winner Don Hugo, multiple Group 1 winner Merlin, this summer’s star Republican Party, and outstanding mare Duchess Megxit all confirmed runners so far, with the promise of some other top-drawer pacers to come. Find out more about the night, including the TAB Trot, on the Night of Champions website, with The Race by betcha futures market currently available at betcha.co.nz.

Our third Racing Her Way event on Barfoot & Thompson Champions Day was a resounding success, delighting guests with a unique and memorable experience. Held on Tier 1 of the Champagne Lawn at Ellerslie, the event featured a stunning long-lunch setup that provided the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of glamour, excitement, and racing insights.

The ever-charismatic Laura McGoldrick returned to host the event, joined by an impressive lineup of special guests, including Courtney Tairi, Storm Purvis, and Lulu Wilcox, among others.

Guests enjoyed an exclusive viewing of the Ned Prix de Fashion finalists, showcasing the very best of race day style and sophistication and also picked up some betting tips to add to the fun of the day. They also headed out to the starting gates, getting up close to the action as horses and jockeys thundered out of the gates.

In-form jockey Sam Spratt made a special appearance, sharing her racing insights and even tipping a winner on the card, much to the delight of the attendees.

The Racing Her Way movement continues to grow in popularity, providing opportunities to celebrate and empower women in the racing industry. It’s about bringing more people into the racing world, creating unforgettable moments, and showcasing the magic of the sport from a fresh perspective.

• The 2025 edition of the Industry Excellence Awards, powered by Entain, will soon be open for nominations. Stay tuned in early April for more information around how to nominate an emerging leader or rising star of the racing industry under the age of 40. You can also keep an eye on updates at entaingroup.co.nz/industryawards.

I’m a punting tragic and TAB Lifer due to a misspent youth and my family influences. Grandma had a TAB, Mum had a TAB, and many close family friends have worked in the game. I spent many hours as a young ’un putting up sheets, results, red-stamping scratchings, tidying up losing tickets and ashtrays – the good old days.

What excites you about the strategic partnership?

Trackside’s transformation under the strategic partnership has been remarkable and rapid. Our quality of coverage across shows, live broadcasts, digital and short form is again world-class with Trackside’s Champions Day campaign the most complete I have been involved. To be able to build on that across the platforms we have with the talent we have is truly exciting for us and the industry.

The race event I’m most looking forward to?

As my long-suffering wife says: “there’s always another big race to work on”. I can’t wait for Night of Champions, The Championships and the Quokka but if pressed for just one, a horse I own an eyelash in, Poukawa will step up to a mile in the Rating 65 at Whanganui on April 5, so I’m looking forward to that.

Entain Australia & New Zealand, Asteron Centre | Level 10 – 55 Featherston St,
Pipitea, Wellington, 6011, NZ