The announcement that a new weekly racing publication is set to be unveiled has been welcomed by the full range of stakeholder groups.

Dean McKenzie, Chair of the Racing Industry Transition Agency, expressed his pleasure at the outcome for RACEFORM as a stand-alone publication to provide comprehensive news, fields and form.

“RITA has been working for several months to support the development of a new, independent racing publication and we’re excited at the prospect of RACEFORM being launched,” McKenzie said.

“Incorporating Best Bets in RACEFORM aligns with RITA’s focus on driving revenue for racing and provides an opportunity to improve customer service by supplying more information for punters and ultimately delivering on our objective to promote racing.”

Hall Of Fame member Sir Patrick Hogan and NZ Trainers’ Association President Tony Pike are amongst many to applaud RACEFORM’S arrival.

“It’s fantastic news to know we’re going to have this publication, it’s something that’s been seriously needed,” said Hogan. “I’m sure it will prove to be a huge marketing tool in all sorts of ways – from major stakeholders right through to punters – and now it’s up to all of us to support it.”

Pike, who notched his latest Group One victory with Loire in Saturday’s New Zealand 1000 Guineas, likewise sees the development as crucial.

“We’ve desperately needed a fit-for-purpose news and form publication – it’s an essential for any racing jurisdiction,” he commented. “When you see what’s available in Australia and the benefits that has, I just think it’s a no-brainer that we are set to have our own complete package.”

NZTR CEO Bernard Saundry also lauded the arrival of RACEFORM.

“It’s a fantastic announcement for New Zealand racing, delivering a weekly publication for punters.  We look forward to working with RACEFORM and would encourage all racing fans support this new initiative by purchasing a weekly copy.”

From the beginning of December RACEFORM will publish weekly with full domestic gallops and harness fields and form as well as feature Australian racing Thursday through Sunday. Its editor is well-known journalist Dennis Ryan, who is enthusiastic about what lies ahead.

“Our intention is for a publication that will showcase the best of the New Zealand racing industry as well as providing expert and comprehensive betting information,” Ryan said.

“A lot of work has already gone into this project, and on behalf of Raceform Publications I must express our gratitude at the support we have had from RITA to reach this point. The initial response from the wider industry has also been very heartening.

“Racing is full of wonderful stories about our people and our horses. The background, the build-up and the thrill of raceday itself is something we plan to capture and bring to our readers.”