Melbourne Cup coverage on TVNZ 1

TVNZ 1 will lure eyeballs across the country to watch the world’s most vibrant racing event, the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) on Tuesday afternoon.

A top-class TVNZ team of Toni Street, Matt Heath, Guy Heveldt, Jesse Tuke and Sonny Ngatai will host an hour of coverage from 4.30pm, featuring the famed race at 5pm.

COVID’s impact on 2020 events mean some of the renowned Flemington side-line glamour will be missed this year, but to compensate, the TVNZ team will bring viewers the New Zealand industry opinions and local fashion to set the scene.

From the TVNZ studios, to Ellerslie Racecourse, and hot spots across town - TVNZ 1 will offer a compelling mix of experts and entertainment to enhance your racing experience.

“Our viewers have told us how much they enjoy big sporting events live and free-to-air, so we’re absolutely thrilled to bring New Zealanders’ the Melbourne Cup on TVNZ 1,”  TVNZ Director of Content Cate Slater said.  

“What a fabulous precursor to our summer sport line up with NZ Cricket, America’s Cup and the Black Clash all to follow on TVNZ.”

New Zealand is well represented in the Melbourne Cup, with six New Zealand-bred horses to take their place in the 24-horse field, including Verry Elleegant, Surprise Baby, Oceanex, Miami Bound, Etah James and Cambridge-trained galloper The Chosen One, who is prepared by Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman.

Robertson new Racing Minister

For the second term in succession, the Deputy Prime Minister will also be the Minister for Racing in New Zealand. 

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has revealed the ministerial positions for the new Government, with Grant Robertson being promoted to Deputy Prime Minister.

In addition to Deputy PM duties, Robertson will continue to serve as Finance Minister and also focus on infrastructure, sport and recreation and racing.

Robertson replaces Winston Peters, who played a key role in ensuring the racing industry received a $72.5 million COVID-19 emergency support package in May, a lifeline for the industry and its 15,000 full-time employees.

Another Stakes win for Belardo filly Lullaby Moon

Belardo  filly Lullaby Moon added a second stakes victory to her record on Saturday when she won the Gr.3 Prix Miesque Stakes (1400m) at Chantilly, four weeks after winning the Listed Two Year Old Trophy (1200m) at Redcar.

Ridden by Richard Kingscote the Belardo filly tracked the leader before taking the lead 400 meters out. She was challenged 200m from home before asserting her dominance and winning by two lengths.

Lullaby Moon is the best performer from the winning Indesatchel mare Bold Bidder, herself a half-sister to the Stakes-placed pair of Better Built and Right Answer.

The win gave Belardo his third individual Group winner following Rockfel and Prestige Stakes victress Isabella Giles plus the Weld Park Stakes-winning Elysium.

Belardo shuttles to the Chitty family’s Haunui Farm where he stands for a fee of $10,000+GST.