The Passey family from just outside Palmerston North, have become the latest Thoroughbred owners thanks to an exciting initiative by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and New Zealand Bloodstock.

The LOVE RACING. OWN RACING. Share the Thrill promotion is the ultimate ownership competition with the winners gifted a share in a Thoroughbred yearling purchased from New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sales Series at Karaka.

The competition was free to enter for a team of four – one current (or recent) registered owner ‘the skipper’ and three teammates new to the Thoroughbred industry. For the Passey family that is father Craig and his adult triplets - Kaitlin, Tyler and Jenna.

Their prize is a $10,000 share in a Thoroughbred yearling purchased at Karaka 2023 by an Authorised Syndicator, plus a contribution to training and ownership costs of up to $400 per month for two years (or until the horse’s first race).

Also included were return domestic flights to Auckland, five-star accommodation, and the full ‘Thoroughbred Experience’ at Karaka 2023, including being hosted by Rich Hill Stud and Wentwood Grange for lunch on Sunday and Monday, amongst other offerings.  A true ‘money can’t buy’ experience.

NZTR are thrilled with the success of the competition.

“Our concept for this promotion was who better to excite and entice newcomers to the thrill of racehorse ownership than a current owner who loves the game and wants to share the indescribable feeling of seeing their own horse race (and win!) with their friends and family,” said Leanne Meredith, NZTR’s Manager, Marketing and Ownership.

“This is a very special family who have a background in horses. Craig and his wife Raewyne are former equestrian riders and are both Thoroughbred owners”.

“They are over-the-moon to have been drawn as the winning team and what is so special, is that Craig can share this experience with his two daughters and son.”

“It was such an amazing prize and we never thought in a million years we would win it. When we got the call, we were stoked,” said the Passeys.

“We decided to enter the draw because we thought if we were lucky, it could become an extension of what we, as existing owners, have already experienced. And we could do it with the whole family.”

Their two daughters live in Auckland and their partners are both keen racing fans, while son Tyler works on the family farm, which meant he missed out on the weekend at Karaka.

“We have had the best time. We have never been to Karaka before – the experience is everything plus more.

The family have chosen Te Akau Racing as their preferred Authorised Syndicator.

“We were given the list of some fantastic Syndicators to choose from. Craig has always admired David Ellis – so to be part of their team is a dream.”

The team at Te Akau were equally thrilled to be part of the promotion.

“Everyone at Te Akau was ecstatic when we heard the news that the Passey family chose us to be involved with.  We feel honoured and privileged that we are their stable of choice, and yearling selector of choice, and we will do everything in our power to make this a totally enjoyable, fun and successful racing experience for them,” said Karyn Fenton-Ellis of Te Akau.

The Passey family will take up the offer of a visit to the Te Akau Stud and have been so impressed with the treatment they received, especially in such an important busy week, that it will result in further trips north to the Yearling Sales.

They have been presented with several options for their ownership but have yet to decide on which horse they want to be part of.

“We are tempted to go that little bit further and be part of two horses – the phone has run red-hot from friends, and they might be interested as well.

“You won’t see the last of us.  We have already talked about returning next year because we have had so much fun.”

“We can’t thank Te Akau Racing enough, nor everyone at Karaka and the team at LOVERACING.NZ. This is very special.”

For those ready to take the reins and experience the thrill of racehorse ownership today, visit loveracing.nz/ownership.