Auckland Thoroughbred Racing is on a mission to identify someone whose efforts in the background of what we know as the racing industry deserves a special reward.

In an initiative dubbed ‘For the love of the horse’ seeking out the unsung heroes of racing, ATR has joined forces with long-time supporters Hawaiian Airlines and the Japan Racing Association to offer a lucrative prize to the person whose hard work and dedication is judged to go beyond the call of duty.

Flying Hawaiian Airlines, ATR wants to send a special industry professional (and a friend) to Tokyo, Japan for four nights with the chance to experience a Group 1 raceday at Tokyo Racecourse in June 2024. Then, they’ll fly to Waikiki, Hawaii for four nights of sun, sand and relaxation – an incredible trip.

Additionally the nominator of the winning industry participant will receive 100,000 Hawaiian Airlines air miles so they can enjoy their own sun-filled vacation.

"It was important to us here at Auckland Thoroughbred Racing to really recognise all parts of the industry, but especially those who work behind the scenes,” ATR CEO Paul Wilcox explained to RaceForm. “The care and attention shown to thoroughbreds really is second to none and that dedication is worth celebrating.

“The trip we've managed to pull together with support from our partners, Hawaiian Airlines and the JRA, will be such a cool experience for our winner.

“And perhaps most importantly, it includes a well-deserved break from the early mornings. I encourage everyone to get behind this competition and nominate their peers or teams – you’ve got to be in it to win it!

“I’m looking forward to seeing who our judging panel picks as the lucky recipient – I don’t envy them that task.”

Racing is full of heart-warming stories of dedication and that intangible that others unaware of – the sometimes daily grind required to meet the needs of the horses in their care.

When viewed dispassionately, the commitment expected by those in the industry may not in the modern-day context of alternative career choices be an appealing career prospect. The early hours, long days and the necessity to work weekends and public holidays doesn’t present a compelling picture.

It can be a challenging job yet without these people whose alarms go off when others are heading to bed, the industry as we know it would cease to function.

It’s these unsung heroes that ATR wants to see in the running to be rewarded with a fantastic prize package.

Rusty Williss, NZ Country Director of Hawaiian Airlines, has been a firm supporter of Auckland Thoroughbred Racing for many years now.

“Our partnership with Auckland Thoroughbred Racing is one we here at Hawaiian Airlines values,” he says. “This relationship has resulted in many racing attendees and fans getting to experience all that Hawaii and our ‘beyond USA 15 city network’ has to offer.

“The racing industry is one that is also close to my heart and I’ve seen first-hand the love and commitment shown by those doing the hard yards each day to ensure my thoroughbreds benefit from the very best possible care.

“To partner with ATR and reward one of these amazing ‘hard yards’ individuals is a special project and I’m excited to see the whole industry get behind this opportunity for one of our own.”

If you know a deserving industry participant who goes above and beyond, refer to the advertisement below or visit ellerslie.co.nz/post/for-the-love-of-the-horse.