A layer of trans-Tasman rivalry will be brought to the second running of The Quokka after Perth Racing agreed to partner with New Zealand’s Trackside Media for their slot in the A$5M feature for the next three years.

Trackside is the media and broadcast arm of TAB in New Zealand, which Entain operates under a 25-year strategic partnering agreement.

Trackside also had a slot in this year’s Everest, with I Wish I Win finishing a luckless second. The association with The Everest helped build the profile and awareness of that race in New Zealand and similar benefits are expected to flow through for The Quokka.

“We definitely saw the impact it had in New Zealand to be able to run in one of these big money Aussie slot races,” Entain New Zealand Managing Director Cameron Rodger said.

“The whole thoroughbred racing industry received a massive lift from the experience, and we hope securing a slot in The Quokka will provide another avenue for us to promote the very best of New Zealand racing.

“We had a fabulous experience partnering with Waikato Stud’s I Wish I Win in the Everest, and our aim for The Quokka will be to again showcase Kiwi thoroughbred talent, and there is plenty to consider particularly with Imperatriz and others performing so strongly.”

The second running of the Quokka will be held at Perth’s Ascot Racecourse on Saturday, April 20. The inaugural race was won by Overpass narrowly ahead of WA champion Amelia’s Jewel and recent Giga Kick Stakes winner, Bella Nipotina.

Perth Racing CEO James Oldring welcomed the Kiwi interest in the second running of the race.

“Obviously The Quokka is still in its infancy, but we saw an amazing race this year and with prizemoney lifting to $5m in 2024 we only expect momentum to build,” Oldring said.

“When Trackside approached us about partnering on our slot, we saw this as a prime opportunity to help enhance the growth and awareness around the race internationally.

“The New Zealand market is crucial for us in WA. It is important from a breeding perspective and there is an opportunity for growth from a wagering perspective, not only on this race, but more broadly, with New Zealand being our most significant contributor to international media rights revenue in recent years.

“Entain NZ supports a racing industry there that has a very proud heritage. They are already making great strides and it will be terrific to have a strong Kiwi presence in the Quokka.

"We’re really looking forward to partnering with them to raise the profile of the race, and racing across both jurisdictions.”