Entain Australia and New Zealand, operatord of the TAB, have extended their investment in New Zealand into education, announcing on Thursday that they have become a major partner of the New Zealand Equine Academy (NZEA).

The NZEA, a collaboration between education provider Skills New Zealand and Byerley Park Limited, was founded to create pathways into the equine sector for young people.

Its founder, prominent racing figure Daniel Nakhle, recognised that a programme that provides professional immersive practical experience, in combination with classroom-based education, was critical to New Zealand racing’s future sustainability.

With support from New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, the NZEA is in full swing and providing young Kiwis with the opportunity to develop the skills and confidence needed to pursue a career across the many varied roles that exist across the equine sector.

“The NZEA is a fees-free, live-in programme where students work towards their Level 2 & 3 Certificate in Equine Skills and are taught skills and gain the knowledge to forge a career in the equine sector,” Nakhle said.

“The sustainability of our industry is dependent on ensuring that we give clear pathways and strong support to the young men and women who will one day work in it. They are our future stable hands, jockeys, trainers, stud masters, and track managers.”

As part of the partnership, Entain will provide upfront financial support that will allow the NZEA to further develop and expand its programme. Additionally, the on-site stables where students gain practical experience caring for, training, and racing thoroughbreds will be known as the “Entain Student Stables”.

To signify the launch of the partnership, the Gr.1 NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes at Ellerslie on March 30 will this year be known as the NZEA Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes.

“From day one, we have admired what Daniel has built in the NZEA operation,” Entain Managing Director – New Zealand, Cameron Rodger said.

“We identified early on in our involvement in the New Zealand market that improving the standard of our riding ranks was critically important. NZEA’s efforts in this space are extensive and their focus on providing pathways into all corners of the industry line up perfectly with our growth ambition for the sector here in New Zealand”.

Students of the NZEA are under the tutelage of expat South African and retired Champion jockey Donavan Mansour, who works tirelessly to ensure every student is given all the tools they need to succeed.

“A significant part of our programme is making sure that our students gain not only technical skills, but the life skills needed to navigate what is often a high-pressure industry” Mansour said.

“Providing a safe, stable, supportive environment is crucial. Our programme aims to teach students not just equine excellence, but how to manage things like relationships, finances, mental health, nutrition – and the importance of a support network that you can learn from and lean on when needed.”

The NZEA will be powered by Entain through until 2027.

More information on NZEA can be found at nzea.ac.nz.