The future leaders and rising stars of the New Zealand racing codes will come together for an awards night in late July for the inaugural Industry Excellence Awards, powered by Entain Australia and New Zealand.

Nominations are now open for the awards, which have been developed by Entain, the operators of New Zealand’s TAB, as a way to acknowledge the talents of Kiwis up to the age of 40 in the three racing codes.

“We see these awards as a rare opportunity for all our future leaders in racing to gather together and celebrate what has been a huge year for the New Zealand racing industry,” Entain’s Managing Director – New Zealand, Cameron Rodger, said.

“Each code already does a tremendous job of recognising the elite performers in their world, and this represents a chance to add to that, and reward the very best of our many great young people involved in New Zealand racing – including across some of the unsung areas that don't always get the spotlight but are so critical to its success.”

There are awards for a total of nine categories, with a supreme winner chosen from the category award winners.

Category winners will receive $10,000 with finalists in each category receiving $2,000. The supreme winner will receive an extra $5,000 on top of their $10,000 category win, and a $5,000 educational package.

The award categories are: Leadership, Equine Handling (Stud or Stable), Greyhound Excellence, Dedication to Breeding, Dedication to Racing, Administrative and Ancillary Services, Care and Welfare, Newcomer and National Racing Woman of the Year.

 

Several racing stakeholders have also come on board to support the awards.

 

“It’s outstanding to have IRT, Windsor Park Stud, Waikato Stud and Breckon Farms join us in supporting our young New Zealand talent,” Cameron Rodger said.
Entain Australia and New Zealand Deputy Chief Executive Lachlan Fitt said the quality of the people involved in the New Zealand industry was a strong influence behind Entain entering the strategic partnership, which began almost one year ago on 1 June 2023.

 

“We were very intentional in including the establishment of these awards as part of our plans,” Lachlan Fitt said.

 

“The current strength and future potential of the New Zealand racing industry and its people was such a strong selling point for us, and we wanted to make sure there was an opportunity to recognise those who contribute today, and who will lead its future tomorrow.”

The awards ceremony will be held in Auckland on 28 July, with flights and accommodation supplied for the category finalists. The finalists will be announced and contacted on 4 July.

Information on the awards and the nomination process is at entaingroup.co.nz/industryawards.