New Zealand Racing’s Bold Move: Keeping Stars at Home with Lucrative Bonuses
The New Zealand racing scene is bracing for a potential shake-up, fueled by a newly announced $500,000 bonus designed to incentivize owners and trainers to keep their top 4-year-olds racing on home soil. This initiative, spearheaded by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), comes at a critical juncture as the lure of richer Australian purses often sees promising talent quickly exported across the Tasman Sea.
The Drain of Talent: Why NZTR is Taking Action
For years, New Zealand has been a breeding ground for exceptional racehorses, but often those horses reach their peak performance – and earning potential – while competing in Australia. Horses like Damask Rose, a previous winner of both the Karaka Millions Three-Year-Old and the NZB Kiwi, exemplify this trend. She achieved significant success in New Zealand but hasn’t raced there since, opting for the bigger stage and rewards available in Australia. This exodus impacts not only the prestige of New Zealand racing but also its economic viability.
The core issue is simple: Australian prize money is significantly higher. Races like the A$10 million Golden Eagle and the A$20 million Everest offer sums that are difficult for New Zealand racing to match. However, NZTR’s new bonus aims to bridge that gap, at least for a select group of horses.
How the Bonus Works: Targeting the NZB Kiwi Contenders
The $500,000 bonus is awarded to the first NZB Kiwi contender in March who subsequently wins a New Zealand Group 1 race the following season. The prize is split between the horse’s connections ($250,000) and the NZB Kiwi slot-holder ($250,000). This structure creates a win-win scenario, rewarding both the owners and those who invested in securing a slot in the prestigious NZB Kiwi race.
A prime target for horses aiming to trigger this bonus is the Proisir Plate, a Group 1 race over 1400m. Winning this race, in addition to the standard stakes, could net connections close to $500,000 – a substantial incentive to remain in New Zealand.
Well Written: The First Test Case?
All eyes are currently on Well Written, a filly currently dominating the lead-up races to the NZB Kiwi. Trainer Andrew Marsh acknowledges the bonus’s appeal. “It is fair to say we are very aware of the bonus and without getting ahead of ourselves, it could be very enticing,” he told the Herald. Marsh also indicated that a strong performance in the NZB Kiwi could lead to a break for the filly, rather than an immediate push for Australian Group 1s, particularly given the potential for wet tracks during The Championships in Sydney.
Marsh also hinted at the Golden Eagle as a potential long-term goal, but emphasized the value of a New Zealand run to gauge form before tackling an Australian campaign. The presence of formidable international competition, like the Hong Kong champion Ka Ying Rising, in races like the Everest adds another layer of complexity to the decision-making process.
Beyond the Bonus: Current Racing Landscape
The racing scene isn’t solely focused on future plans. Recent events have highlighted the unpredictable nature of the sport. Railway winner Crocetti was found with mucus in his throat, jeopardizing his chances in the BCD Sprint. Alabama Lass is also facing a veterinary assessment before a decision is made regarding her participation. However, Australian trainers are also sending strong contenders, with Victorian trainer Ben Hayes confirming the participation of Arkansaw Kid and Here To Shock in the BCD Sprint, and efforts underway to keep Railway winner Jigsaw racing in New Zealand.
The Broader Implications for New Zealand Racing
This bonus isn’t just about one race or one horse; it’s about the long-term health of the New Zealand racing industry. By retaining top talent, NZTR hopes to strengthen its Group 1 races, attract larger crowds, and boost the overall profile of the sport. It’s a strategic move to counter the gravitational pull of Australian racing and establish New Zealand as a viable and attractive destination for both owners and trainers.
Did you know? New Zealand consistently punches above its weight in international racing, producing horses that compete successfully on the world stage. Retaining more of this talent domestically could further enhance this reputation.
FAQ: The NZTR Bonus Explained
- What is the value of the bonus? $500,000
- Who is eligible? The first NZB Kiwi contender in March who wins a New Zealand Group 1 race the following season.
- How is the bonus split? $250,000 to the horse’s connections and $250,000 to the NZB Kiwi slot-holder.
- What is the Proisir Plate? A Group 1 race over 1400m that is a potential target for horses aiming to trigger the bonus.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the performance of NZB Kiwi contenders in the coming months. Their results will be a key indicator of the bonus’s success and the future direction of New Zealand racing.
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