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by Matt Cutair We must elevate the discussion surrounding the New York racing calendar beyond the current, unproductive focus on the total number of racing dates. This metric is ultimately irrelevant if not tied to the overall quality and economic viability of our product. Arguing over the number of racing dates is a distraction, especially if a nominal increase in days is achieved by simply reducing the number of races run per day. For example, gaining four extra days by moving from a three-day to a four-day week means little if we write an average of one fewer race per day over that period. The real goal is not simply volume, but value. Instead of negotiating for days, NYRA, Owners, and Trainers must align on the three critical metrics that will define success over the coming years: Handle: Maximizing wagering revenue. Lowering Costs: Improving operational efficiency. Experience: Enhancing the product for owners, fans, and bettors. By running fewer days, but being more strategic about the calendar, we can achieve these goals: Maximize Handle: We should concentrate races on higher-quality days–specifically weekends and established high-handle days. By strategically expanding the number of races on these high-demand days, we can mitigate and potentially offset the impact from canceling low-handle days. Enhanced Owner Experience: Consolidating races onto weekends makes the sport significantly more accessible to owners. A 2 p.m. race on a Thursday in February naturally excludes many working owners. Moving that race to a weekend slot dramatically increases owner attendance and engagement. Improve the Betting Product: Running fewer days with a more concentrated schedule will naturally lead to enhanced field size and competitive racing. This benefits the gambler by offering a superior wagering product at times more conducive to their schedules. Lowering Costs For All: Furthermore, a reduction in racing days would be expected to dramatically lower operational costs across the entire ecosystem. The savings realized from operating the track less frequently must be strategically shared between NYRA and the horsemen (this is an “argument that's worth having”). This is crucial, as trainers will also see reduced expenses (which ultimately benefits owners), amplifying the overall economic efficiency gained from a refined calendar. The current state of winter racing entries and field sizes in New York clearly demonstrates that the status quo is unsustainable. While it may offer a fleeting, short-term benefit for an individual owner/trainer to win in a four-horse field, this practice leads to the long-term erosion of the product's quality. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity with the impending opening of the new Belmont Park. Our collective effort must be focused on a strategic calendar that raises the level of competition, maximizes revenue, lowers costs to participants and delivers a premium experience. Let us move beyond bottom-of-the-barrel arguments about the number of dates and focus on the quality of racing. Matt Cutair has owned horses on the New York racing circuit for over 20 years, starting out as a partner with Sovereign Stables, eventually running under his own stable–Cutair Racing, and now running the Adelphi Racing Club partnership group. Cutair currently owns and campaigns over 35 horses in New York (with more than half of them being New York- breds). In addition to his racing interests, he also owns New York-based broodmares and has a small group of retired horses (including OTTBs) stabled at the barn at his primary residence in nearby Greenwich, CT. The post Letter to the Editor: New York Dates–Let’s Elevate the Discussion appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Retired Racehorse Project has launched its 2025 year-end giving campaign with a total goal of $100,000, including a $41,000 match pledge that will double contributions from donors who support the organization's charitable mission to increase demand for Thoroughbreds beyond racing. The match pledge has been donated by the combined efforts of Valerie Callcott-Stevens, Copper Beech Stables, Glen Hill Farm, the Happy Dog Fun, Carolyn Rice, and Thor-Bred Stables. “The RRP's programming focuses on supporting the broad tapestry of individuals and entities that are tied to the Thoroughbred, which is the most effective and systemic way to benefit the horses,” said RRP executive director Kirsten Green. “Our small team works tirelessly to serve all of these varied communities, whether it's efforts to help racing connections keep in touch with their horses' new owners, driving demand for Thoroughbreds in riding careers so that they can move through their retirement transition efficiently, or providing educational resources and opportunities for riders. The RRP understands that positive outcomes for the horses are dependent on the collective success of the people associated with them.” To learn more about the Retired Racehorse Project and its year-end giving campaign, visit theRRP.org or contact Megan Garlich, Development Manager, at mgarlich@therrp.org. Direct donations can be made at therrp.org/donate. The post RRP Launches Year-End Giving Campaign appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saudi Arabia has been granted a number of Riyadh season race upgrades, including the country's first top tier race on turf, with the $2 million Neom Turf Cup (G1T) being granted group 1 status ahead of its 2026 running on Saudi Cup (G1) day Feb. 14.View the full article

Ace Stud has announced Ben Shoare as nominations manager ahead of the 2026 breeding season. Shoare will oversee Ace Stud, formerly known as Dullingham Park Stud, which is home to dual Group 1-winning sprinter Shaquille. A statement released by the stud on Monday read, “Ben joins the team having completed the Irish National Stud's Thoroughbred Breeding Management course in 2021, after which he was selected to undertake the Jonathan Fitzpatrick Business Internship. His experience includes positions at Tweenhills Stud, Newgate Stud in Australia, and most recently Whitsbury Manor Stud. Since 2023, Ben has also co-managed Lotus Bloodstock with various partners. For nomination enquiries, Ben Shoare can be contacted at nominations@acestud.co.uk or via the Ace Stud nominations line on +44 (0)1638 599434. The post Ben Shoare Appointed Nominations Manager At Ace Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In honor of veteran rider Perry Ouzts, Turfway Park will officially rename its jockey quarters Perry Wayne Ouzts Jockeys' Quarters during a dedication ceremony Dec. 6. Ouzts, 71, has won 7,531 races in his career, ranking fifth all-time among North American jockeys and he is the all-time leading rider at Turfway Park. “Perry is a terrific human and an unbelievable professional athlete,” Turfway Park general manager Chip Bach said. “He's the ultimate iron man, and it's only fitting that the place where our riders prepare every day now carries his name. His horsemanship, grit and consistency–and the respect he's earned here for decades–make this a proud moment for all of us.” All racing fans are welcome to attend the dedication, which will take place in the paddock prior to the first race that evening, with members of the Ouzts family, fellow jockeys and representatives from Turfway Park in attendance. The post Turfway Park Renames Jockeys’ Room in Honor of Ouzts appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Howden Neom Turf Cup, one of the highlights of the Saudi Cup meeting, has been upgraded to Group 1 status ahead of next year's running. Meanwhile, global insurance broker Howden has extended its partnership with the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) for a further three years, taking the race sponsorship to 2028. The addition of the Howden Neom Turf Cup to The Saudi Cup's line up of Group 1 races now takes the tally of top flight contests on the day to three, with a glittering undercard including three Group 2s, one Group 3 and a newly minted Listed contest after an upgrade to the Tuwaiq Cup. In addition, the King Saud Cup, held this year on December 27, has also been raised from domestic Group 1 status to an International Listed Race. The Howden Neom Turf Cup has been quick to rise through the classifications, with the 2100m race achieving Group 3 status ahead of its 2022 renewal before being promoted to Group 2 ahead of the 2024 running. A runaway seven-length success for Shadwell's subsequent Group 1 Royal Ascot Prince Of Wales's Stakes and Group 1 Juddmonte International winner Mostahdaf in 2023, and a strike for the Sir Alex Ferguson-owned Spirit Dancer (GB) the following year, would have helped boost the race's status. The dominant display from the Japanese Shin Emperor over Calif and Irish St Leger winner and Melbourne Cup runner Al Riffa this year sealed the three-year average the Asian Pattern Committee needed to provide Saudi Arabia with the upgrade, which this year will take place on February 14, as the nation hosts the 41st Asian Racing Conference. The Howden Neom Turf Cup now sits alongside the USD$20m Saudi Cup as a Group 1 event, with the world's richest race having received that recognition before just its third running in 2022. The Obaiya Arabian Classic completes the trio of top tier contests held on Saudi Cup day. Announcing the new three-year extended sponsorship, Howden Founder and CEO David Howden said, “I love racing in Riyadh. It's been incredible watching the transformation of the course in the last few years and seeing Prince Bandar realise his vision of turning horse racing in the Kingdom into such an incredible spectacle. What's so special about Saudi is that it's a truly global race meeting. The top trainers and jockeys whether from the UK, Europe, America or, of course, Japan – who have dominated the Howden Neom Cup in recent years – are not just attracted by the fantastic prize money but by the incredible competition. And the upgrade of the Howden Neom Cup to a Group One race is a testament to the incredible success of the meeting.” He added, “Yet our relationship with JCSA is only just hitting its stride. So I couldn't be prouder to extend our partnership for a further three years and see our name attached to such a prestigious race. More broadly, following on from our recent exciting partnership renewals at Ascot, Victoria Racing Club and Bahrain Turf Club, this sponsorship underlines our commitment to global racing itself. So there's a huge amount to look forward to and I can't wait to cheer home the first ever Group 1 winner of the Howden Neom Turf Cup!” The post Boost For Saudi Cup Meeting As Neom Turf Upgraded To Group 1 Status appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

You ain’t going to catch the 50k punter with your legislative net are you. If you’ve got 50k to bet with you’re going to work out a way around it and you ain’t going to be interested in their discount odds.

You wonder if they are letting the big sports punters on in the head to head options, on the Cricket, Rugby and the like, recently with Geo blocking they extended the punters promise to some sports options to a minimum of a $1000, so one wonders what happens to the guys who might want 50 grand on the ABs or the Aussie head to head, Betfair was the place for them, even had honest cash outs, are those punters being accepted or are not welcome, meaning many have given up.

So much can be achieved if everyone is on the same page. Ego's, hidden agendas and stupidity tend to take over in some places.

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There's a whole bunch of punters having their first ever bet on Melbourne Cup because they're 18 and couldn't have a bet the year before cos not old enough. Not because Entain have won them over or any other reason he wants you to believe.

Just watched “The Guerin Report”. the CEO of Entain here and Australia, Andrew Vouros was interviewed by Michael Guerin. Was a wee bit interesting and appeared to be some not so convincing answers given. Guerin asked Andrew Vouros whether at the end of the 5 years Entain would pull the plug on racing? To be fair he was hardly going to say yes we will be pulling the plug, but you can take it that they will certainly not be as generous as they currently are. He was pretty airy fairy with his answer and think we know what is going to happen? Mr Vouros also stated that they were in the business of selling more and more bets to increase turnover! Well I can tell you that that is an untruth and he knows it, but probably the same worldwide. They could be increasing turnover significantly however they are restricting turnover massively by several means, ridiculous restrictions on punters and stopping punters from being able to bet at all on some options!!!!! Interesting somehow that Mr Vouros knew what per centage of punters had their first ever bet on a horse race on the Melbourne Cup this year lol 😂 How????? They couldve been betting every year with cash at a TAB rather than TAB account. At the end of the day it is their business that NZ sold out to, and hopefully racing thrives due to their actions, but do we believe it is going to?

Agree with every one of your statements. Entain entered into the contract with no interest with improving racing, the money they were to put into racing was just the bribe that made the TAB think they were the White Knights! They were after Sports Betting and online gambling and the racing was effectively the liability they were prepared to wear for a few years. Yes HRNZ decision making to make harness racing sustainable has been very poor and they have not had the successful business people that They needed. It is very hard to fathom why many of these decisions have been made but they just seem to pluck them out of the air and are not held to account. what I do know is that they are definitely shortening the life of harness racing being viable for many in the industry despite what they say about everything going well!

Retail growth he talks about be the punters they’ve restricted going betting on machines cos they can’t get bet on their accounts.

Are you understanding the full business model Brodie? My estimate is that roughly half a billion $ has been pissed against the wall since the new Racing Act was introduced in 2003. Poor changes at the TAB , poor employment choices at both the TAB and code level and some super dumb deployments of projects, both at the TAB and code levels. Entain has another 22 years or so to go. There’s a contract in place and they will milk as much as they can until their contract ends/or they on-sell. From your own perspective Brodie, Entain will always have restricted punters. You’re successful and at least 20 others that I know are also restricted. It’s bs really - the limit should be on the bet size not the bet prize. As for HRNZ - their part in this jigsaw doesn’t have a casting vote as they’re perfunctory only, in any Entain decision. So whether some meetings or venues do better than others,that’s their decision. On the bright side….we ain’t in China so at least we can at least have a bet!

Incorrect. Entain is a listed multinational whose priorities are and always will be margin, profit, and shareholder return. Racing is actually the least profitable product they operate. Because it isn’t delivering the returns they expected, they’re now doing what every global wagering giant does, cutting costs, trimming fat, and making the product cheaper to run. This is why you’ll see a major push in the next twelve months toward centralising tracks, reducing dates, reducing staff, and stripping racing back to the bare minimum. It’s not because they “love the sport” it’s because consolidation lowers overheads. Entains long term aim is simple. Shift their focus to high margin products sports betting and, soon enough, online casino games and let racing shrink into a small supporting act. It will be smaller, cheaper, and far less important to their bottom line. Whether racing thrives or dies isn’t a concern for them. Right now it’s an expensive, low margin pimple on a global balance sheet, and they’ll keep pruning until it stops hurting the numbers.

Mr Vouris, as one would expect six months into his tenure, is upbeat and he had figures to defend his positive attitude. He has a background in gambling and comes across as being focused on selling bets to customers who want to be involved with an innovative operator. He is clear that growing the sports market and then getting new sports customers to get involved in major horse racing days such as Melbourne cup day etc is the key to achieving their growth goals. His gripe with NZ racing is the lack of consistency. He points out abandonments in the last 12 months are up ten percent. At no point did he criticize any one or any entity however read between the lines when Michael Guerin asks him "If you had a magic wand?' to which he replies; "Racing to be on our best tracks, at the right times, with the best fields we can possibly put together".

The Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) lead-up meeting is in the bag and after the mouthwatering events of Sunday, we’re faced with the very real prospect that all four of December 14’s Group Ones could feature the defending champion. We know for certain that, all being equal, we will see at least two local superstars defending their respective crowns after Ka Ying Rising carried on his merry way with a commanding success in the Group Two Jockey Club Sprint (1,200m) and Romantic...View the full article

I heard they are ending the rebates for big punters next year. No surprise to me they are always biting the hand that feeds them.

Gamma, I have no party affiliations as such, but would never ever vote for the lefty, socislists/ communists as that would be the ruination of NZ. Liebour, TPM and the Greens are delusional and could never make anything successful! Personally do not believe that those in charge have had much business success from their efforts, however more than happy to be proven wrong? Gamma, of course my turnover on harness racing is down, solely due to the efforts of the Bookmakers at the TAB! Not going to tell on BOAY but if you knew half of it you would be more understanding of Brodie’s point of view. At the end of the day if Entain is this great company that cares about racing in NZ and we have successful business people making the decisions for HRNZ then we have nothing to worry about! Gamma, what are your thoughts about the mass DCM’s that are coming from Entain with many more to come so they can cut costs? Would you be confident that they will be keen to prop up NZ racing when the 5 years is up?

ENTAIN is a very successful company. and HRNZ has been very successful and done racing of 'The Highest order' for decades. So not sure why you keep thinking these Professional People are so Bad at their jobs all the time .? they not exactly employed off the street? they're qualified Professional people. and results are great. It's your results that you're worried about. and don't /won't/can't accept that people don't bet on harness (or even support the sport ,like in the Golden 70's-80's era , critically that were before POKIES and LOTTO. I know you had a political agenda and are one of those party supporters that will never change their support of a particular one, so think the other parties can't do the job. So really you are impossible to argue with . no flexibility 😉 Harness racing is Unique as a lot of the Officials actually love the Sport , and strive for new Innovations , and to keep the sport going. ( and for better prizemoney and racing than ever too) and are doing a Sterling job. But because the Betting is down , you think they're all failing. It's just a sign of the times Brodster. I'm sure you and I punt a LOT less than we used to. You guys won't even support North Island trotting at All ? so you're actually The Problem. if there is one . and can't see it lol 😋 (me too, and probably half the nation as well . racing is struggling too it seems? ) for example mate, I'd only find one in a thousand people in QLD that has even heard of champion Leap To Fame (Not connected to the sport). He didn't even get on the news winning the Interdominion in July. You wouldn't find a single person that knows/ or cares he won the NZ Betcha race and NZ FFA> ..... the golden age is over

I'm all in , so long as I can borrow your 'time machine'!

Because no one would 😂😂😂😂 to you? Have I read it right?

It's a big cope for you @Chief Stipe ,if you need to talk to someone about it Im here !or you.

Gamma, can not agree with you on several points you have made! Do not believe that NZ has great people running the racing in NZ! They may be nice people but many of them have not the business or financial success or sense that we require at the moment. Many of the decisions that have been made have in my humble opinion been very poor, and the industry is going to suffer big time in the next year or two. Several of the posters on BOAY do have the harness racing industry best interests at heart, whereas it appears the ones being paid are only there to collect salaries. Many examples of this that I have pointed out in the past, and there is quite a list which have been poor and detrimental to racing infustry. Australia is a much larger country obviously than NZ, and I do not believe we have anyone or business that will be able to sustain making large payments to make racing sustainable in the future. Havent heard anything from the committee that Winstone tried to form to brainstorm to help racing? Sorry Gamma, but like so many others in NZ, we have no confidence in the ones making the vital decisions currently. They actually need people who have run successful businesses in the past, as we just havent had that for a long time if at all? Mates getting the jobs without a proven track record just does not work nowadays, despite what they like to do. Brodie just telling it the way it appears!