curious

Photo: Sonna Studios NZ punters get fair shake with TAB’s Punters Promise & betcha Guarantee Entain Australia & NZ 13 August 2025 Sports and racing fans in New Zealand have the opportunity to back their favourite team or horse to win their fair share with today's expansion of Minimum Bet Limits for TAB and betcha customers. Minimum Bet Limits (also known as MBLs) mean a customer is able to bet to win at least a certain amount on a betting option. The voluntary MBLs announced today go above and beyond the limits in place in Australian racing and, in the case of sports, provide a new level of consumer protection in the sports betting industry. “We launched Punters Promise in 2022 for our TAB racing fans across all three racing codes, but today we’re supercharging it,” Entain Australia and New Zealand’s General Manager – Trading, Nick Conway said. “The $2,000 MBL for New Zealand racing extends to $5,000 for New Zealand thoroughbred racing on a Saturday, as well as Friday night harness and other big Group one harness racing days like NZ Trotting Cup Day. “There's nothing more exciting than placing a long-range bet on a horse to win one of NZ's racing carnivals feature races, and now thoroughbred and racing futures markets are included in TAB's Punters Promise with a $2,000 MBL in place as soon as the market is open.” Voluntary MBLs are also in place for Australian racing, with $2,000 MBLs on Australian metropolitan thoroughbred meetings, $1,000 on harness racing and the remainder of Australian thoroughbreds, and $500 on Australian greyhound racing. The major gamechanger is for sports punters. The most popular sports – football, basketball, rugby union, rugby league and more – are now covered by TAB’s Punters Promise and the new ‘betcha Guarantee’ with customers able to bet to win $1,000 in the top two or three betting options in the most popular tournaments, leagues and international fixtures. For example, a TAB or betcha customer can bet $400 on their favourite Warriors player to score a try at odds of $3.50 returning $1,400 – a $1,000 profit on their $400 bet. There are some variations between sports and leagues, with bet-to-win limits for UFC exclusive to betcha Guarantee, and New Zealand representative matches (such as Tall Blacks or New Zealand football national team matches) exclusive to Punters Promise. “The sports, tournaments and markets we have chosen for the Punters Promise and betcha Guarantee cover 75 percent of our sports turnover, so we'll have our work cut out for us making sure the odds are as accurate as possible,” Conway said. “We recognise and appreciate the privilege of being the exclusive betting operator for New Zealand. These new and expanded initiatives – alongside our pledge to provide the same fair odds in New Zealand that we have on our brands in the highly competitive Australian betting market – shows our commitment to striking a fair balance between the punter and the operator.”

That turn really needs reshaping but I think there's a big pond in the way? Also, you'd then have to move the finish line, stand and everything further down the straight which might be a bit of a mission!

It's a very tight turn as it is without the recamber. As I said, suits some horses probably not others that increase speed by lengthening rather than increasing stride rate. Trainers and connections know that and mostly won't run some horses there although might be tempted to give it a go because of the money. Awapuni might end up the better track if they've got the drainage sorted, though I think it would be a better bet to not rush back next month and give it the spring root development time.

I think the only thing time has done is let them recognise the 2 issues. One, the matted root structure due to the wrong grass types and realising that the only way to keep it safe is lots of water and aeration and presenting about a S5 all the time. And secondly the camber issue on the home turn which they haven't bothered to fix but that will take time if they do. Perhaps a year or two to end up with a track that is fair and suits most horses.

Has it though?

I'd say he means a 2 win spread between OZ and NZ for G1 2yo wins, for an even money bet?

How? Why?

I'd be happy to hold the bet for you. Maybe invest it in Entain shares in the mean time?

Sorry meant Entain NZTAB.

Oh ok thanks. Nothing to do with Entain/TABNZ then.

I'd say if they gave the NZ business away tomorrow, or sold it for $1, there'd hardly be a blip in the share price. If there was, it would probablt go up.

What committee?

Resources are not an entry criterion for premierships anywhere are they? If a sports team can afford to buy better players than the next one, that doesn't rule them out of the championship. Racing has always been like that and for trainers, the resources to acquire better cattle is part of the game and the premiership contests, as getting on horses with better chances is for jockeys.

https://nztr.co.nz/sites/nztrindustry/files/2025-08/NZTR SOI 2026-28.pdf

NZTR Announces Strategic Restructure and Leadership Changes New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has today announced a strategic restructure of its leadership team, following a comprehensive review of its management structure to better align with the strategic priorities for the 2025/26 season and beyond. Following this review, NZTR has disestablished the roles of Chief Operating Officer (Darin Balcombe), Chief Customer Officer (vacant), and Head of Marketing, Communications and Wagering Partnerships (Dan Smith). In their place, four new senior leadership roles have been created to reflect the evolving needs of the industry: · General Manager – Racing · General Manager – Welfare & Industry Capability · General Manager – Strategy & Transformation · General Manager – Brand Experience, Communications & Industry Promotion “These changes reflect feedback we have received from industry participants about the need to enhance our leadership capability and sharpen our focus on delivering better outcomes,” Ballesty said.” “Bold change is the theme of our strategic focus going forward and this restructure is a key part of enabling that.” Under the revised structure, NZTR is pleased to announce that Dan Smith, previously Head of Marketing, Communications and Wagering Partnerships, will move into the newly created position of General Manager – Strategy & Transformation, a role pivotal to driving implementation of the Strategic Plan with urgency, accountability, and focus. “Congratulations to Dan on this well-deserved appointment,” Ballesty said. “His leadership, industry insight and strategic experience make him the right person to lead this important area of work.” The organisation also acknowledged the longstanding contribution of Darin Balcombe, who will continue to serve as Chief Operating Officer until October while remaining Acting CEO of HBRI. “NZTR is working closely with Darin to explore a future role that harnesses his extensive experience and deep knowledge of the racing industry,” said Ballesty. “I would like to acknowledge Darin’s significant contribution to NZTR as COO and we will continue to work with him through this transition.” The remaining General Manager roles will be advertised at careers.loveracing.nz and shared through wider industry channels in the coming days. “These changes are about building the right leadership framework to deliver on our ambitions,” Ballesty added. “With several exciting initiatives already underway, I am confident that with the right people in the right roles, we are well-positioned to deliver for our participants and the wider industry in the years ahead.” Corporate Communications New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz

I don't know ANYTHING other than what they stated. The intention is what I said above and the funding is to come from the sales of surplus assets. As requested, please explain if you know something otherwise that I don't.

Sorry @Huey, you've completely lost me. It seems the clear intention is to establish an investment fund to supplement wagering generated revenue from TABNZ to support the industry. I've no clue where the money for that might come from but I also have no idea what you think I may have said elsewhere to the contrary. Please explain and maybe tell us what you think we are missing about the purpose of the fund.

No. That's really my point. What matters is the performance of Entain in NZ, at what level that will then fund NZ racing from 2028, and if that is at a much lower level as seems likely, how NZ racing will manage that.

That story is also 6months or more old. Investors don't currently seem too concerned. The share price has more than doubled in the last 12 months.

That's over 6 months ago! A lot has happened since then.

I'm mystified too @Huey You think the intention is something other than what they stated?

The matter was to be resolved beforehand or go to mediation by August 4 and if that failed they had till September 12 to file a response to the federal court. As far as I'm aware, no outcomes have been reported yet by either party. Do you know something that the rest of us don't?

It's not Entain NZ that faces any fine here. The company has a market capitalisation of 6.45 billion GBP and an EBITBA last year of £1,089m. I don't think a few A$100ms in fines is going to change anything much.

I fail to see how the outcome could possibly have any impact on NZ racing?

NZTR Strengthens Track Advisory Programme with VRC Partnership New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has announced significant enhancements to its Regional Track Adviser (RTA) Programme for the 2025-26 racing season, including a partnership with the Victoria Racing Club (VRC).https://bitofayarn.com The VRC and its Head of Racecourse, Liam O’Keeffe, will now support NZTR and racing Clubs across New Zealand. VRC Head of Racecourse, Liam O’Keeffe Providing turf consultancy services for an average of five days per month, the partnership will deliver knowledge sharing across maintenance and renovation planning, construction and turf management, track inspections, audits, and raceday surface preparation. The partnership is designed to share international best practices and elevate track management standards across New Zealand. “The VRC is thrilled to provide turf expertise to NZTR Track Managers, sharing our insights into the world-class standard of Flemington Racecourse,” said Leigh Jordon, Chief Racing Officer at the VRC. O’Keeffe will consult with Regional Track Advisers, as part of a partnership that reflects NZTR’s commitment to strengthening track infrastructure and improving surface consistency across all racing venues. NZTR Chief Executive Officer Matt Ballesty commented on the appointment. “Bringing in the expertise of the VRC and Liam is a major step forward for our track programme, and the partnership is about strengthening local talent and addressing the areas where we know improvement is needed.” “We’re fortunate to have experienced and highly skilled Track Managers across the country, and Liam will work alongside them to provide additional support, share international insights, and help us continue lifting standards nationally for the long-term benefit of the industry,” Ballesty said. The RTA Programme continues to serve as a critical support network for Club Track Managers. While Track Managers remain responsible for delivering a safe racing surface, RTAs provide mentoring and advisory support and meet regularly with NZTR to plan and review upcoming racing activity. 2025-26 Track Adviser Club Assignments · Jason Fulford (Auckland Thoroughbred Racing) – Avondale JC, Racing Te Aroha and Whangarei RC. · Bart Cowan (Waikato Thoroughbred Racing) – Matamata RC, Racing Rotorua, Racing Taupō and Racing Tauranga. · Jamie Phillips (RACE Inc.) – Foxton RC, Hawke’s Bay RI, Ōtaki-Māori RC, Waipukurau JC, Wairarapa RC and Woodville-Pahiatua RC. · Colin Cromarty (Waverley Racing Club) – Egmont RC, Taranaki TR and Wanganui JC. · Alan Chapman (Canterbury Jockey Club) – Ashburton RC, Greymouth JC, Kumara RC, Reefton JC and Timaru JC. · Wayne Stevens (Otago RC) – Central Otago RC, Gore RC, Kurow JC, Oamaru JC, Riverton RC and Southland RC. https://bitofayarn.com Corporate Communications New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing 18 Dick Street, Cambridge 3434 Email: office@nztr.co.nz Tel: 0800 946 637 NZTR.CO.NZ Unsubscribe