shaneMcAlister

Yes Mike, I too do the majority of my punting on NZ TAB. However no competition worries me, we know how well supemarkets, petrol stations and banks etc operate with little competition.

This should actually be like this: $170m for 2023/24 (+36% compared to current financial year) $175m for 2024/25 (+2.9%) $180m for 2025/26 (+2.9%) $185m for 2026/27 (+2.8%) lets hope inflation comes back to old levels. For the record I am all for this. I was when the Mesara report was released. However I think the TAB did not want this in the years after the report. However they can see they are heading for the wall and gaining speed at present. probably 4 or 5 years ago I went to a Sportsbet presentation that I think offered more than this. We have lessened the value of our asset in those years. Also for the record I am against geo blocking in any form. We are not China.

I would not miss Pokies or the RIU.

Only Fools and Horses for me. If I had to watch re runs of a programme for rest of my life it would be this.

Well played NZTR re Matamata

I tell you what would not be acceptable, you calling me (or someone else) a rapist when I was not. Judge heard the full case and issued what he deemed an appropriate penalty. Good luck with the trolling. Another anonymous poster.....

He was sentenced to 90 hours community service and $900 to the victim. That's the punishment for the level of crime he committed. So the judge that had all the available facts did not see this as too serious of a crime. Move on and please let him ride again. NZ racing needs him and he might need NZ racing.

Sometimes you are better with someone who knows what they are doing rather than an expert.

Peter V'landys does both too.

Yes from memory I got this in their annual return in 2019. I was surprised by it but it makes sense if you think about. Take out Karaka Millions, Derby day and spread the rest.

I think there is something like 20,000 a year that attend Ellerslie.

https://loveracing.nz/OnHorseFiles/NRB Meeting News/Polytrack Racing Resumes.pdf It is interesting that Riccarton Park had to release this media statement. Also found this part particular interesting. "Champion trainer Mark Walker won with BELLE OF THE BALL on the final Polytrack meeting of 2022. She continued racing to win two more races and run second in Group 3 company"....however it does not take Einstein to see that Te Akau have not trailed or raced a horse on the all weather for a long time.

Just got back too. The place is a disgrace. More and more of it falling apart each time I go.

That’s a fair and expected explanation. I never thought it was ever going to be a deliberate act by a third party. Side note. All horses are swabbed before a group 1 race.

I remember a horse in Ireland testing positive for nicotine. When he won his next start media asked the trainer what he thinks of his horse….Trainer replied and said “he is a good horse, and if I can get him off the cigarettes I think he might even be a Cheltenham horse”.

It appears to be a pretty standard drug used after gallops. So not exactly an illegal day to day substance. However I don't think this will be a "deliberate administration by an unknown party'.

As a statutory entity and the sole holder of a betting licence in New Zealand, TAB NZ is committed to materially boosting the fortunes of racing and sport, delivering a world-class customer experience and enhancing its responsible gambling and harm minimisation efforts. For some time, TAB NZ has faced increasing competition, rising costs, capital constraints as well as other challenges, which have impacted its ability to deliver adequate funding to racing and sports. These challenges are expected to increase. In order to achieve TAB NZ’s objectives and growth ambitions, Board and management considered that it was in the best interest of TAB NZ and its stakeholders to explore a strategic partnering arrangement with a world-class international wagering operator to deliver TAB NZ’s wagering and broadcast functions. Over the past six months, TAB NZ has engaged with a range of world-class operators in relation to a strategic partnering arrangement and received several compelling proposals. It has been supported through the process out of Australia by Barrenjoey Capital Partners as sole financial adviser, Allens as principal legal advisers. Chapman Tripp provided legal advice in New Zealand. Following a detailed assessment of a number of proposals which were received, TAB NZ has today announced that it has selected Entain as its preferred partner for a 25-year strategic partnering arrangement. The proposed strategic arrangement remains subject to Ministerial approval. The specific terms of the arrangement remain commercially confidential until approval is granted. Entain was selected as the preferred partner based on a wide range of criteria, including operational expertise, cultural alignment with TAB NZ and the commitment of the partner to uplifting TAB NZ’s harm minimisation and responsible gambling efforts. TAB NZ Chief Executive Officer Mike Tod said today’s announcement signals an important step in boosting the fortunes of racing, sport and communities for a generation. “TAB NZ faced an uncertain future in a David and Goliath battle with international wagering operators and a lack of capital to both compete and meet its potential. Today’s announcement is a significant milestone toward the transformation of TAB NZ and those who rely upon its growth and long-term success. In the absence of a strategic partnering arrangement, TAB NZ would be further cutting distributions in the next financial year,” Mr Tod said. “This proposed strategic arrangement with Entain provides a certain, material and immediate uplift in the funding TAB NZ can provide New Zealand racing and sports ensuring that these industries not only survive, but thrive. It will allow us to greatly improve our harm minimisation and responsible gambling efforts, and provides immediate job security and long-term job creation in New Zealand to the advancement of our nation at large. “Entain is a global and world-class operator who will deliver industry best practice and an elevated and safe experience for New Zealand punters, as well as racing and sports fans. We are deeply excited by their commitment to New Zealand and this opportunity.” TAB NZ Chairman Mark Stewart said the Board is unanimously supportive of the proposed strategic partnering arrangement. “Management and the Board ran a world-class and robust process that attracted the interest of some of the best wagering operators in the world and have delivered a result that will benefit all our stakeholders for a generation. It’s a credit to our Chief Executive Officer and his team for the result they have delivered and to our stakeholders in Racing and Sport for the way in which they have supported this process,” Mr Stewart said. Entain’s Chief Executive Officer - Australia, Dean Shannon, said the company was excited to be selected by TAB NZ as its preferred partner. “This is a unique opportunity to shape the future wagering experience for customers and to support New Zealand’s racing and sporting industries. We have a compelling vision for the future of TAB NZ, which includes a renewed focus on innovation and technology, and a long-term commitment to all racing, sport and industry stakeholders,” Mr Shannon said. “As the partner of choice for New Zealand, we have made a firm commitment to employment continuity for at least 24 months, with the team at TAB NZ essential to our future vision and growth of the market in New Zealand. We applaud TAB NZ for how the process has been run to date and we look forward to working with all stakeholders on necessary approvals to finalise the transaction.” Overview TAB NZ today announces that it has selected Entain as its preferred partner for a 25-year strategic partnering arrangement. The proposed strategic arrangement enhances the viability of New Zealand racing and sport, will materially boost the fortunes of both and has the support of key stakeholders, including the three racing codes and Sport NZ. If approved by the Minister for Racing, today’s announcement will deliver a key recommendation from the Messara Report (2018) that was provided to the New Zealand Government as a critical change to support the long-term viability of the Racing industry. Ministerial Approval The proposed strategic arrangement remains subject to Ministerial approval. TAB NZ and Entain look forward to working collaboratively with the Minister’s office in relation to the proposed strategic arrangement. Key benefits of proposed strategic arrangement with Entain Guaranteed funding to TAB NZ of greater than NZ$1.0 billion in the first five years to support the revitalisation of the racing industry with material upside over the life of the arrangement. Significantly strengthens the financial position of TAB NZ today by facilitating an upfront payment to racing and sports, in addition to an increase in future payments over time relative to TAB NZ’s current trajectory of funding reductions Additional and significant upfront payment should legislation be enacted that prevents unlicensed offshore operators from providing wagering services in New Zealand. Over the 25-year arrangement, the proposed terms have the potential to deliver a total uplift in payments to racing and sports of c.NZ$5.0 billion relative to the counterfactual of TAB NZ’s declining commercial performance due to intense international competition and historic under investment in the business in key areas like retail, technology, broadcast and operations Investment and uplift in TAB NZ’s harm minimisation and responsible gambling efforts A 24-month employment guarantee for TAB NZ’s employees, with new job opportunities for Kiwis as the New Zealand market and Racing and Sports industries grow A commitment to retain and refresh the TAB NZ brand A commitment to provide a world-class and industry best practice wagering, retail and broadcast offering to Kiwi customers as well as racing and sports fans Additional support to the Racing industry, including a NZ$10.0 million sponsorship of an enhanced racing carnival and the establishment of other community linked initiatives Strong racing and sports industries are expected to drive significant economic growth and see New Zealand communities, as well as the nation at large benefit materially, including the creation of new roles both directly and indirectly About Entain Entain plc (LSE: ENT) is a FTSE100 company and is one of the world’s largest sports- betting and gaming groups, operating both online and in the retail sector. The Group owns a comprehensive portfolio of established brands; Sports brands include BetCity, bwin, Coral, Crystalbet, Eurobet, Ladbrokes, Neds, Sportingbet, Sports Interaction and SuperSport; Gaming brands include Foxy Bingo, Gala, GiocoDigitale, Ninja Casino, Optibet, Partypoker and PartyCasino. The Group owns proprietary technology across all its core product verticals and in addition to its B2C operations provides services to a number of third-party customers on a B2B basis. The Group has a 50/50 joint venture, BetMGM, a leader in sports betting and iGaming in the US. Entain provides the technology and capabilities which power BetMGM as well as exclusive games and products, specially developed at its in-house gaming studios. The Group is tax resident in the UK and is the only global operator to exclusively operate in domestically regulated or regulating markets operating in over 40 territories. Entain is a leader in ESG, a member of FTSE4Good, the DJSI and is AA rated by MSCI. The Group has set a science-based target, committing to be carbon net zero by 2035 and through the Entain Foundation supports a variety of initiatives, focusing on safer gambling, grassroots sport, diversity in technology and community projects. For more information see the Group’s website: www.entaingroup.com Note for editors: TAB NZ and Entain will not be commenting further on the proposed strategic partnering arrangement until the outcome of the Ministerial Approval Process.

I am a 1km down the road from the track. i would be surprised if we got that much rain. Also think the track could actually hold 25mls and still race well.

Agreed, but I would settle for first run of their preps to be in NZ.

I had a meal there in hospitality and it was the best meal I have had on a racecourse anywhere in the world. It was top class. Crowd was good too I thought. I also think no matter what you do on course (bands, fashion in fields etc etc) nothing gets people on course like champion racehorses. Maybe Legarto and Sharp 'N' Smart could be massive crowd pullers for the next 2 years.

You not working for the tab anymore?

This is correct. This no deductions (while I like using it) is crazy, it shows no understanding of how betting markets work. With all the scratchings, double and triple nominations its a landmine to price a market knowing that there is no protection from non runners.

NZTR will have to prepare a report on this.....not convinced reports fix much.

Good post, but this highlights the problem with nom de plumes. I understand the pros of them. It means that people that can not normally contribute can contribute etc. But I am a firm believer in being able to stand behind what you say. Chris Woods etc no need for one.

I may be wrong but I thought it was the Caulfield Cup