On January 8, 2025, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) announced a groundbreaking partnership with North American racing racing, gaming and entertainment powerhouse 1/ST. This move looks set to revolutionise the global thoroughbred racing landscape.

Known for its iconic venues, including Santa Anita Park (California) and Gulfstream Park (Florida), 1/ST earned its reputation as a leader in modernising horse racing. This modernisation was made possible by blending live racing with innovative gaming, hospitality, and lifestyle experiences.

This partnership links premier racing events in New Zealand and the United States, creating new opportunities for international competition. The initiative features a “Golden Ticket” pathway and allows winning horses direct entry into some of the world’s most prestigious races.

Key highlights of the collaboration include:

• The Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park (January 25, 2025) initiating the international series.
• New Zealand’s Champions Day at Ellerslie Racecourse (March 8, 2025) will offer global racing talent a platform to shine.
• Culminating at California Crown at Santa Anita Park (September 27, 2025) will showcase the sport’s elite.

These connections ensure thrilling matchups between top thoroughbred talent from both hemispheres. The partnership will cover travel and freight costs for Golden Ticket winners.

Hitting the full stride worldwide

This announcement is perfectly timed as the global sporting calendar for 2025 offers bettors punts, prizes and sports betting surprises. The Pegasus World Cup is only weeks away now, and the racing world eagerly awaits this partnership’s influence on Champions Day in New Zealand. Already seen as the premier showcase for the Southern Hemisphere’s top thoroughbreds, this event can only go from strength to strength and gain more traction. This collaboration highlights the importance of integrity and innovation, a sharp contrast to the recent scrutiny faced by offshore licencing hubs like the Isle of Man, recently criticised by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA),

Despite the threat of tax-hikes across Europe, the racing community is excited about preparations for elite races globally in 2025. February sees the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown, a key preparation for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.  The United Arab Emirates is the stage for the Dubai World Cup on April 5, while the famous Grand National at Aintree takes place the same day. May 3 sees the Kentucky Derby, while June hosts The Derby at Epsom Downs. Fans don’t have long to wait as ten days later, one of the horseracing calendar’s most prestigious events, Royal Ascot, takes place from June 17-21.

The York Ebor Festival in August is the precursor for the oldest classic horse race in the UK, the St Leger Stakes held at the famous Doncaster Racecourse in early September. If you’re looking for glitz, glamour and a touch of French Chic, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris on October 4-5 is the perfect event. Known for its elegance and high fashion, this is the place to be seen on and off the racecourse.

The Melbourne Cup and Breeders Cup occur in November before Kempton Park ends 2025 with the Ladbrokes Christmas Festival, including the Christmas Hurdle in December. Chepstow hosts the Welsh Grand National on December 27, 2025.

Golden ticket pathways

The partnership between NZTR and 1/ST introduced unprecedented incentives for participants. Winners from key races in the US will secure automatic entries into marquee events in New Zealand and vice versa:

From Pegasus World Cup to Champions Day:

• Pegasus World Cup Turf winners will win direct entry to New Zealand’s Bonecrusher Stakes.

• Filly and Mare Turf victors secure a spot in the NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes.

From Champions Day to California Crown:

• Champions Day middle-distance winners will head to the California Crown John Henry Turf.

• Sprint series champions qualify for the Eddie D Turf Sprint.

Voices from the winner’s circle

“This partnership showcases New Zealand’s world-class racing while fostering stronger international competition,” said NZTR Chief Operating Officer Darin Balcombe. “The Golden Ticket concept elevates the global stage for our participants and fans alike.“

Aidan Butler, President of 1/ST, echoed this enthusiasm. “By linking these iconic events, we’re not only creating pathways for competition but also broadening racing’s appeal worldwide. It’s an exciting time for the sport.”

Entain Australia and New Zealand Deputy CEO Lachlan Fitt emphasised the wagering opportunities this collaboration brings. He said, “Through Trackside and Sport Nation, we’re thrilled to deliver the best of US racing to NZ fans while supporting pathways for local talent.“

As racing enthusiasts globally prepare for a truly terrific calendar, the NZTR-1/ST towards uniting horse racing across borders. Whether you are gearing up for the Pegasus World Cup, anticipating Champions Day or contemplating the California Crown, horse racing is entering a thrilling new era.

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