Key points:
- New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and North America’s 1/ST have partnered to create pathways between premier racing events in both regions
- Winning horses from Pegasus World Cup (25 January) will gain entry into Champions Day races in New Zealand (8 March)
- Winners from Champions Day will secure entries into California Crown races (27 September) in the United States
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has entered a partnership with 1/ST, a North American Thoroughbred racing and entertainment company, to expand global opportunities in horse racing.
The collaboration introduces the Golden Ticket concept, which provides winning horses direct entry into high-profile races in both countries.
The agreement links three major events – Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s Champions Day at Ellerslie Racecourse on 8 March 2025, 1/ST’s Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park on 25 January 2025 and the California Crown at Santa Anita Park on 27 September 2025.
Winners of select races during these events will qualify for entry into equivalent international competitions.
For example, winners of the Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf and Pegasus World Cup Turf in the US can secure entries into New Zealand’s World Pool New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes and Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes, respectively.
Similarly, winners from New Zealand’s Champions Day will gain entry to the California Crown’s John Henry Turf and Eddie D Turf Sprint in the US.
NZTR COO Darin Balcombe said: “The Golden Ticket concept creates a unique pathway for international competition, enriching the experience for racing participants and fans alike.”
Aidan Butler, 1/ST President, added: “By linking these iconic race days and supporting international competition, we’re looking to drive innovation, collaboration and global excitement in the sport.”
Entain Australia and New Zealand Deputy CEO Lachlan Fitt, whose company operates the New Zealand TAB, supported the partnership, noting it would increase exposure for New Zealand racing through its Trackside and Sport Nation platforms.
Good to know: Both NZTR and 1/ST will cover travel and freight expenses for qualifying horses, making it easier for owners and trainers to participate internationally
The NZTR-1/ST partnership builds on recent international agreements by 1/ST, including its August 2024 collaboration with Arena Racing Company (ARC) in the UK.
That deal offered free entries for winners of races at Doncaster Racecourse’s St Leger Festival to compete in US events, such as the Pegasus World Cup and California Crown.
Similar to the NZTR agreement, the ARC partnership also provided travel subsidies and introduced cross-market qualification criteria to encourage participation in elite races across regions.
A more detailed framework for the NZTR-1/ST collaboration is expected to be outlined as the 2025 events approach.
