Inside RUNNING New Zealand Racing Board delivers record results
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Inside
RUNNING Issu e 17, 2007
New Zealand Racing Board
delivers record results
Audited figures from the New Zealand Racing Board for the “Improvements to the domestic racing calendar and increased
2006/07 financial year show the business continues to make international race coverage are expected to deliver further
strong progress in delivering the financial platform for future growth as forecast through the internationalisation strategy,”
industry growth. he added.
Total wagering turnover has increased 5.2% to $1.436 billion Off the back of this result, the Board has distributed an
and operating surplus was $120 million, up more than 40% additional $8.5 million to the Codes, over and above the
on last year, comprising of both the duty benefit implemented previously committed $103 million.
in August 2006 and a 9% improvement in operating
performance for the year.
New Zealand Racing Board Chairman, Michael Stiassny
said the Board’s strong financial performance was a result
of growth in both domestic and international racing product
turnover.
“Domestic tote turnover reached an eight year high of $831
million, up 5.2% on the previous season, and overseas tote
turnover increased 6.1% over the previous year, with the
introduction of Thoroughbred racing from Western Australia
adding a new wagering dimension for TAB customers.
IN THIS ISSUE: New Zealand Racing Board hosts Equine Influenza forum p.2
NRL Grand Final dream comes true for TAB customer p.3
Increased Code distributions benefit industry participants p.4
Final Field a popular bet p.4
NZ Racing Board hosts MP Kate Wilkinson p.5
Lindauer Lawn a big hit with racegoers p.6
Raceday hospitality research supports development of raceday packages p.7
Trailblazer Awards recognise NZRB employee contributions p.8
New Zealand Racing Board
hosts Equine Influenza forum
Earlier this month, a broad contingent of representatives from After robust discussion, industry representatives acknowledged
the New Zealand equine and racing community attended an the difficulties associated with vaccination and agreed to work
Equine Influenza forum hosted by the New Zealand Racing with MAF Biosecurity on these issues.
Board at their Petone offices.
“There is still a lot of uncertainty around vaccination
Among those attending were members from New Zealand’s programmes and what this might mean in terms of preserving
three racing Codes, New Zealand Bloodstock, Racing Clubs, our EI free status for trade purposes. The scientific issues
Equine Health Association, MAF Biosecurity, Department of relating to vaccination programmes command careful
Internal Affairs, Breeders, Trainers, Jockeys, Drivers, Royal deliberation,” said Graeme.
Agricultural Society, Equestrian Federation and Riding for
A number of wider issues were also discussed and the need
the Disabled.
for a co-ordinated industry contingency planning group was
The CEO of the New Zealand Racing Board, Graeme Hansen, agreed. As a result, the New Zealand Racing Board is leading
said the day was designed to elicit as much information as the establishment of such a group. This group will provide
possible as to the impacts of Equine Influenza on the racing leadership to, and help equine communities and individuals
industry and the New Zealand economy. lead, the prevention, planning, response and recovery to a
“We also need to ensure that there are proper procedures and possible equine influenza outbreak in New Zealand.
contingency plans in place across the whole of the equine “The group’s immediate priorities will be to fully understand
spectrum in New Zealand in the event of Equine Influenza the issues associated with the availability and distribution of
reaching our shores.” vaccines, and MAF’s ability to secure certain areas, for example,
At the meeting, MAF Biosecurity officials discussed both the can we isolate the North from the South Island.
positive and negative impacts of vaccination programmes and “The key to preventing or controlling an equine influenza
the wider implications for New Zealand in relation to trade. outbreak in New Zealand will always be individuals in contact
Whilst vaccination may prevent disease, equine influenza with horses doing the right thing. However, it’s important that
vaccines neither fully prevent infection or the transmission of we have a cohesive plan in place to deal with this situation if it
the virus, and can mask the signs of infection in horses. MAF arises in New Zealand,” added Graeme.
has the delegated authority to purchase registered vaccines but For more information about Equine Influenza and to view
during the meeting officials indicated that they have no plans at presentations from the Equine Influenza forum visit
this stage to go with a pre-emptive vaccination programme. http://www.nzracingboard.co.nz/equineinfluenza/intro.html
The NRL Grand Final competition winner Craig Maxwell
NRL Grand Final dream
comes true for TAB customer
For most people having the opportunity to attend an NRL “When we arrived at the stadium the atmosphere was electric,
Grand Final is just a pipe dream, but for Craig Maxwell and his there was a sea of maroon and white and blue and purple.
friend it was a dream come true following an investment in an
“The Aussies really know how to put on a party, the fireworks
NRL Multi bet.
and pre-match entertainment was amazing. Although the
The TAB launched its NRL Grand Final competition in July this Sea Eagles didn’t manage to pull it off, the shear thrill and
year, with a view to promoting NRL as an exciting wagering excitement of being surrounded by 80,000 screaming fans
proposition as well as generating heightened interest in our in one of Australia’s great sporting stadiums was out of this
own Vodafone Warriors. world,” he said.
Craig, who just happens to be a devoted Manly Sea Eagles Craig later told us that his trip was a once in a lifetime event,
supporter, entered the TAB’s prize draw to win flights, something he will never forget and probably never experience
accommodation and tickets for two to the NRL Grand Final in again unless he’s lucky enough to win a similar competition
Sydney by taking a Multi bet with three NRL legs at his local next year.
TAB in Henderson, Auckland.
The NRL Grand Final competition, alongside a rejuvenated
When Craig received the news that he’d won tickets to the final interest in the Vodafone Warriors performances saw NRL
he couldn’t believe his luck. Not only had his team made it turnover reach a record high this season. More than 830,000
through to the final, he had won tickets to the biggest event on bets were sold on the NRL competition, 200,000 more than
the NRL sporting calendar. the previous season and more than one third of bets sold were
Multi bets.
Craig who had not visited Sydney since the early 1980s said
the whole trip was an unbelievable experience.
Increased Code distributions
benefit industry participants
Since the New Zealand Racing Board’s inception, the Board “Similarly, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing is to boost
has continued to deliver incremental funding to all three racing returns to owners by more than $2 million in the current
Codes - the benefits of which can be seen in a number of season, through extending the payment of riders’ fees from
headline increases in stakes for the current season. 1 February 2008. Fillies, Mares and Stayers will benefit
from an additional $650,000 in winning stakes for key
New Zealand Racing Board Chief Executive, Graeme
races,” he added.
Hansen said progress on the New Zealand Racing Board’s
performance and the net benefits of the re-alignment of Net stakes for all three racing Codes have increased by
tax duties has significantly exceeded expectations. These 30% since 2003/04. Further increases are expected in
improvements can be seen in each Code’s growth in the seasons ahead as the Board looks to accrue greater
funding over the past five seasons. earnings through new revenue streams which enhance the
Board’s ability to deliver increased distributions to the Codes
“In the current season funding increases have enabled a
- the benefits of which will flow through to the industry in the
number of headline increases in stakes. For example, the
form of increased race stakes, which in turn means higher
New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club has increased the
fees for successful trainers, jockeys and drivers.
stakes of the Christchurch Casino New Zealand Cup from
$600,000 to $750,000 this year.”
Final Field a popular bet
In the past season the number of Final Field books offered by the the deduction is calculated and then re-opened at the new odds
New Zealand TAB for New Zealand and Australian Thoroughbred, to reflect the new field.”
Harness and Greyhound racing product increased by 5% as
“All Final Field Win bets taken on scratched runners are refunded
a growing number of customers are choosing this bet type to
so customers can have confidence when placing bets two to three
guarantee the return on their investment.
days out from the start of the race,”
TAB Harness Racing Bookmaker Steve Richardson said Final added Steve.
Field gives punters all the advantages of fixed odds betting as
At this stage the New Zealand TAB only offers Final Field books
the price on your ticket is the price you get if your runner comes
on Win products. However, customers can combine a Final Field
in, although deductions may apply.
bet in a Multi bet to multiply their winnings. Successful Final
“Final Field books generally open on selected races three days Field Multi bets can win up to $250,000 regardless of how many
before the race is due to start and remain open until the race legs are taken.
closes. When a scratching occurs the book is suspended while
NZ Racing Board hosts
MP Kate Wilkinson
National list MP Kate Wilkinson pictured with Trackside Editor Elena Ash.
National list MP Kate Wilkinson spent five days at the distribution networks and technology.
New Zealand Racing Board in August as part of the
Kate’s visit concluded in Hawkes Bay where she attended
New Zealand Business and Parliament Trust’s Business
the Mercedes Thoroughbred Awards Dinner and premier
Study Programme.
race meeting, the Mudgway PartsWorld Stakes.
Over the course of the five day attachment, Kate met
On completing her attachment Kate said that she
with members of the New Zealand Racing Board’s
was amazed at the magnitude of the Racing Board’s
senior executive team learning about the many
operations and was impressed by the organisations’
facets of the New Zealand Racing Board’s operations
operations at all levels.
including broadcasting, racing and wagering,
Lindauer Lawn a big hit
with race goers
For many racegoers New Zealand Cup Day at Addington is drink responsibly. Free water and sun block is available and this
all about the fashion and the Lindauer Lawn is the only place year there will be a juice bar adjacent to the lawn.
to be.
The success of the Lindauer Lawn has encouraged the Club
Addington Race Club Chief Executive Officer, Mike Godber said to develop another area to compliment the Lawn. This is the
the Club’s overarching objective for the Lindauer Lawn was to Stella Artios beer garden which is on the opposite side of the
provide alternative entertainment for people attending Cup day. Birdcage to the Lindauer Lawn. The beer garden is smaller
than the lawn and incorporates the ground floor of a stand.
“The Lindauer Lawn concept first started in the mid 1990’s
Tickets for the beer garden a strictly limited to 2000 and retail
when the Club engaged a band to play in the lawn area and the
at $50 each.
fashion registration marquee was located close by. Essentially,
this set up provided a nice alternative for those who didn’t want At one point, ticket sales for the Lindauer Lawn reached 5,000.
to go indoors to the bars,” said Mike. However, the Club has since placed a limit of 4,000 on ticket
sales to ensure a safe and more enjoyable environment. The
From its humble beginnings the fashion aspect of the day has
Lindauer Lawn entrance price for 2007 is $55 – tickets sold
grown significantly over the years. The Club now boasts a
out in early October.
40 x 20 metre fashion marquee showcasing the very best of
catwalk designer fashion. While New Zealand Cup Day and these areas sell themselves
the Club has put a great deal of effort into stimulating pre-
“This year the marquee will be positioned alongside the
sales over the past two years through internet and telephone
entrance to the Lindauer Lawn providing greater opportunities
channels. In 2004 telephone presales by ticket numbers
for those on the lawn to engage in the catwalk heats. Tote
reached 5,758. This number increased to 7,485 in 2005
facilities are available on the lawn for those interested in the
with more than 600 tickets purchased through the internet.
racing and a 40 x 40 square metre big screen is positioned in
In 2006, 8,119 tickets were pre-sold, 1,762 of which were
close proximity.
purchased through the internet. These numbers exclude ticket
“Bands and entertainment play an important part of the sales for corporate hospitality, private suites and functions.
Lindauer Lawn atmosphere and we are always keen to
The Lindauer Lawn has been the key driver in the Clubs
showcase new talent,“ Mike added.
strategy to attract new and younger patrons to New Zealand
The Club runs its own catering operation and has invested Cup Day. The economic impact study commissioned by the
heavily in dressing the area, providing good security and New Zealand Racing Board in 2006 showed that almost 58%
expanding eating operations on the lawn. The Club works of those attending New Zealand Cup Day at Addington were
closely with Crown Public Health, the Christchurch City Council under 30 years of age which illustrates the strategy is working.
Licensing team and the Police to encourage young people to
Raceday hospitality research
supports development of
raceday packages
Small hospitality packages to share with family and friends, the The Board has shared the findings of the research with race
demand for hospitality at themed events and the strong desire clubs around the country and is working with the clubs to
to research and book on-line are just some of the key themes develop a series of smaller social packages to be enjoyed with
emerging from raceday hospitality research commissioned by friends and family, and corporate packages for Premier, Cup
the New Zealand Racing Board in April. and Carnival race days. This research, combined with the lack
of small marquees available from hire companies has led to the
Research agency IER surveyed more than 1,283 customers to
New Zealand Racing Board’s investment in small marquees.
assess the customer appetite for a range of raceday hospitality
packages including Christmas themed events, tailored hospitality The first of the industry assisted small raceday packages will
packages for Cup Days, Destination Summer Holiday Racing be ready for the new Christmas at the Races programme in
events and Regional Picnic days, plus other themes. November this year. Customers will be able to enjoy a gourmet
picnic hamper and marquee for as little as $40 per head. More
Close to three quarters of respondents said they attended race
information can be found at www.theraces.co.nz.
meetings as a general spectator or social racegoer. 56% of male
respondents attended in a punting capacity compared to 34% of
females. 42% of people surveyed said they attended
more than six race meetings each year.
New Zealand Racing Board On-Course Marketing &
Events Manager, Janice Hill said “gaining a greater
understanding of what our customers want from their
race day experience will help us to develop a range
of hospitality packages that can be used by clubs as
a vehicle to drive on-course attendance and increase
non-wagering and on-course wagering revenue
growth.”
“Raceday packages come in many shapes and sizes
and the findings from the research helps us to assist
clubs to tailor packages to suit a variety of customer
needs. More than 76% of customers surveyed said
they would be keen to try a small social package with
friends and family and 20% said corporate marquees
and themed racing events and would have high
appeal.
“One of the key barriers to people not choosing
raceday packages is the fact that customers have
little knowledge of the product or perceive raceday
packages to be too expensive. A good proportion of
the people we surveyed said they could be converted
to package customers if they knew more and were
able to research and purchase packages online,”
said Janice.
Trailblazer Awards recognise
NZRB employee contributions
In September, twenty-four New Zealand Racing Board employees preferred nominees based on the written recommendations
scooped up awards at the Board’s annual Trailblazer Award from staff. The entire process was overseen by an independent
ceremony in recognition of their outstanding contribution to facilitator to ensure there were no discrepancies,” said Jenna.
the business.
This year, more than 70 New Zealand Racing Board
New Zealand Racing Board awards co-ordinator, Jenna Rogers employees attended the Trailblazer Award ceremony held
said the Trailblazer Awards were first introduced in 2002 in Auckland.
as part of the Board’s employee reward and recognition
“Our vision and values underpin the way we operate our
programme. Each year, staff are invited to nominate their
business and it’s very pleasing to see so many staff nominate
peers for an award in one of six categories aligned to the
their peers for an award,” said Graeme Hansen, New Zealand
New Zealand Racing Board’s vision and values – teamwork,
Racing Board Chief Executive.
passion, integrity, valuing people, innovation and dynamism.
“In the past year, we have experienced considerable change
“We received an overwhelming response to our call to action.
through establishing our alliance with Tabcorp, implementing
More than 100 nominations were received which made the
a new financial management system and enhancing our retail
judging process extremely difficult.
network. We are delighted to be able to recognise some of the
“The judging process involved representatives from teams individuals involved,” Graeme added.
across our five regional offices coming together to vote for their
2007 PASSION
Winner
TEAMWORK
Winner
Trailblazer Kelly Warr
Central Region Director
Waikato Trackside Team:
Andrew McGougan
Award winners Highly Commended
James Bowden
Daniel Kil
Troy Michie
Phonebet Operator Matthew Blackmore
DYNAMISM James Blackwell
Winner INTEGRITY Felicity Holloway
Byron Mabbett Winner
Danny Hunter
Software Developer Mark Rosanowski
Mark Claydon
Highly Commended Trackside Presenter
Karl Hiestand
Mandy Toogood Highly Commended Nathan Rouse
Trackside Executive Producer SallyAnne Jenkins Tara Hughes
Phonebet Operator David Owen
INNOVATION
Winner VALUING PEOPLE Highly Commended
Janice Hill Winner Interactive Services:
On-Course Judy Reed Pete Evans and Karen Jackson
Marketing & Events Manager Assistant Manager, Phonebet
Highly Commended Highly Commended
Anthony Crummy Sandy Brockelsby
Manager, Management Reporting National Racing Services Manager
Inside Running is published by the New Zealand Racing Board. ISSN: 1177-1879
106-110 Jackson Street, Petone, PO Box 38899, Wellington Mail Centre, New Zealand
Phone: (+64 4) 576 6999 Fax: (+64 4) 576 6942
Email: insiderunning@nzracingboard.co.nz
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