Solid year delivers results for racing industry

December 6, 2012

Solid year delivers results for racing industry

The New Zealand Racing Board has announced a final distribution of $133 million to the country’s racing industry in 2011/12.

The distribution from the TAB betting operation to the three Racing Codes – New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, Harness Racing New Zealand and Greyhound Racing New Zealand – was $3 million more than forecast and $5 million more than in 2010/11, with betting turnover on racing and sport exceeding $1.6 billion for the first time.

Speaking at the NZ Racing Board’s Annual General Meeting and presentation of the 2012 Annual Report in Wellington today, Dr Jackson said the results were strong despite challenging circumstances in 2011/12.

Uncertainty continued to influence economic conditions, though the NZ Racing Board had successfully countered this by delivering new betting products and opportunities domestically and internationally. In addition, efficiencies had been implemented throughout the business to maximise returns to racing industry stakeholders.

Dr Jackson said underlying trends being experienced by the business necessitated the need for new thinking to grow and sustain returns to an industry that contributes approximately 1% to gross domestic product.

“The overall shift in our betting mix has continued with Fixed Odds Betting on racing and sport growing in popularity in place of the Tote.

“In racing we are seeing convergence in turnover share between domestic and import product, while sport continues to grow in popularity.”

This popularity was highlighted by the success of the Rugby World Cup 2011 campaign, with TAB betting turnover on the tournament exceeding $30 million and making RWC 2011 the TAB’s biggest ever betting event.

Levies paid to National Sporting Organisations on whose sports the TAB takes bets (calculated as a percentage of turnover and profit) hit $4 million in 2011/12, up $1 million on the previous year.

Dr Jackson said the top priority for the NZ Racing Board’s new governance and management structure in the new financial year was to build credibility and consensus to facilitate growth and sustainability for the country’s racing industry.

“We have seen a much stronger and more focused industry-wide approach to meeting challenges and capitalising on opportunities. It is clear that only by working together with a considered and common purpose will the New Zealand racing industry successfully realise its potential.”

Key to this co-operative and collaborative approach was the development of a clear strategy for the NZ Racing Board and the racing industry, said Dr Jackson.

“Chief Executive Chris Bayliss is undertaking a complete review of the business to build upward trajectory and momentum to deliver sustained, long-term returns.

“Allied to this is the development of an aligned and cohesive strategic plan for the racing industry where stakeholders are engaged and participating with a clear understanding of respective roles and responsibilities. Work on this is gathering pace and momentum.”

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 2011/12

Full information and financial statements can be found in the NZ Racing Board’s 2012 Annual Report, available online at: www.nzracingboard.co.nz.

Presentations from the NZ Racing Board’s AGM were filmed for subsequent broadcast on Trackside.

These special broadcasts will be screened on Trackside at 2am on Tuesday, December 11, and again at 12.30am on Wednesday, December 12.

ENDS

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