The Industry Excellence Awards powered by Entain is a brand-new awards function for New Zealand racing participants under the age of 40, recognising the emerging leaders and high performers coming through in all three racing codes. There are awards for a total of nine categories and a supreme overall winner to be announced at the inaugural awards ceremony in Auckland on 28 July, 2024.

Thanks to our supporting partners Windsor Park Stud, IRT, Breckon Farms and Waikato Stud.

Awards Categories

Leadership Award

Awarded to an individual staff member or licence holder in a managerial or supervisory role in a stud, stable or kennel who has displayed leadership qualities – high-quality management of people, mentoring and support of staff, attention to workplace health and safety, commitment to continuous improvement and displaying good business acumen.

Equine Handling Award (Stud or Stable)

Awarded to an individual staff member or licence holder who has shown talent for horsemanship, consistency, and reliability in or out of the saddle or sulky. Must include an affinity with horses and giving a priority to animal welfare. Must demonstrate a degree of success with the equine athlete, whether it be in breeding or racing or both, thanks to their skill set.

The Greyhound Excellence Award

Awarded to a member of the greyhound racing community that displays outstanding performance, sportsmanship and dedication to greyhounds and their welfare within the greyhound racing community. Must demonstrate a degree of success (be it on the track or in welfare initiatives) after at least three years’ service in the industry.

Dedication to Breeding Award

An individual staff member who has shown talent in handling a thoroughbred or standardbred horse or greyhound within a breeding environment. Must have at least three years’ service in the breeding industry and must have been a key part of their employer’s success.

Dedication to Racing Award

An Award to an individual staff member or licence holder who has shown talent in the racing industry, and consistency and reliability in a racing role. Must have at least three years’ service in the racing industry and must have been a key part of their employer’s success.

Administrative and Ancillary Services Award

An individual who works in any administrative or other support service role within the racing and breeding sectors. This includes, but is not limited to, administration/corporate roles, sales positions, auctioneers, gardeners, veterinary practices, farriers, barrier attendants, horse transport, grounds staff in sales companies, breeding farms or racecourses, horse dentists and physiotherapists.

Care and Welfare Award

An Award to an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to the care and welfare of animals who have left the industry (racing and breeding). They may have supported horses or greyhounds as they transition to a second career via rehoming/retraining, worked with the people/riders who interact with them or actively participated in activities that showcased the animals’ versatility. For example, a nominee may be a member or coach from organisations such as Riding for the Disabled Association, a stud/stable employee, or someone who demonstrates an active passion for care and welfare.

Newcomer Award

An individual who has worked in the industry, in any capacity, for less than three years. The winner will display passion for, pride in and an excellent contribution to the industry. The winner will stand out from other newcomers and will be identified as a future and significant valuable member of this industry.

National Racing Woman of the Year

This award recognises exceptional industry contribution across any of the three racing codes on a national level over the last twelve months. The winner will have displayed outstanding leadership, insight, drive, and initiative in their chosen code.

Entain Excellence Award – Overall Award

The winner will be selected from one of the categories. They must have made a significant, exceptional contribution to the industry.

Discover all

Please use this Nomination Template.

Email your completed submission to industryawards@entaingroup.co.nz. For self-nominees, please provide details of two referees in support of themselves. Third party nominators must supply details of one referee (other than the nominator) for the nominee. All nominees must have consented to be nominated and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions. Please ensure you are comfortable with the Terms and Conditions, before you submit a nomination.

: Anyone employed in New Zealand within the racing industry, under the age of 40 as at 1 June 2024.

: Nominations for the Awards can be made by anyone involved in the NZ racing industry including trainers, owners, breeders, stable staff, stud staff, office personnel and office administrators.

: Nominations are now open and will close at 5pm (NZT) on Sunday 23 June. Nominations received after this date will not be accepted.

: Yes. However, to nominate multiple individuals, you will need to submit an individual nomination for each nominee.

: A judging panel is comprised of individuals from Entain. The Panel may need more information to make its determinations and will source this from industry partners.

: Information on the finalists in each category will be made public on Thursday, 4 July, and finalists will also be contacted directly.

Event Details

Sunday 28 July, 6pm
Winners to be announced following the event.

Terms and Conditions

Please ensure you are comfortable with the Terms and Conditions, before you submit a nomination. All nominees must have consented to be nominated and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions found here.