TAB NZ has confirmed that New Zealand’s largest domestic racing day, the IRT NZ Trotting Cup Day, has once again maintained its position as New Zealand’s most popular domestic race day with record betting in 2020.

 

The day saw $11.3M wagered across all races, 7 percent above last year and the highest NZ Trotting Cup day turnover ever for the TAB. It was 5 percent higher than the previous record which was set in 2018.

 

More than $6.6M was placed by punters throughout the day at Addington Raceway, the highest since 2014 ($6.71M) and fourth highest in the last 20 years.

 

Champion driver Mark Purdon and co-trainer Natalie Rasmussen took the coveted NZ Trotting Cup title this year on Self Assured. More than $1.60M was placed on the race, 5 percent above last year.

 

Executive Chair, Dean McKenzie said Cup Day continued to appeal to TAB customers and race goers.

 

“Over 40,000 (account) customers placed a bet on Tuesday, 8 percent higher than last year’s total and exceeding the previous highest for the day in 2018.

 

“Despite a reduced but sold out capacity crowd because of COVID-19, the NZ Trotting Cup has again proved hugely popular, with betting on the TAB putting it next best to the Melbourne Cup Day as the second biggest race day of the year.”

 

Cup Day in Christchurch followed hot on the heels of a huge Melbourne Cup last week, when $26.6 million was bet with the TAB in a single day, up 14 percent on last year and a record result.

 

“The success of the IRT NZ Trotting Cup Day continues the strong growth in revenue through the first quarter of the year and supports the TAB’s goal of maximising its profits for the long-term benefit of New Zealand racing,” said McKenzie.