A lucky punter will get even closer to the action on the racetrack, with a free 10 per cent lease of a thoroughbred filly up for grabs at the New Zealand Herald Boxing Day Races.
The Ellerslie event is one of the premier races on the Auckland Racing Club Calendar.
Those entering the racecourse in the first few hours after the gates open about 10am will be given an entry form, with the winning entry drawn later in the day.
The competition includes a free lease of 10 per cent of a thoroughbred filly and its costs for two years from Boxing Day. Entry is only open to those aged over 18 and who have never owned a race horse.
Retired lawyer John Carter, a bloodstock breeder, said he was offering the share because he wanted others to enjoy the same thrill he got from horse racing.
"I want more people to experience the thrill, get closer to the racing experience and see it's not just a sport for rich people."
Shared horse ownership had brought joy to many Kiwis, Carter said.
In his own case he bred Rising Romance, a champion mare that won the $1 million Sydney Oaks and came 2nd in the Caulfield Cup.
"I put my brother and a friend into Sophie (her stable name) in a lease and when she began winning they each bought a third of her for $20,000. She has a residual value of around $1.5 m and has won Au$ 2.2m."
The horse being offered in the Boxing Day competition is a two-year old filly by Align out of Lady Cherokee. She has a half-brother, Lord & Master, a four race winner in New Zealand, Carter said.
"She is well conformed, sound, broken in and has attitude."
Ruakaka-based Donna Logan, who will train her, said the filly stood out as a foal in a paddock inspection.
