Auckland Thoroughbred Racing Wins Metropolitan Club of the Year Award

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) is proud to have been named Metropolitan Club of the Year at the 2024 NZTR Club of the Year Awards, held at the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Industry Development Conference yesterday.

The prestigious title recognises the Club’s performance across the areas of finance, racing, marketing, compliance and innovation, and is a reflection of the work done across both its Ellerslie and Pukekohe Park venues.

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing CEO Paul Wilcox and track manager Jason Fulford following the Club’s wins at the NZTR Club of the Year Awards

ATR CEO Paul Wilcox says the award is a proud moment for the Club.

“To be acknowledged by NZTR in this way is humbling,” he says.

“It’s a real testament to the hard work, creativity and drive of the entire ATR team – including our dedicated raceday staff, partners, and supporters.

“I’m proud too of my executive leadership team for the way they’ve helped guide our strategy and operations throughout the year.”

Wilcox also extended his congratulations to the other finalists in the Metropolitan category – Canterbury Jockey Club and Waikato Thoroughbred Racing.

“We’re fortunate to be part of a strong and passionate racing community, and we congratulate our fellow metropolitan club finalists – Canterbury and Waikato – for the work they continue to do in delivering for the industry.”

In addition to the metropolitan award, ATR’s Track Manager Jason Fulford – along with his wider track team – was recognised with the NZTR Club Leadership Award for their role in getting behind the new industry-wide On Track wellbeing initiative.

Wilcox says the additional recognition is well-deserved.

“Jason and his team are incredibly deserving recipients. Their support of the On Track initiative – and their broader leadership and culture – are a great reflection of what we’re striving to achieve at ATR, both on and off the turf.”

The Club intends to use its share of the $20,000 prize fund allocated to all winners to support an on-course initiative, in line with NZTR’s guidelines.