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SENZ announced as Awards partner for 2021; Balloo sidelined
SENZ announced as Awards partner for 2021
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has announced the 2021 New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards will be held in Hamilton on Sunday, 12 September.
"Following the disruption of COVID last year, which led to the Awards being held as a virtual event, we are looking forward to celebrating our high achievers in person this year," NZTR chief executive Bernard Saundry said.
"NZTR is welcoming SENZ, the Kiwi wing of Sports Entertainment Network, as the major partner for 2021.
"We are excited to have SENZ on board for the Awards and, having worked closely with SEN in Australia over the past 12 months, we are looking forward to their impact on the New Zealand market."
In addition to being available via its app, SENZ has also picked up the radio frequencies previously used by Radio Trackside and is soon to launch across the country.
Sports Entertainment Network chief executive Craig Hutchison said SENZ was proud to partner the Awards.
''SENZ is excited to expand its racing offering and partnering with such a prestigious racing industry event, which recognises the top performers," he said.
"New Zealand owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys and participants have united to drive the industry forward despite the most difficult circumstances ever encountered on the back of the global pandemic.
"It has been a great year for New Zealand racing, and we can't wait to see who is anointed the SENZ Horse of the Year."
The Awards recognise the country's top performers, as voted by an independent panel of industry experts, culminating in the prestigious Horse of the Year trophy.
The 2021 event will be held in the Heaphy Room at Claudelands, Hamilton on Sunday, 12 September. Details regarding ticket sales will be released shortly.
Balloo sidelined
Southern jockey Akshay Balloo is facing an extended stint on the sidelines after breaking his leg in a trackwork fall on Tuesday.
Balloo, 30, now faces surgery after breaking his tibia just below his knee.
"I'm doing okay. I'm in hospital and just need surgery now. We're not sure if it might be tomorrow or if not then Monday. Hopefully it can mend well and I can be back riding soon," Balloo said.
Balloo, from Mauritius, spent time as an apprentice at the South African Jockey Academy. He has ridden 15 winners since coming to New Zealand in 2019 and rode in two Group One races at Ellerslie in March this year, though unplaced in both.
