Official Launch of "New Zealand Bloodstock Racing Hall of Fame"

Gerald Fell, Chairman of the Board of New Zealand's new Racing Hall of Fame, has announced New Zealand Bloodstock as its title sponsor for the official launch of the "New Zealand Bloodstock Racing Hall of Fame."

Gerald Fell, commented, "We are delighted to have New Zealand Bloodstock's commitment to our project and note that there is a perfect fit for a company like NZB who champions our bloodstock to the world, to be part of honouring our industry's elite."

"We are already in the planning stages for our inaugural induction event which is scheduled for the new Auckland Cup week next March, and we are looking forward to working with NZB and the numerous other industry participants and sponsors who are committing their time to helping us launch this worthy project."

The New Zealand Bloodstock Racing Hall of Fame aims to recognise those horses and individuals whose outstanding achievements have enriched the New Zealand racing industry. The inductees will be divided into the categories of People and Horses, with present and past performers considered.

The Inaugural Induction Event is to be held on Friday 3rd March 2006. This event is timed to coincide with the new Auckland Cup Carnival at Ellerslie and will be held at the re-vamped Ellerslie Convention Centre. The selection panel is predominantly made up New Zealand's racing media who have tracked the progress and highlights of the industry over the years and who are well placed to identify the most worthy candidates for induction into the Hall of Fame.

Next year's event will see inaugural inductees who have made a significant contribution to the tapestry of the industry to date. Thereafter the Hall of Fame plans to honour new inductees at each bi-annual induction event.

The Hall of Fame has been more than two years in the planning. Chairman - Gerald Fell confirmed, "With the support of New Zealand Bloodstock, and also New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, we have been able to take the project from planning stages to realisation. We still have a way to go and are looking to others throughout our industry and New Zealand to help us to ensure that our industry's rich heritage can be acknowledged in an appropriate way, but this is a welcome step in the right direction."

New Zealand Bloodstock has agreed to sponsor the Hall of Fame for an initial period of three years. Marketing Manager, Petrea Vela, commented on New Zealand Bloodstock's commitment to the project, "New Zealand Bloodstock is proud to be able to support a Hall of Fame for our industry. It is a great way to honour the achievements of those who have helped to make thoroughbred breeding and racing in New Zealand what it is today, and to show our appreciation for the foundation they've provided us. I hope that the Hall of Fame can have a long and treasured place in our industry's future."

All enquiries about the New Zealand Bloodstock Racing Hall of Fame or the Inaugural Induction Event, to Renee Geelen - Executive Officer Ph: 07-848-1192 or Email: [email protected].