New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing appoints new CEO

Neha Soni February 5, 2025
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing appoints new CEO

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has appointed long-time SkyCity executive Matt Ballesty as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Ballesty has previously worked with Australia’s Crown Resorts and Macau’s Melco-Crown during its formative years. He will be starting in his new role from 5 March 2025, three days before the $9 million Champions Day meeting at Ellerslie.

He has held a number of senior executive roles across Australia, Macau and Canada. Ballesty boasts over three decades of experience in high-performance leadership and strategic commercial development and execution. Studied from the New Zealand Institute of Directors and was a board member with Heart of the City Auckland.

“This is a homecoming,” said Ballesty. “I’ve been passionate about racing for a long time as both an enthusiast and an owner and I can’t wait to get stuck into the hard work of further developing thoroughbred racing in New Zealand.”

NZTR Chair Russell Warwick believes Ballesty’s unique skill set makes him ideal to lead the organisation.

“The racing industry is going through a period of significant change and Matt is the perfect candidate to ensure that every person contributing to the industry continues to play a key role in the future,” Warwick said.

“This appointment is about securing the legacy of the racing industry in the long term. We could not be happier to have someone of Matt’s calibre holding the reins at this critical point.”

Prior experience

Ballesty was working as an industry consultant across Asia-Pacific in his most recent role. He has spent over nine years with SkyCity Entertainment Group, including as Chief Casino Officer until his July 2022 departure.

Before joining SkyCity, he was with Crown Resorts team where he explored expansion opportunities in Sri Lanka and Canada. He has served as general manager casino operations at Altira – Melco-Crown’s original Macau property from the year 2006 to 2009.

“The success of the racing industry has always been built on the hard work done at a grassroots level by generations of Kiwis,” Ballesty said of his latest role.

“What excites me most is the opportunity to meet the people around the country who contribute to making the racing industry what it is today. Everyone from the breeders, trainers, owners and jockeys, right through to the clubs, play a critical role in creating a vibrant community and sport that continues to excel on the global stage.”

In January, NZTR announced a partnership with North American racing, gaming and entertainment powerhouse 1/ST. This move looks set to revolutionise the global thoroughbred racing landscape.

Known for its iconic venues, including Santa Anita Park (California) and Gulfstream Park (Florida), 1/ST earned its reputation as a leader in modernising horse racing. This modernisation was made possible by blending live racing with innovative gaming, hospitality, and lifestyle experiences.

This partnership links premier racing events in New Zealand and the United States, creating new opportunities for international competition. The initiative features a “Golden Ticket” pathway and allows winning horses direct entry into some of the world’s most prestigious races.

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