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The story behind the first win for Chisora (NZ) is both heartfelt and significant for Inspire Racing and its connections.
The $18,500 maiden race at New Plymouth on New Year's Eve, though seemingly modest, marked a milestone for Matthew Corban and the team, as it was the first victory for the syndicate. Chisora, trained by Allan Sharrock and sired by Belardo (Ire), had the expectations of a hot favourite, and he delivered, winning narrowly but in style.
Matthew Corban's pride is evident in his reflection on the win, emphasising that there is always uncertainty until the race is run - despite the expectations.
Matthew Corban | Image courtesy of Inspire Racing
Chisora is not just a promising horse; his name adds an intriguing layer of character. Named after British boxer Derek Chisora, the choice reflects Corban's passion for boxing - a shared interest within his family or in Corban's words 'an obsession alongside racing'.
This victory marks the start of an exciting journey for Inspire Racing, with high hopes for many more successes ahead. Corban adds a touch of humor, acknowledging the tradition of themed names: “Racing enthusiasts can be superstitious, can't they? Although some of the owners have their own opinions on the matter, I might have to name the ones that I keep a big share in!”
This moment is one to cherish for Inspire Racing as they embark on what they hope will be a bright and successful future.
Chisora (NZ) as a 2-year-old | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
Born into the Industry
Matthew Corban's deep roots in the racing game come from a family legacy that has shaped his path in the industry.
As a son of Marcus Corban, who spent over 40 years at Cambridge Stud, including more than 30 years as the general manager, Matthew had racing ingrained in him from a young age. Several of his siblings also share a strong connection to the industry, with his brother Dom managing yearlings at Pencarrow Stud and Julian making a name for himself in the prestigious role of looking after stallions at Cambridge Stud.
Matthew’s journey in racing has been diverse and broad. After completing university, he gained hands-on experience working at a New Zealand TAB agency, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) in the ‘Racing Bureau’, and in Sydney with the Racing NSW Marketing and Promotions team that were responsible for key events like the Country Championships and Provincial Championships, and the inaugural running of The Everest.
Marcus Corban | Image courtesy of Cambridge Stud
Reflecting on this experience, Matthew mentions how the success and innovation of events like The Everest showed him the potential for New Zealand to achieve similar feats with the right leadership and vision.
“Everything needs a starting point, everyone bagged The Everest concept initially and in fact they were pretty brutal, I was there when The Everest started and look how far that event has grown. You have to be bold to capture the younger generation and the NZB Kiwi/Karaka Millions innovation can do that.”
One of the driving forces behind Matthew’s decision to venture into syndication in New Zealand was the significant boost in industry optimism following Entain’s involvement, particularly with the increase in prize money for 2-year-olds and 3-year-olds. This, combined with the introduction of new races and broader industry growth, has created new opportunities for owners.
“Everything needs a starting point, everyone bagged The Everest concept initially and in fact they were pretty brutal, I was there when The Everest started and look how far that event has grown.” - Matthew Corban
Matthew’s enthusiasm for the industry’s potential is clear, as he points to the impressive turnover growth recently highlighted by Cameron Rodger, Managing Director of Entain New Zealand. Rodger noted a 22 per cent increase in turnover from last year across the 11 domestic thoroughbred meetings during the holiday period, underscoring the growing interest in New Zealand thoroughbred racing and the importance of capitalising on current momentum.
For Matthew, now is an exciting time to be involved in racing, and he is passionate about bringing new and first-time owners into the fold.
“I want to focus on the younger group and first-time owners, and making things work around them if needed. Give them a positive experience early is something very important and something I am passionate about.”
“I want to focus on the younger group and first-time owners, and making things work around them if needed. Give them a positive experience early is something very important and something I am passionate about.” - Matthew Corban
His drive to create opportunities and excitement in the industry is a key motivator behind his work with Inspire Racing, and the success of his first winner, Chisora, is just the beginning of what he hopes will be a flourishing future for racing in New Zealand.
A proven trainer with a strike rate
Allan Sharrock’s involvement with Inspire Racing is likely to play a key part in their future success, and his long-standing reputation as one of New Zealand's top trainers speaks for itself.
Known for achieving outstanding results with a small, efficient team, Sharrock has trained multiple Group 1 winners such as Kawi (NZ) (Savabeel), Wahid (NZ) (Almutawakel {GB}), Shez Sinsational (NZ) (Ekraar {USA}), I Do (NZ) (No Excuse Needed {GB}), Ladies Man (NZ) (Zed {NZ}), and Grout (NZ) (Gold Brose). Despite not having a large stable, Sharrock’s ability to get the best out of his horses has made him a perfect fit for Inspire Racing, which seeks a trainer who can offer personal attention and a high strike rate.
Corban is quick to highlight the positive influence Sharrock has had on his racing venture. His admiration for Sharrock goes beyond his training prowess; Corban values the personal relationship and great friendship he has with Allan, his partner Emma, and Allan’s son Kane.
Allan Sharrock | Image courtesy of Nicole Troost
“He isn’t a big stable, which suits me,” Corban explains, underscoring the personalised and collaborative nature of their partnership.
While Sharrock will train the majority of Inspire Racing’s horses, Corban has also sought out other top trainers. One such example is a horse syndicated to David Ellis and the Te Akau Racing team, one of New Zealand’s premier racing operations. Additionally, Corban’s international reach includes the Freedman brothers, Richard and Will, who are based in Sydney and train at Rosehill.
‘Dream Big, Race Bigger’
Inspire Racing’s motto, “Dream Big, Race Bigger,” aims to encapsulate the vision of the organisation: to offer thrilling, rewarding experiences for clients while striving for success on the racetrack.
For Corban, racing is about more than just the horses.
“It’s about creating an enjoyable, social atmosphere for owners, helping them feel a part of the journey every step of the way,” he said.
His focus on communication is key to this, ensuring that owners receive regular updates, such as trackwork videos and social event invitations, while maintaining an open line of contact for any questions or assistance needed.
“It’s about creating an enjoyable, social atmosphere for owners, helping them feel a part of the journey every step of the way.” - Matthew Corban
Corban also values the importance of making the racing experience fun and engaging. He points to Ellerslie’s ‘Punters Bar’ as an example of how tracks can improve the overall experience for owners, creating an atmosphere that encourages long-term involvement in the sport. This approach is crucial for growing the industry, as positive experiences lead to repeat participants and greater support for racing.
“We want people going to the races and enjoying themselves. We need to look after our owners and genuinely get them interested and coming back.”
In addition to providing a strong racing experience, Corban also sees the value in educating owners in a fun and accessible way. He emphasises that part of the future of Inspire Racing may involve expanding into other areas of the industry, such as breeding. He mentions the success of a breeding syndicate he set up, which sold out quickly, and he is “looking forward to Nick Fairweather and the team (at Carlaw Park) presenting a three-quarter sister to Beau Dazzler at Karaka Book 2.”
The filly by Ardrossan will be offered as Lot 675 and is out of the unraced Henrythenavigator (USA) mare Katherine Wright (NZ) who is a half-sister to Beau Dazzler's (NZ) (Ardrossan) dam Pwerfect (Pentire {GB}).
Lot 675 - Ardrossan x Katherine Wright (NZ) (filly) | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
This venture into breeding is an area Corban and Inspire Racing are excited to explore further as they continue to grow and diversify their offerings.
What does an Inspire Racing client look like
Corban is focused on making racing more accessible, particularly for new and first-time owners. By offering flexible share sizes and syndication options, he aims to open the sport to a broader range of participants, accommodating various levels of interest and experience. Smaller shares and separate syndicates provide an opportunity for more people to experience the excitement of owning a racehorse.
With the upcoming Karaka sales, Corban is preparing to add to the team and welcomes anyone interested to get in touch.
“I plan to be active at Karaka, I will have a domestic focus, with the aim of buying good New Zealand-bred stock that are by proven New Zealand sires, let's hope I can afford them.”
Currently, Inspire Racing has about a dozen horses in the stable, and Corban is keen to expand. His approach prioritises creating an inclusive and enjoyable environment for owners, where the thrill of the sport is shared and celebrated.
Many race clubs readily provide owners with tickets for our horses on most race days. However, for high-profile events such as the Karaka Millions and Wellington Cup Day, ticket availability may be limited due to increased demand. In such instances, we implement a ballot system to distribute tickets fairly. Each share you own grants you an entry into the ballot, so owning more shares increases your chances of securing tickets for these iconic race days.
What benefits do I get?
With Inspire Racing, you don't just own a part of a horse—you embark on an exciting journey from paddock to track. You'll receive top-notch updates from trainers, breeders, and form analysts, giving you an insider's view on your horse's progress and well-being. Enjoy access to owners' areas on race days. Beyond the thrill of the race, you'll enjoy exclusive events where you can meet and hear from industry experts, connect with fellow owners, and, most importantly, cheer on your horse as it competes. Plus, as a valued part of our ownership community, you're entitled to a proportionate share of any prize money and proceeds from the sale of your horse.
How often will I get updates?
The frequency of updates about your horse will vary depending on the stage of its preparation and the specific trainer overseeing its development. Generally, you can expect to receive updates on a weekly basis when your horse is actively racing. During the pre-training phase, updates will typically be provided every two weeks. When your horse is spelling (resting), updates will occur monthly or as otherwise communicated. This schedule ensures that you stay informed and connected to your horse's progress throughout the different phases of its training and racing career.
What happens if my horse is sold?
As a valued part of our ownership community, you're entitled to a proportionate share of any prize money and proceeds from the sale of your horse.
McAnulty said he was confident the agreement would help secure a solid future for the racing industry and sports in New Zealand “through increased financial distributions to national sports organisations”.
“TAB NZ has been facing increasing financial challenges over recent years and was facing an uncertain future, largely due to competition from offshore gambling websites”, he said.
“The agreement provides an upfront payment of $150m upon approval of the agreement. In addition to this there will be a 50% revenue share from ‘day one’ with guaranteed payments of at least $150m per year for the first five years.”
The Problem Gambling Foundation has drawn attention to what it has described as a raft of regulatory breaches by Entain overseas and had planned to meet with McAnulty on Thursday week to discuss its concerns about the agreement.
Entain was fined £17 million (NZ$34m) by the UK Gambling Commission last year for what the commission described as “completely unacceptable anti-money laundering and safer-gambling failures”.
Entain was also fined for two rule breaches in Australia that saw it encourage heavy gamblers to start betting with its Ladbrokes business by offering them incentives to open betting accounts, in one case setting up an account for a gambler without their knowledge or permission.
The Problem Gambling Foundation also noted that Britain’s Guardian newspaper had reported allegations earlier this month that Entain had been benefitting from blog posts previously paid for by another betting business that it subsequently acquired that encouraged young mothers to gamble to give themselves a break from childcare.
But McAnulty indicated he expected the outsourcing agreement would reduce problem gambling, saying Entain had “better harm minimisation technologies such as facial recognition tools that can be rolled out in TAB venues”.
“I’ve received confirmation from TAB NZ of a $5m allocation for harm minimisation measures upon approval of the agreement,” he said.
“We would expect to ... see much more money allocated to harm minimisation, a fairer deal for Kiwi punters and sports codes and a greater focus on animal welfare.”
Ladbrokes was founded in 1886, but Entain had “significantly improved its approach” since the incidents the Problem Gambling Foundation referred to, McAnulty said.
“It is their current operation that I am concerned about.”
The partnership between TAB NZ and Entain did not prevent the Government from putting in place further harm minimisation regulation “and I have been clear with TAB NZ that I intend to do so”, he said.
TAB chairperson Mark Stewart said Entain was a reputable player.
“They certainly have had some issues ... but we have had lots of undertakings from them and I have no concerns.”
Entain has said that it “very much respects” groups such as the Problem Gambling Foundation.
“As TAB NZ has done, our plan will be to foster a meaningful relationship with them should ministerial approval be forthcoming,” it said earlier in relation to the outsourcing deal.
“We are proud of our record and commitment to player protection and safer gambling and that will be a cornerstone of our approach in New Zealand as well.”
Problem Gambling Foundation spokesperson Andree Froude said it would have preferred McAnulty to have met with it before approving the deal.
“Given where we are at now, we need to look forward and hope we can be part of the conversation around harm minimisation,” she said.
“We are still really concerned about Entain’s regulatory failures. The best indicator of future performance is past performance, and Entain’s form is not great.”
McAnulty said the arrangement would see Entain provide “most of the TAB NZ’s functions through a newly established, New Zealand-based subsidiary of Entain”.
However, TAB NZ would remain “as the entity responsible for all statutory functions and for managing the contract with the operator”, he said.
The Overseas Investment Office said it did not appear to have received an application from either Entain or the TAB for the partnership agreement.
It was unable to clarify whether it might need to approve the transaction late last week saying that, as of then, there was “insufficient publicly available information available to make an assessment of whether or not consent is required”.
about us
Inspire Racing, established in 2023 by Matthew Corban, marks a significant addition to the New Zealand thoroughbred racing scene. As a authorized syndicator in the country, Inspire Racing brings a fresh and dynamic approach to the industry. At the helm of their training operations is future hall of fame trainer Allan Sharrock, whose expertise and experience promise to bring exceptiona...