Saturday, 4th October 2025
All enquiries - Gary Knowles 0406 599 773
Crocetti is set to carry the aspirations of New Zealand’s sprinting scene to Perth next month as the Trackside NZ / Perth Racing slot runner in the $5 million KIA Quokka (1200m). After dominating the Sport Nation NZ Champion Sprint Series over summer and claiming a NZ$300,000 bonus, Crocetti’s connections accepted the invitation from Entain New Zealand, which operates Trackside TV, TAB, and betcha betting brands. With nine wins from 14 career starts, the talented sprinter now targets the prestigious event at Ascot Racecourse on April 26. Owner and co-breeder Daniel Nakhle is thrilled to showcase his star performer on an international stage. “This horse has already provided us with so much fun and excitement in his career,” Nakhle said. “To take it to the next level with this trip to Perth alongside the Trackside NZ and Perth Racing teams is another memorable step along a pretty amazing journey.” Trained by Danny Walker and Arron Tata at Byerley Park near Karaka, Crocetti burst onto the scene with seven consecutive wins before proving his class at the highest level over summer. His performances included placings in the Gr.3 Concorde Stakes (1200m), the Gr.3 Haunui Farm Kings Plate (1200m), and a fourth in the Listed Haunui Farms Counties Bowl (1100m). His crowning moment came with a spectacular victory in the Gr.1 Sistema Railway (1200m), which, along with his Kings Plate placing, secured the Champion Sprint Series title. Entain ANZ’s Chief Media Officer Chris Haigh highlighted the excitement surrounding Crocetti’s journey to Western Australia. “Crocetti has really captured the New Zealand public’s imagination in his career, and we’ve loved telling his and Daniel’s story along the way,” Haigh said. “I know the Trackside team is pumped that we’ll be taking on The Quokka with a horse with such a following.” Perth Racing chief executive James Oldring echoed the enthusiasm. “We’ve been following New Zealand racing closely over the summer, and having the Champion Sprint Series winner representing New Zealand is a fantastic outcome,” he said. Crocetti’s odds currently sit at $15 on the New Zealand TAB and betcha betting platforms, sparking further interest among punters ahead of the big race.
