The two-hour programme airs every Saturday from 9.30am to 11.30am AEDT time on 7two and 7plus. Hosted by Miles Pfitzner and Mick Gannon, it combines live New Zealand thoroughbred racing and industry stories with expert analysis, interviews and previews of the Australian racing day.
The initiative is part of NZTR's ‘Wake Up with a Kiwi Bet’ campaign, designed to attract more Australian viewers and wagering customers to New Zealand racing and grow revenue for the industry.
NZTR Chief Executive, Matt Ballesty, said Australian punters wagered $727.4 million on New Zealand thoroughbred racing through licensed Australian operators in 2025/26.
“Australia is already a significant market for New Zealand racing, but we have an opportunity to take a more coordinated, year-round approach to growing that audience,” Ballesty said.
“Wagering on our racing through Australian operators generates revenue for the New Zealand industry. Building awareness and engagement in Australia has a direct commercial purpose and can help strengthen the funding base for racing here.”
Giddy Up Saturday will feature a guaranteed minimum of five live New Zealand races each week, supported by previews, tips and dedicated Kiwi racing updates from analyst, Jayne Ivil. A regular ‘Kiwi Close Up’ segment and features on jockeys, trainers and industry stories will help viewers become more familiar with New Zealand racing and its participants.
NZTR General Manager Communications and Marketing, Zac Reynolds, said the programme would help build familiarity with New Zealand racing among Australian audiences.
“We want Australian racing fans to know our tracks, recognise our jockeys and trainers, and follow our horses just as they do in Queensland or South Australia,” Reynolds said.
“A regular Saturday morning showcase brings our racing and the people behind it into Australian homes. We want New Zealand racing to become part of their Saturday routine, and a Kiwi thoroughbred race to be the first bet they consider.”
Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) Chief Executive, Craig Hutchison said the programme would give New Zealand racing a prominent place at the start of the Australian racing day.
“New Zealand thoroughbred racing is a premium product that we believe will resonate with Australian racing audiences,” Hutchison said.
“The Saturday morning timeslot gives Kiwi racing clear air before the busiest part of the Australian schedule. We have built a programme that combines live racing with the insight and stories that help viewers get to know the product and the people behind it.
“Our vision is to make Giddy Up Saturday a regular destination for racing fans, bringing them closer to New Zealand racing while preparing them for the day ahead.”
Coverage will extend beyond television through social and digital content across SEN’s platforms. The programme is also simulcast on the SEN App and SEN Fanatic.