Thompson loving her front-line role in racing

Emma Thompson fits two demographics that have become integral to racing’s new order.
In the first instance she’s a member of what can now be termed the “no longer lost” generation being drawn back after years of decline in attracting fresh participants.
More specifically the 26-year-old is a member of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s frontline team, loving every minute of spreading the message that racing is on the rise like never before in the modern era, the full entertainment package that’s worth becoming involved in.
Since last March Thompson has been the Communications and PR Lead for the gallop code’s governing body. That followed more than four years in the marketing team at New Zealand Bloodstock, her first full-time job after graduating from the University of Otago with a BA double degree majoring in communications, film and media studies plus marketing.
From day one at NZTR it’s been a whirlwind experience that began by getting to grips with the role, then quickly being swept along in the rapid industry uplift emanating from the Entain/TAB strategic partnership. Last week that all came to a head for Thompson and her colleagues at the unprecedented auction for spots in next year’s NZB Kiwi slot race, the richest ever to be staged in this country.
While a career in the racing industry was to a large degree pre-ordained as the daughter of Rich Hill Stud’s John and Colleen Thompson, it’s only recently that she fully appreciated what that would mean.
“I began at New Zealand Bloodstock as an intern before being offered a role in their marketing team,” Thompson said when RaceForm spoke with her earlier this week. “For someone starting out as I was, that was the best possible opportunity to experience such a wide cross section of the racing and breeding industry.
“It was a great place to be exposed to the industry’s grass roots, meet people at every level and gain an understanding of how it all comes together.
“When the NZTR position came up early last year I felt it was the right time to step up to something that would truly challenge me professionally. It has definitely done that, but it’s been a fantastic experience.”
Within weeks of taking up her new role, Thompson found herself in the middle of preparations for the announcement of the strategic partnership deal that was to completely change the racing industry landscape.
“From day one I’ve been like a sponge and I’ve learnt so much working in the team headed by Bruce Sharrock and Cameron George, as well as my manager Dan Smith and everyone else involved within the organisation.
“Then to see what Entain were bringing to the New Zealand racing industry – it’s been an unbelievable experience being in the middle of all that. There have been many highlights since that first announcement but the biggest of all has been the NZB Kiwi slot race headlining next year’s Champions Day and the whole summer carnival.”
Last week’s slot auction at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Karaka sales complex was the culmination of weeks of planning, with a real edge given the unique approach decided upon.
“I’ve never been so excited and nervous all at the same time,” Thompson says. “The racing industry has become familiar with the slot race concept, but never before have the slots gone up for public auction, so there we were stepping into uncharted territory with something that had never been done anywhere in the world.
“From the time the bidding opened and Singapore buyer John Chew took the first slot at $725,000, that set the tone and it was just incredible when it was all done that the nine available slots had sold for more than $6 million!
“Nobody saw that coming, with overseas and local buyers competing to such a level and ending up with such a fantastic result. The auctioneer Cam Bray had the hardest job in the auditorium and he carried it off, the retired champions parading as each slot went up for auction, it all came together so well, far better than any of us had dared imagine.”
While Thompson is keeping her cards close as the new-look racing industry continues to gather momentum, one aspect she’s already able to expand on is the 12-month build-up to New Zealand’s first thoroughbred slot race.
“Our role is to get people on the train, and now there’s a whole lot going on with the NZB Kiwi as the centre-piece, it makes my job so much easier. There’s still an immense amount work and effort required, but having so much positivity what with the Entain team, having NZB right behind the concept, and everyone working together, there really hasn’t been a better time to get involved.”
It’s also easy for Thompson to acknowledge her origins, most of all the upbringing offered her and brother William by their parents.
“I’m so grateful for the work ethic they instilled in us,” she says. “Growing up and working on the farm I thought it was quite normal to get just a week off a year – if you were lucky! Our parents both worked so hard to build Rich Hill from the bottom up, and now to see every stallion on the roster having at least one Group One winner – it’s hard to explain just how thrilled I am for them.”
Raceday and other activities that attract a like-minded crowd are essential elements of Thompson’s working life, and with her innate sociability, something she thrives on.
“I’ve known for as long as I can remember how much fun a day at the races can be, and now to see so many people in my age-group now getting amongst it, that is just so good.
“It goes further than that, like the way that racing has regained so much traction and relevance with a wider audience, to see us on mainstream TV and other media platforms – that sort of exposure is the ultimate.