Record number of Kiwis strike Melbourne Cup trifecta

The TAB has reported a record number of New Zealanders struck the trifecta payout of $224 in yesterday’s Melbourne Cup.  

More than 20,000 Kiwis won the trifecta, compared to just under 800 in last year’s race.

TAB spokesman Michael Dore said: “It’s quite astounding really – not only was there a record turnout on the day, record numbers of punters actually came away with the trifecta.

“A large part to do with that is that you had three of the most favoured horses come in and people simply found So You Think irresistible in anchoring their trifecta bets.”

Dore said that the TAB’s Big Race Pack – where punters select their favourite horse for a win, place and a trifecta bet, with the remaining horses selected by computer – had also proven successful for punters. The packs, which help make betting easier for new punters, proved successful on the day with around 1,000 landing the trifecta.  

“What’s great about all this is that we have a lot of people new to horse racing win big on the trifecta.  People can come away from their Melbourne Cup experience believing they hold right of place alongside seasoned veterans in picking a trifecta.

“It’s all part of the excitement of getting behind your favourite horse - and there’s more of that in store for punters next week with the NZ Cup and Show week in Christchurch,” he said.

The total dividend paid out by the TAB was $7.4 million.  

Betting for the TAB Spring Carnival can be placed at any TAB store nationwide or online. Visit tab.co.nz <http://tab.co.nz> for the latest odds.