The Kiwi love affair with the Melbourne Cup reached new heights, with a record 161,100 TAB and betcha customers placing a bet on the iconic race.

That continues a sustained rise in Cup betting, from about 105,000 active customers in 2021. More than 27,000 New Zealanders also placed their first bet of the year through their TAB or betcha accounts, while almost 1.2 million bets were placed on the Cup alone.

Point Of Law’s powerful three-and-three-quarter-length victory after starting as one of the favourites helped return $9 million to New Zealand punters.

The win made the day for two punters in particular – although one had to wait a lot less time than another to watch Point Of Law romp home.

One punter backed the horse for $2,000 at $8 on race day, but another displayed considerable foresight and placed a $500 “futures” bet at $34 before the son of star sire Frankel won the Geelong Cup impressively in late October.

The Melbourne Cup often produces great results for the small punters who have a go at winning a Trifecta or First4. Three $5 First4 tickets paid $15,585 each, while a $1.80 First4 ticket returned $5,530. One racing fan’s $5 Trifecta bet returned more than $12,000.

Chris Haigh, managing director for Entain NZ – the operators of TAB and Betcha – said the Melbourne Cup continues to be a special day on the racing calendar with New Zealanders getting involved in the Cup.

“You can feel the excitement right across New Zealand, from the traditional racecourses and TABs through to the pubs, clubs and offices up and down the country.

It’s great to have more Kiwis than ever making the Cup part of their day.”