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Thoroughbred racing in New Zealand

The racing of Thoroughbred horses (or gallopers, as they are also known) is a popular gaming and spectator sport and industry in New Zealand.

History

Thoroughbred horse racing commenced soon after European settlement. The first totalisator machine in the world was installed at Ellerslie Racecourse in 1913, see Sir George Julius).

Thoroughbred racing with the associated aspects such as horse breeding, training and care, race betting, race-day management and entertainment has gradually developed into an industry worth billions of dollars. The governing body is the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Incorporated.

Race clubs and courses of New Zealand

Thoroughbred racing is held throughout New Zealand, including courses in some of the smaller centres.

ClubCourse, Town/city/provinceTrackDirectionStraightNotes
Ashburton RCAshburton, New Zealand1876mleft-handed382m
Auckland RCEllerslie Racecourse, Auckland1876mright-handed382m
Avondale JCAvondale, Auckland1800mright-handed450m
Banks Peninsula RCMotukarara, Canterbury1800mleft-handed400m
Beaumont RCWingatui, Dunedin (since 1987)2000mleft-handed350mPart of Gallop South
Cambridge RCTe Rapa, Hamilton1800mleft-handed420mNZ's first synthetic track in 2020
Canterbury JCRiccarton Park, Christchurch2400mleft-handed400mincludes a synthetic track
Central Otago RCOmakau1600mleft-handed300mPart of Gallop South. Formerly the Vincent Jockey Club
Counties RCPukekohe Park, Franklin1900mright-handed520m
Dargaville RCAwakino Point1600mleft-handed350mWas 1 meeting per year, in November. Last held in 2016.
Egmont RCHawera1822mleft-handed350m
Feilding JCAwapuni, Palmerston North1700mleft-handed350mPart of RACE
Foxton RCPreviously raced at Foxton, Horowhenua1811mleft-handed349mTrials only. No Raceday meetings being held
Gore RCGore, Southland1600mleft-handed350mPart of Gallop South
Greymouth JCOmoto, West Coast, South Island1200mleft-handed250m
Hawkes Bay Racing IncHastings1700mleft-handed375m
Kumara RCKumara, West Coast1500mleft-handed300m1 meeting per year, in January
Kurow JCKurow, North Otago1600mleft-handed350m1 meeting per year, late December
Levin RCOtaki, Horowhenua1800mleft-handed400m
Manawatu RCAwapuni, Palmerston North1700mleft-handed350mPart of RACE Synthetic track planned
Marlborough RCWaterlea, Blenheim1700mleft-handed300m
Marton JCAwapuni, Palmerston North1700mleft-handed350mPart of RACE
Masterton RCTauherenikau Racecourse, near Featherston, Wairarapa1810mleft-handed315m1 meeting per year, in March
Matamata RCMatamata1628mleft-handed400m
Oamaru JCOamaru, North Otago1800mleft-handed350m
Otago RCWingatui & Cromwell2000m & 1600mleft-handed both350m both
Otaki-Maori RCOtaki, Horowhenua1800mleft handed400mthe sole surviving Maori club in New Zealand
Pakuranga HuntEllerslie Racecourse1876mright-handed382mthe feature event is the Pakuranga Hunt Steeplechase in August
Poverty Bay Turf ClubAshwood Park, Gisborne1800mleft-handed400m
Rangitikei RCAwapuni, Palmerston North1700mleft-handed350mPart of RACE
Reefton JCReefton1140mleft handed230mthe smallest galloping track in New Zealand. 1 meeting in January
Riverton RCRiverton, near Invercargill1650mleft-handed400mPart of Gallop South
Racing RotoruaArawa Park, Rotorua1600mleft-handed300m
Rotorua & Bay of Plenty HuntArawa Park, Rotorua1600mleft-handed300m1 meeting per year, held in September
South Canterbury RCPhar Lap raceway, Timaru1800mleft-handed400m
South Waikato RCMatamata1628mleft-handed400m1 meeting per year, held in March
Southland RCAscot Park, Invercargill1800mleft-handed215mThe southern-most course in New Zealand
Stratford RCTe Kapua, Stratford1600mleft-handed400m1 meeting per year, held in late December. No meeting from the 2019/20 season on
Tapanui RCWingatui, Dunedin2000mleft-handed350m1 meeting per year, held in December. Part of Gallop South
Taranaki Racing IncNew Plymouth1600mleft-handed375m
TaumarunuiArawa Park, Rotorua1600mleft-handed300m1 meeting per year, held in July
Racing TaupoCentennial Park, Taupo1600mleft-handed320mPart of TRAC
Racing TaurangaTauranga1800mright-handed350mPart of TRAC
Racing Te ArohaTe Aroha1900mright-handed500mPart of TRAC
Thames JCTe Aroha1900mright handed500m1 meeting per year, early January. Part of TRAC
Waikato RCTe Rapa, Hamilton1800mleft-handed420m
Waikouaiti RCWaikouaiti, 30 km north of Dunedin1550mleft-handed350m1 meeting per year, held on New Year's Day
Waimate RCFrom 2020 at Phar Lap, Timaru. Historically at Waimate1800m / (1550m)Left-handed400m/(250m)1 meeting per year. Last meeting at Waimate course 9/6/2019
Waipa RCTe Awamutu1650mRight-handed300m
Waipukurau JCWaipukurau, Central Hawkes Bay1800mleft-handed450m2 meetings per year, held in December and March
Wairarapa RCTauherenikau Racecourse, near Featherston, Wairarapa1810mleft-handed315m
Wairio JCAscot Park, Invercargill1800mleft-handed215m1 meeting in May
Wairoa RCTe Kupenga1660mleft-handed245m2 meetings in February
Wanganui JCWanganui1650mleft-handed325msand based track
Waverley RCWaverley1800mleft-handed375m
Wellington Racing ClubTrentham Racecourse, Upper Hutt2000mleft-handed450mPart of RACE
Westland RCHokitika1290mright-handed340m1 meeting per year, only right handed track in the South Island
Whakatane RCTe Teko, Whakatane1800mright-handed420m2 meetings per year
Whangarei RCRuakaka, 30 km south of Whangarei1800mright-handed400m
Winton JCWinton and Ascot Park1786mLeft-handed270mPart of Gallop South
Woodville-Pahiatua RCWoodville1800mleft-handed375m
Wyndham RCGore, Southland1600mleft-handed350m1 meeting per year, held in March


Major Thoroughbred horse races in New Zealand
RaceGroupTypeStakeMonthLocationDistance
Tarzino Trophy1Weight for Age$220,000 (2021)August/SeptemberHastings1400m
Windsor Park Plate1Weight for Age$220,000 (2021)SeptemberHastings1600m
Livamol Classic1Weight for Age$250,000 (2021)OctoberHastings2040m
Hawke's Bay Guineas23YO SW$110,000 (2021)OctoberHastings1400m
New Zealand 2000 Guineas13YO SW$500,000 (2021)NovemberRiccarton Racecourse1600m
New Zealand 1000 Guineas13YO Fillies SW$300,000 (2021)NovemberRiccarton Racecourse1600m
New Zealand Cup3Open HCP$250,000 (2021)NovemberRiccarton Racecourse3200m
Captain Cook Stakes1Weight for Age$220,000 (2021)December
(2009 Onwards)
Trentham Racecourse1600m
Zabeel Classic1Weight for Age$240,000 (2021)DecemberEllerslie Racecourse2000m
Railway Stakes1Open SWP$240,000 (2022)JanuaryEllerslie Racecourse1200m
Telegraph Handicap1Weight for Age$250,000 (2022)JanuaryTrentham Racecourse1200m
Trentham Stakes3SWP$70,000 (2021)JanuaryTrentham Racecourse2100m
Karaka Million 2yoR2YO (Restricted)$1,000,000JanuaryEllerslie Racecourse1200m
Karaka Million 3yoR3YO (Restricted)$1,000,000JanuaryEllerslie Racecourse1600m
Desert Gold Stakes33YO Fillies SW$80,000 (2021)JanuaryTrentham Racecourse1600m
Thorndon Mile1Open SWP$220,000 (2022)JanuaryTrentham Racecourse1600m
Wellington Cup3Open HCP$300,000 (2022)JanuaryTrentham Racecourse3200m
Avondale Cup2OpenFebruaryEllerslie Racecourse2400m
BCD Group Sprint1Weight for Age$220,000 (2022)FebruaryTe Rapa1400m
Herbie Dyke Stakes1Weight for Age$400,000 (2020)FebruaryTe Rapa2000m
Otaki-Maori Weight for Age1Weight for Age$200,000 (2019)FebruaryOtaki1600m
New Zealand Derby13YO SW$1,000,000 (2021)March
(2006 onwards)
Ellerslie Racecourse2400m
Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes1Weight for Age$240,000 (2022)MarchEllerslie Racecourse2000m
Ellerslie Sires Produce Stakes12YO SWMarchEllerslie Racecourse1400m
Auckland Cup2Open SWP$500,000 (2021)MarchEllerslie Racecourse3200m
New Zealand Oaks13YO Fillies SW$400,000 (2021)MarchTrentham Racecourse2400m
New Zealand St. LegerLOpen SWP (prev 3yo & 3-4yo)$60,000 (2022)MarchTrentham Racecourse2600m
Levin Classic13YO SW$260,000 (2022)March
(2022 Onwards)
Trentham Racecourse1600m
Awapuni Gold Cup2Open$100,000 (2021)March/AprilAwapuni2000m
Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes12YO SW$245,000 (2022)March/AprilAwapuni1400m
Championship Stakes23YO$100,000 (2021)March/AprilEllerslie Racecourse2100m
Easter Handicap33YO+ Open HCP$100,000 (2021)March/AprilEllerslie Racecourse1600m
New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes13YO+ Fillies & Mares$220,000 (2022)AprilTe Aroha / Te Rapa1600m
Great Northern Foal StakesL2YO$50,000 (2017)MayEllerslie Racecourse
Great Northern HurdlesPJumping HurdlesJuneEllerslie Racecourse4190m
Great Northern SteeplechasePJumping Steeplechase$125,000 (2019)JuneEllerslie Racecourse6400m
Grand National HurdlesPJumping HurdlesAugustRiccarton Racecourse4200m
Grand National SteeplechasePJumping SteeplechaseAugustRiccarton Racecourse5600m
DB Draught ClassicWeight for Age$950,000 (1989) & $970,000 (1990)Only raced twice (March 1989 and 1990)Ellerslie Racecourse2100m


Prominent people
NameBornOccupationContribution and HonoursKey horses associated with
Lisa AllpressJockey4 NZ jockey Premierships (2012, 2016, 2019 and 2020), 1672 NZ winning rides (as at July 2021)
Murray Baker1946TrainerNew Zealand Racing Hall of Fame, 5 Australian Derby winsDundeel, Jon Snow, Mongolian Khan, Nom du Jeu, Quick Thinker, Vin De Dance
Opie Bosson1980JockeyWinner of 78 group 1 races (10 in Australia)Avantage, Gingernuts, Melody Belle, Mongolian Khan, Grand Archway, Probabeel, Quick Thinker, Te Akau Shark
Bill Broughton1913-1990JockeyNew Zealand Sports Hall of Fame,New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame, 11 times New Zealand Champion jockey, 1446 winners in New Zealand plus 11 in AustraliaSombrero, Soneri
Jim Cassidy1963JockeyWinner of 104 Group One races, Australian Racing Hall of Fame, New Zealand Racing Hall of FameKiwi, Might and Power, Rough Habit
John Bernard (Cos) Costello1937 - 2019Journalist and AuthorSix decades in racing journalism, editor of the New Zealand Racing Annual and Blood Horse magazine and numerous racing books including Tapestry of Turf. Inducted into the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
Sue Day (Walsh)Jockey / trainerFirst Kiwi woman to win in a totaliser race in New Zealand when winning on Jaws at TimaruAs a trainer: Chatham (NZ), Exquisite Jewel
Midge Didham1945Jockey and trainerWinning rider in 1970 Melbourne Cup and 1980 & 1981 Caulfield CupsBaghdad Note, Ming Dynasty, Silver Bounty
Shane Dye1966Jockey4 consecutive Golden Slippers, Australian Racing Hall of Fame, New Zealand Racing Hall of FameOctagonal, Tawriffic
Hector Gray1885-1957Jockey and Trainer7 NZ jockey premierships
Bill Hazlett1905-1978Owner and breederFirst New Zealander to win more than 1,000 races as an owner. New Zealand Racing Hall of FameEiffel Tower
Sir Patrick Hogan KNZM CBE1939Cambridge Stud master, breeder, ownerKnight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, Australian Racing Hall of Fame, New Zealand Racing Hall of FameSir Tristram, Zabeel
Joanne Hale (Giles)1950JockeyFirst Kiwi woman to ride in a totaliser race in New Zealand on 15 July 1978 at Waimate
Roger JamesHorse trainerWinner of many Group ones in New Zealand and Australia, including New Zealand Derby five timesSilent Achiever, Tidal Light, Zonda
Colin Jillings1931TrainerNew Zealand Racing Hall of FameStipulate, McGinty, Uncle Remus, The Phantom Chance
Chris JohnsonJockeyHolds the record for NZ winning rides, previously held by David WalshCanterbury Belle, Loader, Savvy Coup, Sea Swift, Tartan Tights, Tycoon Lil
Linda Jones1952JockeyTrail blazing woman jockey. New Zealand Racing Hall of FameHoly Toledo, Lavaro
Sheila LaxonTrainerFirst female trainer to win the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup doubleEmpire Rose, Ethereal
Stephen McKee, Trevor McKeeTrainersNew Zealand Order of Merit. Total of 148 Group 2, 3 and Listed, plus 42 Gr 1 wins - Cox Plate winners 2 xs, Doncaster Handicap 2 xs, Gr 1 Hong Kong Sprint. 9 Horse of The Year titles in both Australia and NZ. Hall of Fame recipients in NZ and Australia (for training Sunline.)Sunline, Mufhasa (Stephen only), Solveig, Interval, Royal Tiara, Moonshine, Captivate, Boundless, Keepa Cruisin, Flying Luskin, Culminate, O’Marylin, Passing Shot, Pay My Bail
Lance O'Sullivan1963JockeyNew Zealand Racing Hall of Fame, Officer of the New Zealand Order of MeritHorlicks, Popsy, Waverley Star
Paul O'Sullivan1959TrainerHorlicks, Popsy, Surfers Paradise
Seton Otway1894-1989Founder of Trelawney StudNew Zealand Racing Hall of FameFoxbridge, Alcimedes
Jamie RichardsTrainerAvantage, Gingernuts, Melody Belle, Probabeel, Te Akau Shark, Xtravagant
Graeme RogersonTrainerNew Zealand Racing Hall of FameEfficient, Katie Lee, Savabeel
George SimonRace callerLong-time North Island race caller and TAB Trackside television presenter
Robert James (Bob) Skelton1934-2016JockeyNew Zealand Racing Hall of Fame,New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, Member of the Order of the British EmpireGreat Sensation, Van der Hum
William David (Bill) Skelton1931-2016JockeyNew Zealand Racing Hall of Fame,New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, Member of the Order of the British Empire
Brent Thomson1958JockeyAustralian Racing Hall of Fame, New Zealand Racing Hall of FameDandy Andy, Dulcify, Family of Man, Lord Reims, Strawberry Road
Michael Walker1984JockeyDarci Brahma, Tagaloa, Tit for Taat
Chris Waller1973TrainerAustralian Racing Hall of Fame, New Zealand Racing Hall of FameWinx
David Walsh1959JockeyPreviously held the record for most NZ wins (2451).Over 2500 wins worldwide, including the Telegraph Handicap (3x), W. S. Cox Plate, Brisbane Cup and Adelaide Cup.Married Sue Day, the first New Zealand woman to win a race against male jockeys.Tanalyse, Courier Bay, Solvit

For further prominent people in New Zealand thoroughbred racing, see the list of honorees of the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame.

Leading jockeys

According to www.racebase.co.nz the jockeys with over 2000 New Zealand wins are:

  • 2500+ Chris Johnson (as at 5/3/22, still riding)
  • 2451 David Walsh
  • 2355 Lance O'Sullivan
  • 2167 Noel Harris
  • 2156 Bill Skelton
  • 2131 Michael Coleman
  • 2093 David Peake

The top female jockeys are Lisa Allpress (1672) and Trudy Thornton (1146), both are still riding as at July 2021.

In April 2014 David Walsh broke Lance O'Sullivan's record for the most New Zealand wins.

In July 2020 senior jockey Michael Coleman retired after suffering injuries. He had won 39 group 1 wins in his career.

On 19 December 2020 Chris Johnson took the record for New Zealand winners when he rode Sassenach to win at Awapuni. To this date Chris has won 21 group 1 races.

On 17 February 2021 Danielle Johnson rode her 1000th winner, when she brought home Feelin’ Fancy in race 1 at Te Aroha. Her father, Peter Johnson, rode 1370 winners in his career.

Women jockeys

In 1977 the New Zealand Racing Conference accepted female jockeys and they became eligible to ride on 15 July 1978 with the first Kiwi woman to ride in a totaliser race in New Zealand being Joanne Hale (Giles) on that day at Waimate.

Previously Linda Jones was the first to apply for an apprentice's licence and be turned down. She had ridden in a number of lady riders events over many years in New Zealand and overseas such as in Brazil, which highlighted that New Zealand and Australia were outliers in not allowing women to compete with male jockeys in professional races.

The first win by a woman in New Zealand was visiting Canadian jockey Joan Phipps, at Te Awamutu in November 1977.

Sue Day from Christchurch became the first New Zealand female jockey winner in a totalisator race against males on 22 July 1978 when she won with the Ned Thistoll-trained Jaws in the Waybrook Handicap at Timaru.Other female riders then included Vivienne Kaye (Awapuni), Joanne Lamond (Oamaru) and Cherie Saxon (Hastings).

Linda Jones' first win was on Big Bickies at Te Rapa and soon after Royal Petite was the first Open Handicap winner for a female jockey. Subsequent highlight wins for Linda were Lovaro in the Queen Elizabeth Handicap and Holy Toledo in the Wellington Derby on 22 January 1979 (possibly the first female jockey world-wide to win a Derby). Linda Jones was also the first female jockey to win a professional race against males at a registered meeting in Australia, winning aboard Pay The Purple in the Labour Day Cup at Doomben, Brisbane on May 7, 1979.

Female riders have subsequently gone on to win the New Zealand premiership:

  • Lisa Cropp (2005-2007), 970 NZ winning rides.
  • Lisa Allpress (2012, 2016, 2019 and 2020).
  • Samantha Collett (2018), 872 NZ winning rides (as at July 2021).
  • Danielle Johnson (2021).

Other female riders of note include:

  • Linda Ballentyne
  • Sarah Campbell
  • Jan Cameron
  • Kim Clapperton
  • Alysha Collett
  • Tina Comignaghi
  • Tina Egan
  • Debbie Healey
  • Debbie Henderson, the first woman to win the Grand National Steeplechase, in 1994
  • Michelle Hopkins
  • Catherine Hutchison (formerly Tremayne)
  • Leanne Isherwood
  • Maree Lyndon
  • Kelly McCulloch (formerly Myers)
  • Rosie Myers
  • Joanne Rathbone
  • Samantha Spratt, 919 NZ wins (as at July 2021)
  • Trudy Thornton (formerly Archer and Collett), 1146 NZ wins
  • Lee Tiley (formerly Rutherford)
  • Michelle Wenn
  • Kylie Williams, 767 NZ wins (as at July 2021).

In late February 2020 Lisa Allpress was the first female to win a thoroughbred race in Saudi Arabia on the horse Matmon at King Abdullah Aziz racetrack in Riyadh.She was competing in the inaugural International Jockeys Challenge in which she competed with 14 other jockeys including 7 women. She won the very first race in the challenge. The challenge was won by American Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, Swiss-born Germany based Sibylle Vogt was second while Lisa was third equal with French jockey Mickaelle Michel.

Although there was resistance from some industry participants, female jockeys have competed with great skill and success.

Prominent New Zealand horses

The following contains details of some of the top New Zealand horses. As well as those winning major races within New Zealand, locally owned and/or trained horses frequently go to Australia for racing campaigns or permanently due to the higher stake money in that country.

Between 1882 and 2019 New Zealand-bred horses won Australia's Melbourne Cup 43 times.During the 2008-09 racing season 19 New Zealand-bred Thoroughbreds won 22 Group One races around the world.

Horses may also go to Asia (mainly Hong Kong or Singapore) or on occasions to Europe or the United States.

HorseSireDamTrainer(s)Notable victories or achievements
AdvanceVanguardLaurelJoe Prosser1900 Easter Handicap, 1901 All Aged Stakes
Apollo ElevenCyrusLady RizzoK. (Slim) Foster1973 Tancred Stakes (now the BMW), Auckland Cup, AJC Plate now the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (ATC). 1973 & 1975 Chipping Norton Stakes
AvantageFastnet RockAsavant (by Zabeel)Jamie Richards2018 Karaka Million & Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes, 2019: Birthday Card Stakes (G3 Rosehill), 2020: Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes, 2020 & 2021: Telegraph Handicap & Haunui Farm Classic, 2021: Railway Stakes & Waikato Sprint.
Baghdad NoteKurdistan (GB)Fairnote (NZ)R (Bob) Heasley, then Terry Millard1970: Melbourne Cup, 1973: P.J. O'Shea Stakes & Sandown Cup.
BalmerinoTrictrac (France)Dulcie (by Duccio)Brian Smith, Cambridge & John Dunlop1975 New Zealand Derby, 1976 Brisbane Cup, Rawson Stakes, P.J. O'Shea Stakes (Eagle Farm), 2nd in Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, 2008 inducted to New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
Battle HeightsBattle Wagon (GB)Wuthering Heights (by Avocat General)Tim Douglas1974 Wellington Cup, Sydney Cup, AJC Plate now the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (ATC), W. S. Cox Plate, 1976 Craven Plate, The Metropolitan (ATC)
Beau ViteBeau Pere (GB)Dominant (NZ)T.R. George, F McGrath Snr1939 Canterbury Stakes, 1940: The Metropolitan (ATC), Hill Stakes, Great Northern Derby, Auckland Cup, Awapuni Gold Cup. 1940 & 1941: Colin Stephen Quality Handicap, W. S. Cox Plate, Craven Plate, LKS Mackinnon Stakes, 1941: Rawson Stakes, AJC Plate, Chelmsford Stakes
BonecrusherPag-AsaImitationFrank Ritchie1985 New Zealand Derby, 1986 Australian Derby, Tancred Stakes, Caulfield Stakes, W. S. Cox Plate, Underwood Stakes, 1987 Australian Cup, 2010 inducted into the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
CarbineMusket (horse)(GB)Mersey (GB)Walter S. Hickenbotham1889 & 1890 Sydney Cup & All Aged Stakes, 1890 Melbourne Cup, Melbourne Stakes, Craven Plate, AJC Spring Stakes, 1889, 1890 & 1891 AJC Plate (now the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (ATC)), 2006 inducted to New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
CastletownOne Pound Sterling (GB)Mona CurraghPatrick M Bussuttin1989 New Zealand Derby, 1991 Kelt Capital Stakes, 1992 Auckland Cup & Caulfield Stakes, 1991, 1992 & 1994 Wellington Cup, 2014 inducted into New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
CuddlePsychology (GB)Caress (NZ)1935 New Zealand Cup, 1935 & 1936 Auckland Cup, 1936 All Aged Stakes, St George Stakes & Doncaster Handicap, 2014 inducted into New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
CyniscaApremontNautilus1890, 1891 & 1892 Wellington Cup, 1892 Easter Handicap
DalrayBalloch (GB)Broiveine (NZ)Clarrie McCarthy1951: New Zealand Derby, 1952: Great Northern Derby, Trentham Stakes, Colin Stephen Quality Handicap, The Metropolitan (ATC), LKS Mackinnon Stakes, Melbourne Cup
Darci BrahmaDanehillGrand EchezeauxMark Walker2005: New Zealand 2000 Guineas, Otaki-Maori Weight for Age, The T J Smith, 2007: Waikato Sprint, Telegraph Handicap
Daryl's JoyStunning (GB)Rutha (NZ)Syd Brown (NZ), later Charlie Whittingham (USA)1969 Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes, Cox Plate, Victoria Derby, Moonee Valley Stakes, 1970: Del Mar Handicap, 1971: Arcadia Handicap & San Luis Obispo Handicap
Desert GoldAll Black (GB)Aurarius (Aust)Fred Davis1915: New Zealand 1000 Guineas, Manawatu Sires Produce & New Zealand Derby, 1916: New Zealand Oaks, Great Northern Derby, 1916,1917 & 1918: Awapuni Gold Cup, 1918: St George Stakes & All Aged Stakes, 2008 inducted into New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
Dundeel/It's A DundeelHigh ChaparralStareelMurray Baker & Andrew Forsman2012: Gloaming Stakes, Spring Champion Stakes, 2013 Randwick Guineas, Rosehill Guineas, Australian Derby, Underwood Stakes. 2014 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (ATC)
Empire RoseSir Tristram (Ire)Summer FleurLaurie Laxon1987 New Zealand Cup, 1988 LKS Mackinnon Stakes & Melbourne Cup, 1989 Trentham Stakes
EtherealRhythm (USA)Romanee ContiSheila Laxon2001 Queensland Oaks, Caulfield Cup & Melbourne Cup, 2002 The BMW, 2016 inducted into New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
Even StevensFairs FairAmarooArchie McGregor1961 Avondale Cup, 1962 CB Fisher Plate, Caulfield Cup & Melbourne Cup
FoxzamiNizamiHoneywoodDan Lewis1949 STC Cup & Melbourne Cup
Furys OrderIndian Order (GB)Our Fury (NZ)Wally McEwan1973: New Zealand Derby, New Zealand 2000 Guineas, 1974 New Zealand Cup, 1975 W. S. Cox Plate
GloamingThe Welkin (GB)Light (GB)Dick Mason1918: Chelmsford Stakes, AJC Derby, New Zealand Derby, Wanganui Guineas, 1919: Great Northern Derby, Wellington Stakes, 1919/1922/1924 Craven Plate. 1922: Hill Stakes. 1924: Melbourne Stakes, AJC Spring Stakes), 1922/1924/1925 North Island Challenge Stakes. From 67 starts won 57 and 2nd 9 times, fell once. 2004: Inducted into Australian Racing Hall of Fame, 2006: Inducted into New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
Great SensationCassock (GB)Speedy (NZ)Mick Brown1960: Invercargill Gold Cup, Canterbury Gold Cup, 1961, 1962 & 1963 Wellington Cup, 1960 & 1962 Trentham Stakes
Grey WayGrey William (GB)Waybrook (NZ) (by King's Command)E P Corboy, Washdyke1974 Chirnside Stakes, 1976 Awapuni Gold Cup, 1977 Easter Handicap, 2010 inducted into New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
Gurner's LaneSir TristramTaionaGeoff Murphy1982: Newcastle Gold Cup, VRC St Leger, Caulfield Cup, Melbourne Cup
HorlicksThree Legs (GB)Malt (NZ)Dave and Paul O'Sullivan1989 LKS Mackinnon Stakes, Japan Cup. 1988 & 1990 ARC Television New Zealand Stakes, 1989 & 1990 DB Draught Classic, 2010 inducted into New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame. Dam of Brew
Il TempoTime and Again (Ire)Timing (NZ)Bruce Priscott1969 & 1970 Auckland Cup, 1970 Wellington Cup,
Isle Of ManHabitationFull O'TricksDavina Waddell1981 New Zealand Derby, 1982 Rosehill Guineas
JezabeelZabeelPassefleurBrian Jenkins1998: Auckland Cup, Melbourne Cup
Jimmy ChouxThorn ParkCierzoJohn Bary2010 Hawke's Bay Guineas & New Zealand 2000 Guineas, 2011 New Zealand Derby, Rosehill Guineas, Windsor Park Plate, Spring Classic
Katie LeePins (Aus)Miss Jessie Jay (NZ)Graeme & Debbie Rogerson2009 Eclipse Stakes, New Zealand 2000 Guineas & New Zealand 1000 Guineas
KindergartenKincardine (GB)ValadoreE. N. Fitzgerald1941 Great Northern Derby, Awapuni Gold Cup, Wellington Cup, 1941 & 1942 Easter Handicap, 1942 Auckland Cup, 2006 inducted into New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
KiwiBlarney Kiss (USA)Malrayvis (NZ)Snow Lupton, Waverley1983 Wellington Cup, Melbourne Cup
La MerCopenhagen IILa Balsa (by Worden II)Malcolm K Smith, New Plymouth1976 Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes, 1977: Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes, New Zealand Oaks & Trentham Stakes, 1978: New Zealand International Stakes, Awapuni Gold Cup & Desert Gold Stakes 1978 & 1979: Ormond Memorial Stakes (now Spring Classic), 1979: Air New Zealand Stakes
LimerickLimond (GB)MedleyFred D Jones1926,1927 & 1928 Chelmsford Stakes, 1927: AJC Plate, Craven Plate, 1927 & 1928: Rawson Stakes, AJC Spring Stakes, Hill Stakes, 1928: All Aged Stakes, Chipping Norton Stakes, AJC Kings Cup
Little Brown JugGodavari (Ire)Pease (NZ)P Jones, Riccarton1979 Canterbury Gold Cup, New Zealand 2000 Guineas, 1980 Wellington Stakes. Won 12 of 15 New Zealand starts.
MainbraceAdmiral's Luck (GB)ManerooJack McDonald1950 Great Northern Guineas, 1951: Great Northern Derby, New Zealand St. Leger, Awapuni Gold Cup, North Island Challenge Stakes, 2008 inducted to New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
McGintyOne Pound Sterling (GB)Ernader (NZ)Colin Jillings, Takanini1981/82 Great Northern Foal Stakes, 1982 Todman Slipper Trial, 1983 George Adams Stakes, Air New Zealand Stakes, Caulfield Stakes, 1984 Rawson Stakes, Air New Zealand Stakes
Melody BelleCommandsMeleka Belle (by Iffraaj)Jamie RicharJamie Richardsds2017: Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes. 2018/19: Windsor Park Plate, Tarzino Trophy. 2019: Haunui Farm Classic, Waikato Sprint, Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes, Livamol Spring Classic, Empire Rose Stakes.
Miss PotentialDolphin StreetRichfield RoseBill Borrie2003 Mudgway Stakes, 2004 Nestle Peters Classic (later known as Myer Classic & Empire Rose Stakes), 2005 Stoneybridge Stakes.
MoifaaNatatorDenbighW Hickey1904 Grand National, Aintree Racecourse, England. 2014: inducted into New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
Mongolian KhanHoly Roman Emperor (Ire)Centafit (NZ)Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman2015: Waikato Guineas, Avondale Guineas, New Zealand Derby, Australian Derby & Caulfield Cup
Mr TizBletchinglyYir TizDave & Paul O'Sullivan1989 & 1990 Telegraph Handicap, 1989, 1990 & 1991 Railway Stakes, 1991: Waikato Sprint & The Galaxy, 2014 inducted into New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
MufhasaPentire (GB)Shiela Cheval (NZ), by Mi PreferidoStephen McKee2008 GR Kelt Memorial, Coupland's Bakeries Mile, 2009 Telegraph Handicap, Waikato Sprint, 2010 Otaki-Maori Weight for Age, 2011 Telegraph Handicap, Waikato Sprint, Makfi Challenge Stakes, Toorak Handicap, Captain Cook Stakes, 2012 Futurity (Caulfield), Windsor Park Plate, Manawatu Challenge Stakes
NightmarchNight Raid (GB)MarsaJim McAulay1928: New Zealand Derby, New Zealand 2000 Guineas, 1929: Epsom Handicap, W. S. Cox Plate, Melbourne Cup, 1930: New Zealand Cup, Rawson Stakes, 1930 & 1932 AJC Autumn Stakes, 1931 & 1932 Awapuni Gold Cup, 1932 AJC Cumberland Stakes
Ocean ParkThorn ParkSayyidaGary Hennessy2012: Wellington Guineas, Challenge Stakes, Underwood Stakes, Caulfield Stakes, W. S. Cox Plate, 2013 New Zealand Stakes
O'ReillyLast Tycoon (Ire)Courtza (NZ)David J & Paul O'Sullivan, Matamata1996 Levin Classic, 1997 Telegraph Handicap. 1996/97 Horse of the year. Retired to stud after injury in Newmarket Handicap, 6th start. Champion sire. Inducted into New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
Our Maizcay (Ire)Maizcay (Aus)Maire ViitaGrant L Searle, Levin1994: Wellesley Stakes, 1995: Eclipse Stakes, NZ Magic Millions Classic, Wakefield Stakes, Caulfield Guineas
Phar LapNight Raid (GB)Entreaty (NZ)Harry Telford1929: Rosehill Guineas, AJC Derby, Victoria Derby, 1930: VRC St Leger, Chipping Norton Stakes, AJC Plate now the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (ATC), Chelmsford Stakes, Melbourne Cup, CB Fisher Plate, 1931: St George Stakes, Futurity Stakes, Underwood Stakes, Memsie Stakes, 1929, 1930 & 1931: Craven Plate, 1930 & 1931 AJC Springs Stakes, W. S. Cox Plate, Melbourne Stakes, 1932: Agua Caliente Handicap (Tijuana, Mexico), 2001: Inaugural induction to Australian Racing Hall of Fame, 2006: Inducted in New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
Poetic PrinceYeats (USA)Finisterre (Aus)John Wheeler1988 Otaki-Maori Weight for Age, Feehan Stakes, W. S. Cox Plate. 1989: Otaki-Maori Weight for Age, Queen Elizabeth Stakes (ATC) & Tancred Stakes
Prince MajesticNoble Bijou (USA)Princess Mellay (NZ)Ray Verner, Takanini1980 Wanganui Guineas, AJC Spring Champion Stakes, 1981: Taranaki Stakes, WRC Harcourt Stakes 1982: Tancred Stakes, Queen Elizabeth Stakes (ATC), 1983 O'Shea Stakes (Eagle Farm),
Princess CoupEncosta De LagoStoneyfell RoadMark Walker2007: New Zealand Oaks, Desert Gold Stakes, Lowland Stakes, 2007 & 2008 Kelt Capital Stakes (Spring Classic), 2008 Stoneybridge Stakes
RedcrazeRed Mars (GB)MyarionSyd Brown, T.J. Smith1955: Awapuni Gold Cup, Turnbull Stakes, 1956: Brisbane Cup, Metropolitan Handicap, Caulfield Stakes, Colin Stephen Quality Handicap, Caulfield Cup, 1956 & 1957 P.J. O'Shea Stakes & Hill Stakes, 1957 Rawson Stakes, W. S. Cox Plate, VRC Queen Elizabeth Stakes, AJC Autumn Stakes, 2012 inducted into New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
Ring the BellRangong (GB)Witchcraft (NZ)Neville Atkins, Waiuku1981: Avondale Championship Stakes, Avondale Guineas, New Zealand Derby, Canterbury Guineas
Rising FastAlonzoFasterIvan Tucker, Fred Hoysted1954: Caulfield Stakes, W. S. Cox Plate, Melbourne Cup, Turnbull Stakes, John F. Feehan Stakes, 1954 & 1955 Caulfield Cup, C.B.Fisher Plate, VRC Queen Elizabeth Stakes, LKS Mackinnon Stakes, 1955: Herbert Power Stakes, 1956: Blamey Stakes, C F Orr Stakes, Memsie Stakes, 2002: Inducted into Australian Racing Hall of Fame, 2008: inducted to the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
Riverina CharmSir Tristram (Ire)Country CharmLaurie Laxon (NZ), then Brian Mayfield-Smith (Sydney)1987-88 Rosehill Guineas, 1988: VRC Edward Manifold Stakes, 1000 Guineas (Caulfield), 1989: STC Canterbury Guineas, 1990: Air New Zealand Stakes. Dam of Sarwatch and Paolino
Roman ConsulAgricolaJinksEric Ropiha, Woodville1965: New Zealand Derby, 1967, 1968 & 1969: Chelmsford Stakes, 1968: Colin Stephen Quality Handicap, 1969: LKS Mackinnon Stakes, 1969 & 1970: O'Shea Stakes (Eagle Farm)
Rough HabitRoughcast (USA)Certain Habit (NZ)John Wheeler1990 Queensland Derby, 1991 Mudgway Stakes, 1991 & 1992 Stradbroke Handicap, 1992 Captain Cook Stakes, AJC Queen Elizabeth Stakes, 1991, 1992 & 1993 Doomben Cup, 1992 & 1993 All Aged Stakes, 1995: O'Shea Stakes (Eagle Farm) 2012 inducted into the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
Sacred FallsO'ReillyIguazu's GirlChris Waller2012: Hawke's Bay Guineas, New Zealand 2000 Guineas, 2013 & 2014 Doncaster Handicap, 2014 George Main Stakes
SeachangeCape CrossJust CruisingGraeme Sanders2005: New Zealand 1000 Guineas, 2006 & 2007: Mudgway Stakes, Stoneybridge Stakes, 2007 Mannerism Stakes, Telegraph Handicap & Waikato Sprint
SeagramBalakLlanahDavid Barons1991 Grand National, Aintree Racecourse, England
Show GateGate Keeper (GB)MinglowGordon Thomson (Mosgiel)1973 & 1974: Churchill Stakes, 1973, 1974 & 1976: Stewards Handicap, 1974: Telegraph Handicap, Awapuni Gold Cup, 1974 & 1976: Canterbury Gold Cup, 1976: Dunedin Gold Cup, Trentham Stakes, 2012: inducted into the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
Silver KnightAlcimedesCuban Fox (by Foxbridge)Eric Temperton1971: New Zealand St. Leger & Melbourne Cup
Sir SlickVolksraadMiss OperaGraham Nicholson2007: Zabeel Classic & Whakanui New Zealand International Stakes, Otaki-Maori Weight for Age, 2008: New Zealand Stakes, 2007 & 2009 Thorndon Mile, 2007, 2008 & 2010 Awapuni Gold Cup, 2009 3rd Doomben Cup
SolveigImposing (Aust)SoliloquyC G Curnow & Trevor McKee, then Stephen & Trevor McKee, Takanini1983/84 Royal Stakes, New Zealand Oaks, 1986: Avondale Cup
SolvitMorcon (GB)Yallah Sun (AUS)Mrs M J Murdoch1991: Wellington Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes, Waikato Guineas. 1992: Waterford Crystal Mile in Moonee Valley. 1993: New Zealand Stakes, Manawatu Challenge Stakes. 1994: Action TV Sales Stakes, Kelt Capital Stakes, W. S. Cox Plate. 1995: Japan Racing Association Trophy, Challenge Stakes.
SunlineDesert Sun (GB)SonglineTrevor and Stephen McKee1999 & 2000 W. S. Cox Plate, 1999 & 2002: Doncaster Handicap, 2000 Manikato Stakes & Hong Kong Mile, 2000 & 2002: All Aged Stakes & Coolmore Classic, 2001 & 2002 Waikato Sprint, 2006 inducted into New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
Surfers ParadiseCrested WaveLady AythorpeDave & Paul OSullivan1990 New Zealand 2000 Guineas & New Zealand Derby, 1991 Air New Zealand Stakes, Rosehill Guineas, W. S. Cox Plate
TawrrificTawfiqJoyartyLee Freedman1988 South Australian St Leger, 1989: AJC St Leger, Melbourne Cup
The FilbertSouvran (GB)FauxzannD N Couchman, Hawera1986: Waikato Gold Cup, 3rd to Bonecusher & Waverley Star in the W. S. Cox Plate, 1987: Japan New Zealand International. 3rd in Japan Cup
The Phantom ChanceNoble Bijou (USA)The Fantasy (NZ)Colin Jillings1992 Avondale Guineas, New Zealand Derby, 1993: Cambridge Stud New Zealand International Stakes, W. S. Cox Plate, Turnbull Stakes 1996: O'Shea Stakes (Eagle Farm)
The PhantomNoble Bijou (USA)The Fantasy (NZ)Murray Baker1990: Underwood Stakes, 1993: LKS Mackinnon Stakes, 1994 Cambridge Stud New Zealand International Stakes
Tidal LightDiagrammatic (USA)Azores (AUS)Jim Gibbs and R A JamesAvondale Guineas, Waikato Guineas, 1986 New Zealand Derby, 1987 Canterbury Guineas, Air New Zealand Stakes
TullochKhorassanFloridaTommy J. Smith1957: VRC Derby, AJC Derby, Queensland Derby, Rosehill Guineas, Warwick Stakes, Caulfield Stakes, Caulfield Cup, 1958: All Aged Stakes, Rawson Stakes, VRC St Leger, AJC St leger, 1958 & 1960: Chipping Norton Stakes, 1960: W. S. Cox Plate, LKS Mackinnon Stakes, Chelmsford Stakes, Craven Plate, 1961: Brisbane Cup, 1958, 1960 & 1961: Queen Elizabeth Stakes (ATC), 1960 & 1961: P.J. O'Shea Stakes, 2008: Inducted to the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
Tycoon LilLast Tycoon (Ire)Imposing Bloom II (NZ)Colin Jillings & Richard Yuill1997: New Zealand 1000 Guineas, 1998 Royal Stakes, Sir Tristram Fillies Classic, New Zealand Oaks, Canterbury Guineas, Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes,
Uncle RemusBandmaster IITusitala (by Talismano)Colin Jillings, Takanini1977 Wellington Guineas, New Zealand 2000 Guineas, Canterbury Gold Cup, Avondale Guineas, New Zealand Derby. 1978 Wellington Stakes, Wellington Derby,
Van der HumHermes (GB)Tip O'Dawn (NZ)Leo H Robinson1976 Herbert Power Handicap & Melbourne Cup, 1982 Waikato Hurdle & Hawkes Bay Hurdle, 1983 Rangitikei Steeple, 1984 Egmont Steeple.
VeandercrossCrossways (GB)LavenderChris Turner1991: Levin Classic, New Zealand 2000 Guineas, 1992: Canterbury Guineas, LKS Mackinnon Stakes, 1993 Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Ranvet Stakes, Australian Cup, 2018 inducted into New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
Vice RegalBismark II (GB)Kind RegardsJim W Campin (Cambridge)1976: Ellerslie Sires Produce Stakes, Great Northern Guineas, Wellington Guineas, New Zealand 2000 Guineas, 1977: South Australian St Leger, Liston Stakes (Victoria), Feehan Stakes,
Volkstok'n'barrellTavistock (NZ)Volkster (NZ)1) Donna Logan (NZ), 2) Chris Gibbs (NZ), 3) Danny O'Brien2015: Great Northern Guineas, Karaka 3YO Mile, Rosehill Guineas, 2016: Haunui Farm Classic, New Zealand Stakes, 2017: Herbie Dyke Stakes,
Waverley Star / Our Waverley StarStar WaySuper ShowDave & Paul O'Sullivan1986 Zabeel Classic, 2nd to Bonecrusher in W. S. Cox Plate, 1987: Chipping Norton Stakes
XcellentPentireExceloMichael Moroney2004 New Zealand Derby, 2005: Mudgway Stakes, New Zealand Stakes, Kelt Capital Stakes, 3rd in Melbourne Cup, 2008: Trentham Stakes
ZabeelSir TristramLady GiselleColin Hayes, then David Hayes1989 Moonee Valley Stakes, 1990 Australian Guineas, Craiglee Stakes, Champion/Leading Sire in New Zealand (1998-2001) and 1997/98 & 1998/99 Leading sire in Australia. 2014 inducted into New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame. Successful sire.
ZondaZabeelGone With The WindRoger James1997 New Zealand Derby, 2000 Kings Plate, 2001 Zabeel Classic


Notable sires
HorseBornSireDamGrandsireDamsireKey ProgenyNotes
Darci Brahma2002DanehillGrand EchezeauxDanzigZabeelCatalyst, Gust Of Wind, Julinsky Prince, Nashville,
Foxbridge1930FoxlawBridgemountSon-in-Law (GB)Bridge Of Earn (GB)Damsire of: Hi Jinx, Hiraji, Macdougal, Silver KnightThe Foxbridge Plate is raced at Te Rapa over 1200m
O’Reilly1993-2014Last Tycoon (Ire)Courtza (NZ)Try My Best (USA)Pompeii Court (USA)Alamosa, Final Destination, Sacred Falls, Shamrocker, Silent Achiever, The Jewel
Savabeel2001ZabeelSavannah SuccessSir TristramSuccess ExpressKawi, Probabeel, Sangster, Scarlett Lady, Shillelagh
Sir Tristram (Ire)1971-1997Sir Ivor (USA)IsoltSir GaylordRound Table, USABrew, Empire Rose, Grosvenor, Gurner's Lane, Marauding, Tristarc, ZabeelDid not race in NZ. 1982/83, 1984/85, 1985/86, 1986/87, 1988/89 & 1989/90 Leading sire in Australia, 2008: inducted into New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
Volksraad1998-2011Green Desert (USA)Celtic AssemblyDanzig (USA)SecretariatSir Slick, Military Move, Torlesse
Zabeel1986-2015Sir TristramLady GiselleSir IvorNureyevEfficient, Jezabeel, Lonhro, Might and Power, Octagonal, Savabeel, Vengeance of Rain, Zonda1998-99 & 1997-98 Leading sire in Australia. The Zabeel Classic is raced at Ellerslie
Zamazaan1965-1990ExburyToyamaLe HaarTulyarBeau Zam, Gelsomino, Good Lord, Lord Reims

Recent winners of major NZ Cups

The following are the recent winners of major cups.

YearNew Zealand Cup (Riccarton) 3200mAuckland Cup (Ellerslie) 3200mWellington Cup (Trentham) 3200/2400mAwapuni Gold Cup (Awapuni) 2000mWaikato Gold Cup (Te Rapa) 2400mCounties Cup (Pukekohe) 2100mManawatu Cup (Awapuni) 2300mAvondale Cup (Avondale) 2400 /2200 /2000m
2022(November)UareastarLincoln King(April 2)(December 10)(November)(December 17)Hinepara
2021MondoraniOcean BillyWaisakeBeaudenCheaperthan divorceJustamaizMarroniRobusto
2020Dragon StormRoger ThatSoleseifeinot heldOcean BillyIn A TwinklingHunta PencePolzeath
2019Dee And GeeGlory DaysGorbachevJacksstarJustamaizIn A TwinklingConcert HallGlory Days
2018BizzwinkleLadies FirstMagic ChaiOur AbbadeanMongolian MarshIgraineRock OnZacada
2017GobstopperChenilleSavariaSampsonFive to MidnightMaygroveClarifyEl Soldado
2016Pump Up The VolumeEl SoldadoMister ImpatienceMaygroveLizzie LamourChocanteJacksstarSacred Master
2015Jimmy MacRock DivaMaygroveIamwishwaraVavasourVavasourWeregoingtogetchaFarm Boy
2014Mungo JerryWho Shot ThebarmanGraphicSorianaSurpassNoble WarriorPerfect StartWho Shot Thebarman
2013Spring CheerSangsterBlood BrothaBetter Than EverMore Than SacredAnnie HigginsMilitary MoveSangster
2012Blood BrothaShez SinsationalSix O'Clock NewsRiomoralAnnie HigginsJeu De CartesRansomedSingle Minded
2011Blood BrothaTitchSpiroHold It HarveyDawn GhostPostmans DaughterCassiniShowcause
2010ShowcauseZaviteRed RulerSir SlickBruce AlmightyTinseltownTullaroan[not raced]
2009My ScotsgreySpin AroundMegapinsMacO'ReillyPasschendaleBoundlessHigh OctaneGinga Dude
2008HoorangPrize LadyYoung CentaurSir SlickLovetristaGalleons ReachJonbalenaTinseltown
2007EverswindellPrize LadyWilly SmithSir SlickMirkola LassSpin AroundNanjaraSpin Around
2006PentathlonPentaneEnvoyTuskerBak Da ChiefChettakChettakSharvasti
2005TreblaBazelleZabeatDistinctly SecretKerry O'ReillyKerry O'ReillyAll SquareCreil
2004WaltermittyUpsetthymCluden CreekIrish Rover / Distinctly SecretSinging StarSt ReimsTantalicThe Mighty Lion
2003TorlesseBodieOarsmenMazeEl DuceLeica Guv & Penny GemRising HeightsRegal Krona
2002MikeMaguireCycladesCent HomeEl DuceDeecee BelleSmall Town BoyRegal Krona
2001Soldier BlueOur UnicornSmiling LikeCronusOkiwi BayKaapeonBeaujolaisGreene Street
2000Smiling LikeAble MasterSecond ComingCruzeiroBluebird The WordKing KeitelReign SupremeShes a Meanie
1999Wake ForestIrish ChanceMiss BaileyEmeraldRijekaThe Mighty FinnTokyo BeauTrounced
1998SapioJezabeel *AerosmithMagnet BayDannevegasGlendaraEmeraldYes Indeed
1997Laud PeregrineYobroEdIntervalLa SileenSomojoPaddy O’RileySilky Oak
  • Jezabeel, who was also 2nd in the 1997 Manawatu Cup, won the 1998 Melbourne Cup

Recent winners of major NZ sprint races

The following table contains the recent winners of major races for sprinters (generally distances of 1500m or less).

The winners of the Tarzino Trophy over 1400m are shown in the table for New Zealand's Hastings Triple Crown.

YearRailway Stakes (Ellerslie) 1200mTelegraph Handicap (Trentham) 1200mWaikato Sprint (Te Rapa) 1400mStewards Stakes Handicap (Riccarton) 1200mOtaki-Maori Weight for Age (Otaki) 1400m / 1600mFoxbridge Plate (Te Rapa) 1400m
2022EntriviereLevanteLevante(November)Marscarpone(September)
2021AvantageAvantageAvantageSummer MonsoonAvantageMascarpone
2020JuliusAvantageTe Akau SharkPrince OzAvantageAvantage
2019Santa MonicaEnzo's LadMelody BelleSheezallmineMelody BelleEndless Drama
2018Volpe VeloceEnzo's LadStart WonderingPrince OzDeviseMelody Belle
2017Start WonderingSignifyStart WonderingCarnivalKawiUnderthe moonlight
2016Ryan MarkAdventadorXtravagantReilly LincolnVolkstok 'n' barrelSaracino
2015In StyleSacred StarSacred StarEl ChicoIamishwaraAddictive Habit
2014BoundingIrish FlingViadanaSoubrettesNashvilleI Do
2013Fleur de LuneFinal TouchFinal TouchDurham TownNashvillePostman's Daughter
2012Atomic ForceGuiseppinaVeyronKing MontroseVeyronFleur de Lune
2011Miss Raggedy AnnMufhasaMufhasaEl ChicoKeep The PeaceFritzy Boy
2010A Gold TrailVonustiTavistockCoup AlignMufhasaBulginbaah
2009JacowilsMufhasaMufhasaCoup AlignCulminataBulginbaah
2008ImananabaaSeachangeSeachangeSan BernadinoAlamosaJacowils
2007Donna RostaDarci BrahmaDarci BrahmaCoup BloomsburySir SlickBaltaine
2006BaldessariniGee I JaneKristovClifton PrinceDarci Brahmanot raced
2005RecurringKeeninskySedecremClifton PrinceZvedaIrish Rover
2004VinakaKing's ChapelSedecremOpikiKing's ChapelEl Duce
2003Egyptian RaineTit for TaatTit for TaatFingalbuntCriticKing Keitel
2002Sound the AlarmVinakaSunlineIma RoyalNo Mean CityO'Malleys Boy
2001FritzStar of GoldSunlineLife Of RileyStar SatireThe Message
2000CannseaFritzTall PoppyToothSurfaceThe Message
1999BawalakasanaBawalakasanaSurfaceJoe HeroHeroWhat Can I Say
1998Coogee WalkVegasRebelMorgan BayCentre CrestOur Orb
1997KaileyO'ReillyAvedonHighanaboveIt's My SinAdonia

Enzo's Lad which won the Telegraph Handicap in 2018 and 2019 was 2nd in 2020. El Chico was aged 11 when winning its second Stewards Stakes in 2011, a race record.

Recent winners of other notable Weight for Age or open races

The following are the recent winners of other notable races.

YearCouplands Mile (Riccarton) 1600mCaptain Cook Stakes (Trentham) 1600mZabeel Classic (Ellerslie) 2000mThorndon Mile (Trentham) 1600mNew Zealand International Stakes (Te Rapa) 2000mBonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (Ellerslie) 2000mEaster Handicap (Ellerslie) 1600m
2022(November)(December)(December 26)The Chosen OneCoventina BayCoventina Bay(April)
2021Markus AureliusTwo IllicitTiptronicMelody BelleRoyal PerformerMelody BelleDemonetization
2020HypnosRock On WoodConcert HallThe MitigatorTiptronicAvantage(no race due to COVID-19)
2019True EnoughWyndspelleTrue EnoughShadows CastOn The RocksMelody BelleEndless Drama
2018Te Akau SharkDanzdanzdanceDanzdanzdanceStolen DanceLizzie L'AmourSaint EmilionMegablast
2017Shadows Cast / Son Of MaherKawiAuthentic PaddyThee Auld FloozieVolkstok'n'barrellLizzie L'AmourSeventh Up
2016Battle TimeAide MemoireConsensusKawiValley GirlVolkstok'n'barrellSound proposition
2015Addictive HabitJulinsky PrinceKawiPucciniSorianoSakhee's SoldierPondarosa Miss
2014Addictive HabitShukaSorianoA Touch Of RubyCostumeSilent AchieverAlbany Reunion
2013ScapoloShukaHistorianHistorianSangsterOcean ParkViadana
2012NashvilleFinal TouchVeyronSay No MoreShez SinsationalScarlett LadyVeyron
2011Platinum PrinceMufhasaShez SinsationalBoomingRed RulerThe Party StandVeyron
2010Altered ImageWe Can Say It NowBoomingWall StreetVeloce BellaVosne RomaneeTime Keeper

Recent winners of major NZ 3-year-old races

The following are the recent winners of major races for 3-year-old horses.

  • The Auckland Guineas was reduced from 2100 metres to 1600 metres in 2010. The race was not run in 2014 as the race moved from Boxing Day to New Year's Day.
  • The Avondale Guineas was not run in 2010 due to the race being moved from Avondale where it was run in December over 1600 metres to Ellerslie where it is run in February over 2100 metres.
  • The Wellington Guineas was moved from an October meeting in 2013 to a March meeting in 2015 and from 1500m to 1400m.
YearHawke's Bay Guineas (Hastings) 1400mAuckland / Great Northern Guineas 2100m / 1600mWaikato Guineas (Te Rapa) 2000mAvondale Guineas 1600m / 2100mWellington Guineas (Trentham) 1500m / 1400mNew Zealand Derby (Ellerslie) 2400mNew Zealand 1000 Guineas (Riccarton) 3YO fillies 1600mNew Zealand 2000 Guineas (Riccarton) 1600mLevin Classic (Otaki / Trentham) 1600mNew Zealand Oaks (Trentham) 3YO fillies 2400mDesert Gold Stakes (Trentham) 3YO fillies 1600m
2022La CriqueShamusAsterix(November)(November)ImperatrizBelle En RougeLa Crique
2021Mana NuiRocket SpadeTokorangiRocket SpadeNeed I Say MoreRocket SpadeThe Perfect PinkNoverreBonhamAmarelinhaForce Of Will
2020AegonDragon LeapTwo IllicitDragon LeapGold BraceletSherwood ForestKahma LassAegonTravelling LightJennifer EcclesShowbeel
2019CatalystSurely SacredSponge BobSurely SacredEmily MargaretCrown ProsecutorLoireCatalystMadison CountySentimental MissSecret Allure
2018Madison CountyDemonet izationXboxOn The RocksScott BaseVin De DanceMedia SensationMadison CountyAge Of FireSavvy CoupDijon Bleu
2017Hard MerchandizeSwisstaWyndspelleGingernutsSaracinoGingernutsHasahaloEmbellishHall Of FameBonnevalNicoletta
2016Mongolian FalconRangipoRangipoRangipoThe Justice LeagueRangipoLa DiosoUgo FoscoloDukedomFanaticDuchess Kate
2015AmarulaVolkstock n barrelMongolian KhanMongolian KhanVespaMongolian KhanRisqueXtravagantGaultierSavariaPlatinum Witness
2014Turn Me Loosenot racedPucciniPuccininot racedPucciniPlatinum WitnessTurn Me LooseReciteMiss MossmanMoozoon
2013Sir AndrewPucciniCastizebergValbuenaSacred ParkHabibiCosta VivaAtlanten/aMore Than SacredHigh Fashion
2012Sacred FallsHabibiSilent AchieverSilent AchieverNeoSilent AchieverRollout The CarpetSacred FallsSouthern LordArtisticQuintessential
2011Antonio LombardoKnight's TourJimmy ChouxIcepinPresident LincolnJimmy ChouxPlanet RockRock "n" PopDistillMidnight OilDating
2010Jimmy ChouxJimmy ChouxZarzuelanot racedBarsideMilitary MoveKing's RoseJimmy ChouxWe Can Say It NowKeep The PeaceKeep The Peace
2009KeyoraZarzuelaEasy RyderJoey MassinoKeyoraConiston BluebirdKatie LeeKatie LeeEileen DubhJungle RocketGlamorous Girl
2008Tell A TaleLe BaronNom Du JeuTell A TaleSkirmishC'est La GuerreDaffodilTell A TaleAltered ImageBoundlessKeepa Cruisin
2007AlamosaPrince KaapstadUpside Of AngerAlamosaRiosRedoute's DancerInsouciantThe PookaKeepa CruisinPrincess CoupPrincess Coup
2006Jokers WildSantagostinoWahidVeloce BellaJokers WildWahidDorabellaMagic CapePorotene GemLegsOut Of Align
2005Darci BrahmaSculptornot racedPulcinellaDarci Brahmanot racedSeachangeDarci BrahmaWahidJusta TadSenorita Dane
2004ShastriMagnetismSistaMandelaAmbitious OwnerXcellentJusta TadClean SweepAmbitious OwnerWharite PrincessPride Of The Class
2003StardaneBridie BellePhilamorPhilamorKainui BelleCut the CakeTaatletailKing's ChapelRussian PearlBramble RossLonestar Lady
2002BunkerSparkling StarSuper KidSt ReimsJack The StripperSt ReimsThe JewelHustlerBunkerVapour Trailnot raced
2001VinakaLeica GuvAthensLeica GuvI Rock My WorldLeica GuvFinal DestinationMaster BeltFinal DestinationTapildoBlackfock College
2000SingalongMillenniumLa Bella DamaDanamiteSpring RainHailElevensesTit For TaatTit for TaatShe's CountrySingalong
1999Buzz LightyearAd AltaThe FatzAd AltaMarrokHadesAd AltaBuzz LightyearBuzz LightyearSavannah SuccessThee Old Dragon
1998So CasualDanskeFigureheadJust Call Me SirEl DuceSo CasualPace InvaderDanskeTobrukTycoon LilPace Invader
1997Quality KingdomCrimsonZondaOld TawnyZondaTycoon LilFoxwoodLove De TorSawatdeeAlavana
1996BatavianRodney RedGreat CommandBubbleBatavianGreat CommandEmeraldHeroO'ReillyAlacrityTartan Belle

Recent winners of the New Zealand Triple Crown races

The New Zealand Triple Crown, also called the Hawke's Bay Triple Crown or Hastings Triple Crown as all three races are run there, consists of:

  • The 1400m Challenge Stakes, which was previously known as the Makfi Challenge Stakes or Mudgway Stakes and is currently called the Tarzino Trophy,
  • The 1600m Horlicks Plate, which was previously known as the Stony Bridge Stakes and is currently called the Windsor Park Plate, and
  • The 2040m Livamol Spring Classic, which was previously known as the Kelt Capital Stakes.

Many of New Zealand's best Thoroughbred horses have raced in the various Triple Crown events. A number of horses managed to win two of the three races and some were beaten into second in the third leg. Seachange won two of the three legs of the Triple Crown in both 2006 and 2007. On 5 October 2019 Melody Belle was the first horse to win all three of the Hastings Triple Crown races.

YearTarzino / Mudgway / Challenge Stakes 1400mWindsor Park / Stoney Bridge / Horlicks Plate 1600mLivamol Spring Classic / Kelt Capital Stakes 2040mNotes
2021Callsign MavCallsign MavSavy Yong BlonkCallsign Mav did not contest the 2021 Spring Classic
2020Callsign MavMelody BelleMelody Belle
2019Melody BelleMelody BelleMelody BelleMelody Belle is the first horse to win the Triple Crown
2018Melody BelleMelody BelleSavvy CoupMelody Belle did not contest the 2018 Spring Classic
2017Close UpGingernutsWait a Sec
2016KawiKawiWillie CazalsKawi did not contest the 2016 Spring Classic
2015KawiJulinsky PrinceAddictive Habit
2014I doPure ChampionCostume
2013SurvivedXanaduRansomed
2012Ocean ParkMufhasaShez Sinsational
2011MufhasaJimmy ChouxJimmy ChouxJimmy Choux was 2nd to Mufhasa by 1.8 lengths in the Makfi Challenge Stakes
2010Keep the PeaceWall StreetWall StreetWall Street was 2nd to Keep the Peace in the Mudgway by 0.1 lengths
2009TavistockDaffodilVosne Romanee
2008Fritzy BoyPrincess CoupPrincess CoupPrincess Coup was 9th, by 5.1 lengths to Fritzy Boy
2007SeachangeSeachangePrincess CoupSeachange was 4th by 0.3 lengths to Princess Coup
2006SeachangeSeachangeLegsSeachange was 3rd by 0.9 lengths to Legs
2005XcellentMiss PotentialXcellentXcellent did not contest the 2005 Stony Bridge Stakes
2004StarcraftStarcraftBalmuseStarcraft was placed 2nd to Balmuse by 2.3 lengths
2003Miss PotentialIrish RoverDistinctly SecretDue to bad weather the Mudgway was raced at Wanganui and the Windsor Park at Otaki
2002SunlineHello DollyPrized Gem
2001FritzHello DollyCinder Bella
2000Cent HomeThe MessageThe MessageThe Message was 10th in the Mudgway Stakes

The Messara Report and the New Zealand Government's racing industry reforms

In April 2018 the New Zealand Government Minister for Racing, Rt Hon Winston Peters appointed an Australian, John Messara, to review the New Zealand racing industry's governance structures, and provide recommendations on future directions for the industry.

On 30 August 2018, the Minister released the report ("the Messara Report).

There was considerable media commentary regards the proposed closure of racetracks in smaller centres.During October 2018 feedback on the Messara Review was sought. In November 2018 a summary report of the submissions was compiled.

On 13 December 2018 the Minister for Racing announced a five-member Ministerial Advisory Committee to inform next steps on the Messara Review. Mr Peters appointed Dean McKenzie as chair, supported by Committee members Bill Birnie, Liz Dawson, Kristy McDonald and Sir Peter Vela.

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing's (NZTR) Venue Plan was released in January 2019. The Report recommended:

  • reducing the number of thoroughbred race tracks nationally from 48 to 27 by 2030.
  • racing licences not be allocated to Stratford, Blenheim, Wairoa, Reefton, Hokitika, Waimate, Winton, Dargaville, Thames and Wyndham in the 2019/20 racing season.
  • the Stratford Racing Club track close and its race meeting be held at the Pukekura Raceway in New Plymouth.

Feedback on the document was sought, with nine regional meetings held and 75 written submissions received. NZTR chief executive Bernard Saundry said the NZTR board considered the feedback and decided the Wairoa, Blenheim and Reefton tracks would receive a reprieve, for the 2019–20 season at least.

On 17 April 2019, the Minister for Racing announced that the New Zealand Government's Cabinet had agreed to the overall intent of the Messara Report and plans to implement reforms through two Bills to amend the Racing Act 2003. The first Bill, planned to be enacted by 1 July 2019, was to begin the process of structural reform and provide financial relief to the industry.

On 20 June 2019 the Racing Reform Bill passed its third reading and final reading in Parliament.

On 5 December 2019 the Minister for Racing introduced the Racing Industry Bill as the Government's final legislative response to the recommendations of the Messara Report.It was reported in the media that the Bill extinguished the freehold property rights of local racing club owners who would be forced to sell their courses, money from any sales would not be used in that community but instead transferred to develop clubs in bigger centres elsewhere.