Thoroughbred racing in New Zealand


The racing of Thoroughbred horses is a popular gaming and spectator sport and industry in New Zealand.

History

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.

Major Thoroughbred horse races in New Zealand

Prominent people

Name
Born
Occupation
Contribution and Honours
Key horses associated with
Murray BakerTrainerNew Zealand Racing Hall of Fame, 5 Australian Derby winsDundeel, Jon Snow, Mongolian Khan, Nom du Jeu, Quick Thinker, Vin De Dance
Opie Bosson1980JockeyWinner of 76 group 1 races 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 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
Shane Dye1966Jockey4 consecutive Golden Slippers, Australian Racing Hall of Fame, New Zealand Racing Hall of FameOctagonal, Tawriffic
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
Colin Jillings1931TrainerNew Zealand Racing Hall of FameStipulate, McGinty, Uncle Remus, The Phantom Chance
Chris JohnsonJockey2440 NZ winning rides as at 25/7/20, closing in record held by David WalshSavvy Coup, Tartan Tights, Tycoon Lil
Linda JonesJockeyTrail 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
Lance O'Sullivan1963JockeyNew Zealand Racing Hall of Fame, Officer of the New Zealand Order of MeritHorlicks, Popsy, Waverley Star
Seton Otway1894-1989Founder of Trelawney StudNew Zealand Racing Hall of FameFoxbridge, Alcimedes
Jamie RichardsTrainerAvantage, Gingernuts, Melody Belle, Probabeel, Te Akau Shark, Xtravagant
George SimonRace callerLong-time North Island race caller and TAB Trackside television presenter
Robert James 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 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 Walsh1959JockeyIn April 2014 broke record for most wins as a rider in New Zealand, previously held by Lance O'Sullivan and finished on 2451 wins in NZ. Over 2500 wins worldwide, including wins in the Telegraph Handicap, W.S. Cox Plate, Brisbane Cup and Adelaide Cup. Married Sue Day, who in 1978 was 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.

Women jockeys

In 1977 the New Zealand Racing Conference accepted female jockeys and they became eligible to ride on 15 July 1978. 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 Joanne Hale, Vivienne Kaye, Joanne Lamond and Cherie Saxon.
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. 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.
Although there was resistance from some industry participants, the above female jockeys and those that followed competed with great skill and success. It is fair to say most of the gender-related barriers are now long gone. Other female riders of note include:
Female riders have subsequently gone on to win the New Zealand premiership; Lisa Cropp, Lisa Allpress and Samantha Collett.
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. 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.

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 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 or on occasions to Europe or the United States.
Horse
Sire
Dam
Trainer
Notable victories or achievements
AdvanceVanguardLaurelJoe Prosser1900 Easter Handicap, 1901 All Aged Stakes
Apollo ElevenCyrusLady RizzoK. Foster1973 Tancred Stakes, Auckland Cup, AJC Plate now the Queen Elizabeth Stakes. 1973 & 1975 Chipping Norton Stakes
Baghdad NoteKurdistan Fairnote R Heasley, then Terry Millard1970: Melbourne Cup, 1973: P.J. O'Shea Stakes & Sandown Cup.
BalmerinoTrictrac Dulcie Brian Smith, Cambridge & John Dunlop1975 New Zealand Derby, 1976 Brisbane Cup, Rawson Stakes, P.J. O'Shea Stakes, 2nd in Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, 2008 inducted to New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
Battle HeightsBattle Wagon Wuthering Heights Tim Douglas1974 Wellington Cup, Sydney Cup, AJC Plate now the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, W.S. Cox Plate, 1976 Craven Plate, The Metropolitan
Beau ViteBeau Pere Dominant T.R. George, F McGrath Snr1939 Canterbury Stakes, 1940: The Metropolitan, 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 Mersey Walter S. Hickenbotham1889 & 1890 Sydney Cup & All Aged Stakes, 1890 Melbourne Cup, Melbourne Stakes, Craven Plate, AJC Spring Stakes, 1889, 1890 & 1891 AJC Plate, 2006 inducted to New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
CastletownOne Pound Sterling 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 Caress 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 Broiveine Clarrie McCarthy1951: New Zealand Derby, 1952: Great Northern Derby, Trentham Stakes, Colin Stephen Quality Handicap, The Metropolitan, 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 Rutha Syd Brown, later Charlie Whittingham 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 Aurarius 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
Empire RoseSir Tristram Summer FleurLaurie Laxon1987 New Zealand Cup, 1988 LKS Mackinnon Stakes & Melbourne Cup, 1989 Trentham Stakes
EtherealRhythm 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 Our Fury Wally McEwan1973: New Zealand Derby, New Zealand 2000 Guineas, 1974 New Zealand Cup, 1975 W.S. Cox Plate
GloamingThe Welkin Light, 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 Speedy Mick Brown1960: Invercargill Gold Cup, Canterbury Gold Cup, 1961, 1962 & 1963 Wellington Cup, 1960 & 1962 Trentham Stakes
Grey WayGrey William Waybrook 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 Malt 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 Timing 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 Miss Jessie Jay Graeme & Debbie Rogerson2009 Eclipse Stakes, New Zealand 2000 Guineas & New Zealand 1000 Guineas
KindergartenKincardine 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 Malrayvis Snow Lupton, Waverley1983 Wellington Cup, Melbourne Cup
La MerCopenhagen IILa Balsa 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, 1979: Air New Zealand Stakes
LimerickLimond 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 Pease P Jones, Riccarton1979 Canterbury Gold Cup, New Zealand 2000 Guineas, 1980 Wellington Stakes. Won 12 of 15 New Zealand starts.
MainbraceAdmiral's Luck 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 Ernader 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 Jamie Richards2017: 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, 2005 Stoneybridge Stakes.
MoifaaNatatorDenbighW Hickey1904 Grand National, Aintree Racecourse, England. 2014: inducted into New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
Mongolian KhanHoly Roman Emperor Centafit 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
Mufhasa / King MufhasaPentire Shiela Cheval, 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, Windsor Park Plate, Manawatu Challenge Stakes
NightmarchNight Raid 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 Courtza 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 Maizcay Maire ViitaGrant L Searle, Levin1994: Wellesley Stakes, 1995: Eclipse Stakes, NZ Magic Millions Classic, Wakefield Stakes, Caulfield Guineas
Phar LapNight Raid Entreaty Harry Telford1929: Rosehill Guineas, AJC Derby, Victoria Derby, 1930: VRC St Leger, Chipping Norton Stakes, AJC Plate now the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, 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, 2001: Inaugural induction to Australian Racing Hall of Fame, 2006: Inducted in New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
Poetic Prince/Our Poetic PrinceYeats Finisterre John Wheeler1988 Otaki-Maori Weight for Age, Feehan Stakes, W S Cox Plate. 1989: Otaki-Maori Weight for Age, Queen Elizabeth Stakes & Tancred Stakes
Prince MajesticNoble Bijou Princess Mellay Ray Verner, Takanini1980 Wanganui Guineas, AJC Spring Champion Stakes, 1981: Taranaki Stakes, WRC Harcourt Stakes 1982: Tancred Stakes, Queen Elizabeth Stakes, 1983 O'Shea Stakes,
Princess CoupEncosta De LagoStoneyfell RoadMark Walker2007: New Zealand Oaks, Desert Gold Stakes, Lowland Stakes, 2007 & 2008 Kelt Capital Stakes, 2008 Stoneybridge Stakes
RedcrazeRed Mars 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 Witchcraft 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 Country CharmLaurie Laxon, then Brian Mayfield-Smith 1987-88 Rosehill Guineas, 1988: VRC Edward Manifold Stakes, 1000 Guineas, 1989: STC Canterbury Guineas, 1990: Air New Zealand Stakes. Dam of Sarwatch and Paolino
Roman ConsulAgricolaEric Ropiha, Woodville1965: New Zealand Derby, 1967, 1968 & 1969: Chelmsford Stakes, 1968: Colin Stephen Quality Handicap, 1969: LKS Mackinnon Stakes, 1969 & 1970: O'Shea Stakes
Rough HabitRoughcast Certain Habit 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 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 MinglowGordon Thomson 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 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 SoliloquyC G Curnow & Trevor McKee, then Stephen & Trevor McKee, Takanini1983/84 Royal Stakes, New Zealand Oaks, 1986: Avondale Cup
SolvitMorcon Yallah Sun 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 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 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 The Fantasy Colin Jillings1992 Avondale Guineas, New Zealand Derby, 1993: Cambridge Stud New Zealand International Stakes, W S Cox Plate, Turnbull Stakes 1996: O'Shea Stakes
The PhantomNoble Bijou The Fantasy Murray Baker1990: Underwood Stakes, 1993: LKS Mackinnon Stakes, 1994 Cambridge Stud New Zealand International Stakes
Tidal LightDiagrammatic Azores 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, 1960 & 1961: P.J. O'Shea Stakes, 2008: Inducted to the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame
Tycoon LilLast Tycoon Imposing Bloom II 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 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 Tip O'Dawn Leo H Robinson1976 Melbourne Cup
VeandercrossCrossways 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 Kind RegardsJim W Campin 1976: Ellerslie Sires Produce Stakes, Great Northern Guineas, Wellington Guineas, New Zealand 2000 Guineas, 1977: South Australian St Leger, Liston Stakes, Feehan Stakes,
Volkstok'n'barrellTavistock Volkster Donna Logan Chris Gibbs 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 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

Horse
Born
Sire
Dam
Grandsire
Damsire
Key Progeny
Notes
Darci Brahma2002 DanehillGrand EchezeauxDanzigZabeelCatalyst, Gust Of Wind, Julinsky Prince, Nashville, Catalyst
Foxbridge1930FoxlawBridgemountSon-in-Law Bridge Of Earn Damsire of: Hi Jinx, Hiraji, Macdougal, Silver KnightThe Foxbridge Plate is raced at Te Rapa over 1200m
O'Reilly1993-2014Last Tycoon Courtza Try My Best Pompeii Court Alamosa, Final Destination, Sacred Falls, Shamrocker, Silent Achiever, The Jewel
Savabeel2001ZabeelSavannah SuccessSir TristramSuccess ExpressKawi, Sangster, Scarlett Lady, Shillelagh
Sir Tristram 1971-1997Sir Ivor 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 Celtic AssemblyDanzig SecretariatSir Slick, Military Move, Torlesse
Zabeel1986-2015Sir TristramLady GiselleSir IvorNureyevEfficient, Jezabeel, Lonhro, Might and Power, Octagonal, Savabeel, Vengeance of Rain1998-99 & 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.
Year
New Zealand Cup 3200m
Auckland Cup 3200m
Wellington Cup 3200/2400m
Waikato Gold Cup 2400m
Manawatu Cup 2300m
Avondale Cup 2400 /2200 /2000m
2020Roger ThatSoleseifeiPolzeath
2019Dee And GeeGlory DaysGorbachevJustamaizConcert HallGlory Days
2018BizzwinkleLadies FirstMagic ChaiMongolian MarshRock OnZacada
2017GobstopperChenilleSavariaFive to MidnightClarifyEl Soldado
2016Pump Up The VolumeEl SoldadoMister ImpatienceLizzie LamourJacksstarSacred Master
2015Jimmy MacRock DivaMaygroveVavasourWeregoingtogetchaFarm Boy
2014Mungo JerryWho Shot ThebarmanGraphicSurpassPerfect StartWho Shot Thebarman
2013Spring CheerSangsterBlood BrothaMore Than SacredMilitary MoveSangster
2012Blood BrothaShez SinsationalSix O'Clock NewsAnnie HigginsRansomedSingle Minded
2011Blood BrothaTitchSpiroDawn GhostCassiniShowcause
2010ShowcauseZaviteRed RulerBruce AlmightyTullaroan
2009My ScotsgreySpin AroundMegapinsPasschendaleHigh OctaneGinga Dude
2008HoorangPrize LadyYoung CentaurLovetristaJonbalenaTinseltown
2007EverswindellPrize LadyWilly SmithMirkola LassNanjaraSpin Around
2006PentathlonPentaneEnvoyBak Da ChiefChettakSharvasti
2005TreblaBazelleZabeatKerry O'ReillyAll SquareCreil
2004WaltermittyUpsetthymCluden CreekSinging StarTantalicThe Mighty Lion
2003TorlesseBodieOarsmenEl DuceRising HeightsRegal Krona
2002MikeMaguireCycladesEl DuceSmall Town BoyRegal Krona
2001Soldier BlueOur UnicornSmiling LikeOkiwi BayBeaujolaisGreene Street
2000Smiling LikeAble MasterSecond ComingBluebird The WordReign SupremeShes a Meanie
1999Wake ForestIrish ChanceMiss BaileyRijekaTokyo BeauTrounced
1998SapioJezabeel *AerosmithDannevegasEmeraldYes Indeed
1997Laud PeregrineYobroEdLa SileenPaddy OrileySilky Oak

The following table contains the recent winners of major races for sprinters.
The winners of the Tarzino Trophy over 1400m are shown in the table for New Zealand's Hastings Triple Crown.
Year
Railway Stakes 1200m
Telegraph Handicap 1200m
Waikato Sprint 1400m
Stewards Stakes Handicap 1200m
Otaki-Maori Weight for Age 1400m / 1600m
Foxbridge Plate 1400m
2020JuliusAvantageTe Akau Shark
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 Satire
2000CannseaFritzTall PoppyToothSurface
1999BawalakasanaBawalakasanaSurfaceJoe HeroHero
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 major NZ 3-year-old races

The following are the recent winners of major races for 3-year-old horses.
Year
Auckland / Great Northern Guineas 2100m/1600m
Waikato Guineas
Avondale Guineas 1600m / 2100m
Wellington Guineas 1500m / 1400m
New Zealand Derby 2400m
New Zealand 1000 Guineas 3YO fillies 1600m
New Zealand 2000 Guineas 1600m
Levin Classic 1600m
New Zealand Oaks 3YO fillies 2400m
Desert Gold Stakes 3YO fillies 1600m
2020Dragon LeapTwo IllicitDragon LeapGold BraceletSherwood ForestTravelling LightJennifer EcclesShowbeel
2019Surely SacredSponge BobSurely SacredEmily MargaretCrown ProsecutorLoireCatalystMadison CountySentimental MissSecret Allure
2018Demonet izationXboxOn The RocksScott BaseVin De DanceMedia SensationMadison CountyAge Of FireSavvy CoupDijon Bleu
2017SwisstaWyndspelleGingernutsSaracinoGingernutsHasahaloEmbellishHall Of FameBonnevalNicoletta
2016RangipoRangipoRangipoThe Justice LeagueRangipoLa DiosoUgo FoscoloDukedomFanaticDuchess Kate
2015Volkstock n barrelMongolian KhanMongolian KhanVespaMongolian KhanRisqueXtravagantGaultierSavariaPlatinum Witness
2014not racedPucciniPuccininot racedPucciniPlatinum WitnessTurn Me LooseReciteMiss MossmanMoozoon
2013PucciniCastizebergValbuenaSacred ParkHabibiCosta VivaAtlanten/aMore Than SacredHigh Fashion
2012HabibiSilent AchieverSilent AchieverNeoSilent AchieverRollout The CarpetSacred FallsSouthern LordArtisticQuintessential
2011Knight's TourJimmy ChouxIcepinPresident LincolnJimmy ChouxPlanet RockRock "n" PopDistillMidnight OilDating
2010Jimmy ChouxZarzuelanot racedBarsideMilitary MoveKing's RoseJimmy ChouxWe Can Say It NowKeep The PeaceKeep The Peace
2009ZarzuelaEasy RyderJoey MassinoKeyoraConiston BluebirdKatie LeeKatie LeeEileen DubhJungle RocketGlamourous Girl
2008Le BaronNom Du JeuTell A TaleSkirmishC'est La GuerreDaffodilTell A TaleAltered ImageBoundlessKeepa Cruisin
2007Prince KaapstadUpside Of AngerAlamosaRiosRedoute's DancerInsouciantThe PookaKeepa CruisinPrincess CoupPrincess Coup
2006SantagostinoWahidVeloce BellaJokers WildWahidDorabellaMagic CapePorotene GemLegsOut Of Align
2005Sculptornot racedPulcinellaDarci Brahmanot racedSeachangeDarci BrahmaWahidJusta TadSenorita Dane
2004MagnetismSistaMandelaAmbitious OwnerXcellentJusta TadClean SweepAmbitious OwnerWharite PrincessPride Of The Class
2003Bridie BellePhilamorPhilamorKainui BelleCut the CakeTaatletailKing's ChapelRussian PearlBramble RossLonestar Lady
2002Sparkling StarSuper KidSt ReimsJack The StripperSt ReimsThe JewelHustlerBunkerVapour Trailnot raced
2001Leica GuvAthensLeica GuvI Rock My WorldLeica GuvFinal DestinationMaster BeltFinal DestinationTapildoBlackfock College
2000MillenniumLa Bella DamaDanamiteSpring RainHailElevensesTit For TaatTit for TaatShe's CountrySingalong
1999Ad AltaThe FatzAd AltaMarrokHadesAd AltaBuzz LightyearBuzz LightyearSavannah SuccessThee Old Dragon
1998DanskeJust Call Me SirEl DuceSo CasualPace InvaderDanskeTobrukTycoon LilPace Invader
1997Old TawnyZondaTycoon LilFoxwoodLove De TorSawatdeeAlavana
1996Rodney RedGreat CommandBubbleBatavianGreat CommandEmeraldHeroO'ReillyTartan Belle

Recent winners of the Hastings Triple Crown events

The Triple Crown raced at Hastings Racecourse, also called the Hawke's Bay Triple Crown, comprises
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.
Year
Tarzino / Mudgway / Challenge Stakes 1400m
Windsor Park / Stoney Bridge / Horlicks Plate 1600m
Livamol Spring Classic / Kelt Capital Stakes 2040m
Notes
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.
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 Venue Plan was released in January 2019. The Report recommended:
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.