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 Baker | Trainer | New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame, 5 Australian Derby wins | Dundeel, Jon Snow, Mongolian Khan, Nom du Jeu, Quick Thinker, Vin De Dance | |
| Opie Bosson | 1980 | Jockey | Winner of 76 group 1 races | Gingernuts, Melody Belle, Mongolian Khan, Grand Archway, Probabeel, Quick Thinker, Te Akau Shark |
| Bill Broughton | 1913-1990 | Jockey | New 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 Australia | Sombrero, Soneri |
| Jim Cassidy | 1963 | Jockey | Winner of 104 Group One races, Australian Racing Hall of Fame, New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame | Kiwi, Might and Power, Rough Habit |
| John Bernard Costello | 1937 - 2019 | Journalist and Author | Six 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 Dye | 1966 | Jockey | 4 consecutive Golden Slippers, Australian Racing Hall of Fame, New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame | Octagonal, Tawriffic |
| Bill Hazlett | 1905-1978 | Owner and breeder | First New Zealander to win more than 1,000 races as an owner. New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame | Eiffel Tower |
| Sir Patrick Hogan KNZM CBE | 1939 | Cambridge Stud master, breeder, owner | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, Australian Racing Hall of Fame, New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame | Sir Tristram, Zabeel |
| Colin Jillings | 1931 | Trainer | New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame | Stipulate, McGinty, Uncle Remus, The Phantom Chance |
| Chris Johnson | Jockey | 2440 NZ winning rides as at 25/7/20, closing in record held by David Walsh | Savvy Coup, Tartan Tights, Tycoon Lil | |
| Linda Jones | Jockey | Trail blazing woman jockey. New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame | Holy Toledo, Lavaro | |
| Sheila Laxon | Trainer | first female trainer to win the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup double | Empire Rose, Ethereal | |
| Lance O'Sullivan | 1963 | Jockey | New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame, Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit | Horlicks, Popsy, Waverley Star |
| Seton Otway | 1894-1989 | Founder of Trelawney Stud | New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame | Foxbridge, Alcimedes |
| Jamie Richards | Trainer | Avantage, Gingernuts, Melody Belle, Probabeel, Te Akau Shark, Xtravagant | ||
| George Simon | Race caller | Long-time North Island race caller and TAB Trackside television presenter | ||
| Robert James Skelton | 1934-2016 | Jockey | New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame, New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, Member of the Order of the British Empire | Great Sensation, Van der Hum |
| William David Skelton | 1931-2016 | Jockey | New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame, New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, Member of the Order of the British Empire | |
| Brent Thomson | 1958 | Jockey | Australian Racing Hall of Fame, New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame | Dandy Andy, Dulcify, Family of Man, Lord Reims, Strawberry Road |
| Michael Walker | 1984 | Jockey | Darci Brahma, Tagaloa, Tit for Taat | |
| Chris Waller | 1973 | Trainer | Australian Racing Hall of Fame, New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame | Winx |
| David Walsh | 1959 | Jockey | In 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:
- Lisa Allpress
- Linda Ballentyne
- Kim Clapperton
- Samantha Collett
- Lisa Cropp
- Debbie Healey
- Leanne Isherwood
- Maree Lyndon
- Michelle Hopkins
- Samantha Spratt
- Trudy Thornton
- Catherine Tremayne
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 |
| Advance | Vanguard | Laurel | Joe Prosser | 1900 Easter Handicap, 1901 All Aged Stakes |
| Apollo Eleven | Cyrus | Lady Rizzo | K. Foster | 1973 Tancred Stakes, Auckland Cup, AJC Plate now the Queen Elizabeth Stakes. 1973 & 1975 Chipping Norton Stakes |
| Baghdad Note | Kurdistan | Fairnote | R Heasley, then Terry Millard | 1970: Melbourne Cup, 1973: P.J. O'Shea Stakes & Sandown Cup. |
| Balmerino | Trictrac | Dulcie | Brian Smith, Cambridge & John Dunlop | 1975 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 Heights | Battle Wagon | Wuthering Heights | Tim Douglas | 1974 Wellington Cup, Sydney Cup, AJC Plate now the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, W.S. Cox Plate, 1976 Craven Plate, The Metropolitan |
| Beau Vite | Beau Pere | Dominant | T.R. George, F McGrath Snr | 1939 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 |
| Bonecrusher | Pag-Asa | Imitation | Frank Ritchie | 1985 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 |
| Carbine | Musket | Mersey | Walter S. Hickenbotham | 1889 & 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 |
| Castletown | One Pound Sterling | Mona Curragh | Patrick M Bussuttin | 1989 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 |
| Cuddle | Psychology | 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 | |
| Cynisca | Apremont | Nautilus | 1890, 1891 & 1892 Wellington Cup, 1892 Easter Handicap | |
| Dalray | Balloch | Broiveine | Clarrie McCarthy | 1951: New Zealand Derby, 1952: Great Northern Derby, Trentham Stakes, Colin Stephen Quality Handicap, The Metropolitan, LKS Mackinnon Stakes, Melbourne Cup |
| Darci Brahma | Danehill | Grand Echezeaux | Mark Walker | 2005: New Zealand 2000 Guineas, Otaki-Maori Weight for Age, The T J Smith, 2007: Waikato Sprint, Telegraph Handicap |
| Daryl's Joy | Stunning | 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 Gold | All Black | Aurarius | Fred Davis | 1915: 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 Dundeel | High Chaparral | Stareel | Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman | 2012: Gloaming Stakes, Spring Champion Stakes, 2013 Randwick Guineas, Rosehill Guineas, Australian Derby, Underwood Stakes. 2014 Queen Elizabeth Stakes |
| Empire Rose | Sir Tristram | Summer Fleur | Laurie Laxon | 1987 New Zealand Cup, 1988 LKS Mackinnon Stakes & Melbourne Cup, 1989 Trentham Stakes |
| Ethereal | Rhythm | Romanee Conti | Sheila Laxon | 2001 Queensland Oaks, Caulfield Cup & Melbourne Cup, 2002 The BMW, 2016 inducted into New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame |
| Even Stevens | Fairs Fair | Amaroo | Archie McGregor | 1961 Avondale Cup, 1962 CB Fisher Plate, Caulfield Cup & Melbourne Cup |
| Foxzami | Nizami | Honeywood | Dan Lewis | 1949 STC Cup & Melbourne Cup |
| Furys Order | Indian Order | Our Fury | Wally McEwan | 1973: New Zealand Derby, New Zealand 2000 Guineas, 1974 New Zealand Cup, 1975 W.S. Cox Plate |
| Gloaming | The 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 Sensation | Cassock | Speedy | Mick Brown | 1960: Invercargill Gold Cup, Canterbury Gold Cup, 1961, 1962 & 1963 Wellington Cup, 1960 & 1962 Trentham Stakes |
| Grey Way | Grey William | Waybrook | E P Corboy, Washdyke | 1974 Chirnside Stakes, 1976 Awapuni Gold Cup, 1977 Easter Handicap, 2010 inducted into New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame |
| Gurner's Lane | Sir Tristram | Taiona | Geoff Murphy | 1982: Newcastle Gold Cup, VRC St Leger, Caulfield Cup, Melbourne Cup |
| Horlicks | Three Legs | Malt | Dave and Paul O'Sullivan | 1989 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 Tempo | Time and Again | Timing | Bruce Priscott | 1969 & 1970 Auckland Cup, 1970 Wellington Cup, |
| Isle Of Man | Habitation | Full O'Tricks | Davina Waddell | 1981 New Zealand Derby, 1982 Rosehill Guineas |
| Jezabeel | Zabeel | Passefleur | Brian Jenkins | 1998: Auckland Cup, Melbourne Cup |
| Jimmy Choux | Thorn Park | Cierzo | John Bary | 2010 Hawke's Bay Guineas & New Zealand 2000 Guineas, 2011 New Zealand Derby, Rosehill Guineas, Windsor Park Plate, Spring Classic |
| Katie Lee | Pins | Miss Jessie Jay | Graeme & Debbie Rogerson | 2009 Eclipse Stakes, New Zealand 2000 Guineas & New Zealand 1000 Guineas |
| Kindergarten | Kincardine | Valadore | E. N. Fitzgerald | 1941 Great Northern Derby, Awapuni Gold Cup, Wellington Cup, 1941 & 1942 Easter Handicap, 1942 Auckland Cup, 2006 inducted into New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame |
| Kiwi | Blarney Kiss | Malrayvis | Snow Lupton, Waverley | 1983 Wellington Cup, Melbourne Cup |
| La Mer | Copenhagen II | La Balsa | Malcolm K Smith, New Plymouth | 1976 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 |
| Limerick | Limond | Medley | Fred D Jones | 1926,1927 & 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 Jug | Godavari | Pease | P Jones, Riccarton | 1979 Canterbury Gold Cup, New Zealand 2000 Guineas, 1980 Wellington Stakes. Won 12 of 15 New Zealand starts. |
| Mainbrace | Admiral's Luck | Maneroo | Jack McDonald | 1950 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 |
| McGinty | One Pound Sterling | Ernader | Colin Jillings, Takanini | 1981/82 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 Belle | Commands | Meleka Belle | Jamie Richards | 2017: 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 Potential | Dolphin Street | Richfield Rose | Bill Borrie | 2003 Mudgway Stakes, 2004 Nestle Peters Classic, 2005 Stoneybridge Stakes. |
| Moifaa | Natator | Denbigh | W Hickey | 1904 Grand National, Aintree Racecourse, England. 2014: inducted into New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame |
| Mongolian Khan | Holy Roman Emperor | Centafit | Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman | 2015: Waikato Guineas, Avondale Guineas, New Zealand Derby, Australian Derby & Caulfield Cup |
| Mr Tiz | Bletchingly | Yir Tiz | Dave & Paul O'Sullivan | 1989 & 1990 Telegraph Handicap, 1989, 1990 & 1991 Railway Stakes, 1991: Waikato Sprint & The Galaxy, 2014 inducted into New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame |
| Mufhasa / King Mufhasa | Pentire | Shiela Cheval, by Mi Preferido | Stephen McKee | 2008 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 |
| Nightmarch | Night Raid | Marsa | Jim McAulay | 1928: 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 Park | Thorn Park | Sayyida | Gary Hennessy | 2012: Wellington Guineas, Challenge Stakes, Underwood Stakes, Caulfield Stakes, W S Cox Plate, 2013 New Zealand Stakes |
| O'Reilly | Last Tycoon | Courtza | David J & Paul O'Sullivan, Matamata | 1996 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 Viita | Grant L Searle, Levin | 1994: Wellesley Stakes, 1995: Eclipse Stakes, NZ Magic Millions Classic, Wakefield Stakes, Caulfield Guineas |
| Phar Lap | Night Raid | Entreaty | Harry Telford | 1929: 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 Prince | Yeats | Finisterre | John Wheeler | 1988 Otaki-Maori Weight for Age, Feehan Stakes, W S Cox Plate. 1989: Otaki-Maori Weight for Age, Queen Elizabeth Stakes & Tancred Stakes |
| Prince Majestic | Noble Bijou | Princess Mellay | Ray Verner, Takanini | 1980 Wanganui Guineas, AJC Spring Champion Stakes, 1981: Taranaki Stakes, WRC Harcourt Stakes 1982: Tancred Stakes, Queen Elizabeth Stakes, 1983 O'Shea Stakes, |
| Princess Coup | Encosta De Lago | Stoneyfell Road | Mark Walker | 2007: New Zealand Oaks, Desert Gold Stakes, Lowland Stakes, 2007 & 2008 Kelt Capital Stakes, 2008 Stoneybridge Stakes |
| Redcraze | Red Mars | Myarion | Syd Brown, T.J. Smith | 1955: 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 Bell | Rangong | Witchcraft | Neville Atkins, Waiuku | 1981: Avondale Championship Stakes, Avondale Guineas, New Zealand Derby, Canterbury Guineas |
| Rising Fast | Alonzo | Faster | Ivan Tucker, Fred Hoysted | 1954: 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 Charm | Sir Tristram | Country Charm | Laurie 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 Consul | Agricola | Eric Ropiha, Woodville | 1965: New Zealand Derby, 1967, 1968 & 1969: Chelmsford Stakes, 1968: Colin Stephen Quality Handicap, 1969: LKS Mackinnon Stakes, 1969 & 1970: O'Shea Stakes | |
| Rough Habit | Roughcast | Certain Habit | John Wheeler | 1990 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 Falls | O'Reilly | Iguazu's Girl | Chris Waller | 2012: Hawke's Bay Guineas, New Zealand 2000 Guineas, 2013 & 2014 Doncaster Handicap, 2014 George Main Stakes |
| Seachange | Cape Cross | Just Cruising | Graeme Sanders | 2005: New Zealand 1000 Guineas, 2006 & 2007: Mudgway Stakes, Stoneybridge Stakes, 2007 Mannerism Stakes, Telegraph Handicap & Waikato Sprint |
| Seagram | Balak | Llanah | David Barons | 1991 Grand National, Aintree Racecourse, England |
| Show Gate | Gate Keeper | Minglow | Gordon 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 Knight | Alcimedes | Cuban Fox | Eric Temperton | 1971: New Zealand St. Leger & Melbourne Cup |
| Sir Slick | Volksraad | Miss Opera | Graham Nicholson | 2007: 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 |
| Solveig | Imposing | Soliloquy | C G Curnow & Trevor McKee, then Stephen & Trevor McKee, Takanini | 1983/84 Royal Stakes, New Zealand Oaks, 1986: Avondale Cup |
| Solvit | Morcon | Yallah Sun | Mrs M J Murdoch | 1991: 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. |
| Sunline | Desert Sun | Songline | Trevor and Stephen McKee | 1999 & 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 Paradise | Crested Wave | Lady Aythorpe | Dave & Paul OSullivan | 1990 New Zealand 2000 Guineas & New Zealand Derby, 1991 Air New Zealand Stakes, Rosehill Guineas, W S Cox Plate |
| Tawrrific | Tawfiq | Joyarty | Lee Freedman | 1988 South Australian St Leger, 1989: AJC St Leger, Melbourne Cup |
| The Filbert | Souvran | Fauxzann | D N Couchman, Hawera | 1986: 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 Chance | Noble Bijou | The Fantasy | Colin Jillings | 1992 Avondale Guineas, New Zealand Derby, 1993: Cambridge Stud New Zealand International Stakes, W S Cox Plate, Turnbull Stakes 1996: O'Shea Stakes |
| The Phantom | Noble Bijou | The Fantasy | Murray Baker | 1990: Underwood Stakes, 1993: LKS Mackinnon Stakes, 1994 Cambridge Stud New Zealand International Stakes |
| Tidal Light | Diagrammatic | Azores | Jim Gibbs and R A James | Avondale Guineas, Waikato Guineas, 1986 New Zealand Derby, 1987 Canterbury Guineas, Air New Zealand Stakes |
| Tulloch | Khorassan | Florida | Tommy J. Smith | 1957: 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 Lil | Last Tycoon | Imposing Bloom II | Colin Jillings & Richard Yuill | 1997: New Zealand 1000 Guineas, 1998 Royal Stakes, Sir Tristram Fillies Classic, New Zealand Oaks, Canterbury Guineas, Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes, |
| Uncle Remus | Bandmaster II | Tusitala | Colin Jillings, Takanini | 1977 Wellington Guineas, New Zealand 2000 Guineas, Canterbury Gold Cup, Avondale Guineas, New Zealand Derby. 1978 Wellington Stakes, Wellington Derby, |
| Van der Hum | Hermes | Tip O'Dawn | Leo H Robinson | 1976 Melbourne Cup |
| Veandercross | Crossways | Lavender | Chris Turner | 1991: 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 Regal | Bismark II | Kind Regards | Jim 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'barrell | Tavistock | Volkster Donna Logan Chris Gibbs Danny O'Brien | 2015: Great Northern Guineas, Karaka 3YO Mile, Rosehill Guineas, 2016: Haunui Farm Classic, New Zealand Stakes, 2017: Herbie Dyke Stakes, | |
| Waverley Star / Our Waverley Star | Star Way | Super Show | Dave & Paul O'Sullivan | 1986 Zabeel Classic, 2nd to Bonecrusher in W S Cox Plate, 1987: Chipping Norton Stakes |
| Xcellent | Pentire | Excelo | Michael Moroney | 2004 New Zealand Derby, 2005: Mudgway Stakes, New Zealand Stakes, Kelt Capital Stakes, 3rd in Melbourne Cup, 2008: Trentham Stakes |
| Zabeel | Sir Tristram | Lady Giselle | Colin Hayes, then David Hayes | 1989 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. |
| Zonda | Zabeel | Gone With The Wind | Roger James | 1997 New Zealand Derby, 2000 Kings Plate, 2001 Zabeel Classic |
Notable sires
| Horse | Born | Sire | Dam | Grandsire | Damsire | Key Progeny | Notes |
| Darci Brahma | 2002 | Danehill | Grand Echezeaux | Danzig | Zabeel | Catalyst, Gust Of Wind, Julinsky Prince, Nashville, Catalyst | |
| Foxbridge | 1930 | Foxlaw | Bridgemount | Son-in-Law | Bridge Of Earn | Damsire of: Hi Jinx, Hiraji, Macdougal, Silver Knight | The Foxbridge Plate is raced at Te Rapa over 1200m |
| O'Reilly | 1993-2014 | Last Tycoon | Courtza | Try My Best | Pompeii Court | Alamosa, Final Destination, Sacred Falls, Shamrocker, Silent Achiever, The Jewel | |
| Savabeel | 2001 | Zabeel | Savannah Success | Sir Tristram | Success Express | Kawi, Sangster, Scarlett Lady, Shillelagh | |
| Sir Tristram | 1971-1997 | Sir Ivor | Isolt | Sir Gaylord | Round Table, USA | Brew, Empire Rose, Grosvenor, Gurner's Lane, Marauding, Tristarc, Zabeel | Did 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 |
| Volksraad | 1998-2011 | Green Desert | Celtic Assembly | Danzig | Secretariat | Sir Slick, Military Move, Torlesse | |
| Zabeel | 1986-2015 | Sir Tristram | Lady Giselle | Sir Ivor | Nureyev | Efficient, Jezabeel, Lonhro, Might and Power, Octagonal, Savabeel, Vengeance of Rain | 1998-99 & 1997-98 Leading sire in Australia. The Zabeel Classic is raced at Ellerslie |
| Zamazaan | 1965-1990 | Exbury | Toyama | Le Haar | Tulyar | Beau 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 |
| 2020 | Roger That | Soleseifei | Polzeath | |||
| 2019 | Dee And Gee | Glory Days | Gorbachev | Justamaiz | Concert Hall | Glory Days |
| 2018 | Bizzwinkle | Ladies First | Magic Chai | Mongolian Marsh | Rock On | Zacada |
| 2017 | Gobstopper | Chenille | Savaria | Five to Midnight | Clarify | El Soldado |
| 2016 | Pump Up The Volume | El Soldado | Mister Impatience | Lizzie Lamour | Jacksstar | Sacred Master |
| 2015 | Jimmy Mac | Rock Diva | Maygrove | Vavasour | Weregoingtogetcha | Farm Boy |
| 2014 | Mungo Jerry | Who Shot Thebarman | Graphic | Surpass | Perfect Start | Who Shot Thebarman |
| 2013 | Spring Cheer | Sangster | Blood Brotha | More Than Sacred | Military Move | Sangster |
| 2012 | Blood Brotha | Shez Sinsational | Six O'Clock News | Annie Higgins | Ransomed | Single Minded |
| 2011 | Blood Brotha | Titch | Spiro | Dawn Ghost | Cassini | Showcause |
| 2010 | Showcause | Zavite | Red Ruler | Bruce Almighty | Tullaroan | |
| 2009 | My Scotsgrey | Spin Around | Megapins | Passchendale | High Octane | Ginga Dude |
| 2008 | Hoorang | Prize Lady | Young Centaur | Lovetrista | Jonbalena | Tinseltown |
| 2007 | Everswindell | Prize Lady | Willy Smith | Mirkola Lass | Nanjara | Spin Around |
| 2006 | Pentathlon | Pentane | Envoy | Bak Da Chief | Chettak | Sharvasti |
| 2005 | Trebla | Bazelle | Zabeat | Kerry O'Reilly | All Square | Creil |
| 2004 | Waltermitty | Upsetthym | Cluden Creek | Singing Star | Tantalic | The Mighty Lion |
| 2003 | Torlesse | Bodie | Oarsmen | El Duce | Rising Heights | Regal Krona |
| 2002 | Mike | Maguire | Cyclades | El Duce | Small Town Boy | Regal Krona |
| 2001 | Soldier Blue | Our Unicorn | Smiling Like | Okiwi Bay | Beaujolais | Greene Street |
| 2000 | Smiling Like | Able Master | Second Coming | Bluebird The Word | Reign Supreme | Shes a Meanie |
| 1999 | Wake Forest | Irish Chance | Miss Bailey | Rijeka | Tokyo Beau | Trounced |
| 1998 | Sapio | Jezabeel * | Aerosmith | Dannevegas | Emerald | Yes Indeed |
| 1997 | Laud Peregrine | Yobro | Ed | La Sileen | Paddy Oriley | Silky Oak |
- Jezabeel also won the 1998 Melbourne Cup
Recent winners of major NZ sprint races
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 |
| 2020 | Julius | Avantage | Te Akau Shark | |||
| 2019 | Santa Monica | Enzo's Lad | Melody Belle | Sheezallmine | Melody Belle | Endless Drama |
| 2018 | Volpe Veloce | Enzo's Lad | Start Wondering | Prince Oz | Devise | Melody Belle |
| 2017 | Start Wondering | Signify | Start Wondering | Carnival | Kawi | Underthe moonlight |
| 2016 | Ryan Mark | Adventador | Xtravagant | Reilly Lincoln | Volkstok 'n' barrel | Saracino |
| 2015 | In Style | Sacred Star | Sacred Star | El Chico | Iamishwara | Addictive Habit |
| 2014 | Bounding | Irish Fling | Viadana | Soubrettes | Nashville | I Do |
| 2013 | Fleur de Lune | Final Touch | Final Touch | Durham Town | Nashville | Postman's Daughter |
| 2012 | Atomic Force | Guiseppina | Veyron | King Montrose | Veyron | Fleur de Lune |
| 2011 | Miss Raggedy Ann | Mufhasa | Mufhasa | El Chico | Keep The Peace | Fritzy Boy |
| 2010 | A Gold Trail | Vonusti | Tavistock | Coup Align | Mufhasa | Bulginbaah |
| 2009 | Jacowils | Mufhasa | Mufhasa | Coup Align | Culminata | Bulginbaah |
| 2008 | Imananabaa | Seachange | Seachange | San Bernadino | Alamosa | Jacowils |
| 2007 | Donna Rosta | Darci Brahma | Darci Brahma | Coup Bloomsbury | Sir Slick | Baltaine |
| 2006 | Baldessarini | Gee I Jane | Kristov | Clifton Prince | Darci Brahma | not raced |
| 2005 | Recurring | Keeninsky | Sedecrem | Clifton Prince | Zveda | Irish Rover |
| 2004 | Vinaka | King's Chapel | Sedecrem | Opiki | King's Chapel | El Duce |
| 2003 | Egyptian Raine | Tit for Taat | Tit for Taat | Fingalbunt | Critic | King Keitel |
| 2002 | Sound the Alarm | Vinaka | Sunline | Ima Royal | No Mean City | O'Malleys Boy |
| 2001 | Fritz | Star of Gold | Sunline | Life Of Riley | Star Satire | |
| 2000 | Cannsea | Fritz | Tall Poppy | Tooth | Surface | |
| 1999 | Bawalakasana | Bawalakasana | Surface | Joe Hero | Hero | |
| 1998 | Coogee Walk | Vegas | Rebel | Morgan Bay | Centre Crest | Our Orb |
| 1997 | Kailey | O'Reilly | Avedon | Highanabove | It's My Sin | Adonia |
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.- 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.
| 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 |
| 2020 | Dragon Leap | Two Illicit | Dragon Leap | Gold Bracelet | Sherwood Forest | Travelling Light | Jennifer Eccles | Showbeel | ||
| 2019 | Surely Sacred | Sponge Bob | Surely Sacred | Emily Margaret | Crown Prosecutor | Loire | Catalyst | Madison County | Sentimental Miss | Secret Allure |
| 2018 | Demonet ization | Xbox | On The Rocks | Scott Base | Vin De Dance | Media Sensation | Madison County | Age Of Fire | Savvy Coup | Dijon Bleu |
| 2017 | Swissta | Wyndspelle | Gingernuts | Saracino | Gingernuts | Hasahalo | Embellish | Hall Of Fame | Bonneval | Nicoletta |
| 2016 | Rangipo | Rangipo | Rangipo | The Justice League | Rangipo | La Dioso | Ugo Foscolo | Dukedom | Fanatic | Duchess Kate |
| 2015 | Volkstock n barrel | Mongolian Khan | Mongolian Khan | Vespa | Mongolian Khan | Risque | Xtravagant | Gaultier | Savaria | Platinum Witness |
| 2014 | not raced | Puccini | Puccini | not raced | Puccini | Platinum Witness | Turn Me Loose | Recite | Miss Mossman | Moozoon |
| 2013 | Puccini | Castizeberg | Valbuena | Sacred Park | Habibi | Costa Viva | Atlante | n/a | More Than Sacred | High Fashion |
| 2012 | Habibi | Silent Achiever | Silent Achiever | Neo | Silent Achiever | Rollout The Carpet | Sacred Falls | Southern Lord | Artistic | Quintessential |
| 2011 | Knight's Tour | Jimmy Choux | Icepin | President Lincoln | Jimmy Choux | Planet Rock | Rock "n" Pop | Distill | Midnight Oil | Dating |
| 2010 | Jimmy Choux | Zarzuela | not raced | Barside | Military Move | King's Rose | Jimmy Choux | We Can Say It Now | Keep The Peace | Keep The Peace |
| 2009 | Zarzuela | Easy Ryder | Joey Massino | Keyora | Coniston Bluebird | Katie Lee | Katie Lee | Eileen Dubh | Jungle Rocket | Glamourous Girl |
| 2008 | Le Baron | Nom Du Jeu | Tell A Tale | Skirmish | C'est La Guerre | Daffodil | Tell A Tale | Altered Image | Boundless | Keepa Cruisin |
| 2007 | Prince Kaapstad | Upside Of Anger | Alamosa | Rios | Redoute's Dancer | Insouciant | The Pooka | Keepa Cruisin | Princess Coup | Princess Coup |
| 2006 | Santagostino | Wahid | Veloce Bella | Jokers Wild | Wahid | Dorabella | Magic Cape | Porotene Gem | Legs | Out Of Align |
| 2005 | Sculptor | not raced | Pulcinella | Darci Brahma | not raced | Seachange | Darci Brahma | Wahid | Justa Tad | Senorita Dane |
| 2004 | Magnetism | Sista | Mandela | Ambitious Owner | Xcellent | Justa Tad | Clean Sweep | Ambitious Owner | Wharite Princess | Pride Of The Class |
| 2003 | Bridie Belle | Philamor | Philamor | Kainui Belle | Cut the Cake | Taatletail | King's Chapel | Russian Pearl | Bramble Ross | Lonestar Lady |
| 2002 | Sparkling Star | Super Kid | St Reims | Jack The Stripper | St Reims | The Jewel | Hustler | Bunker | Vapour Trail | not raced |
| 2001 | Leica Guv | Athens | Leica Guv | I Rock My World | Leica Guv | Final Destination | Master Belt | Final Destination | Tapildo | Blackfock College |
| 2000 | Millennium | La Bella Dama | Danamite | Spring Rain | Hail | Elevenses | Tit For Taat | Tit for Taat | She's Country | Singalong |
| 1999 | Ad Alta | The Fatz | Ad Alta | Marrok | Hades | Ad Alta | Buzz Lightyear | Buzz Lightyear | Savannah Success | Thee Old Dragon |
| 1998 | Danske | Just Call Me Sir | El Duce | So Casual | Pace Invader | Danske | Tobruk | Tycoon Lil | Pace Invader | |
| 1997 | Old Tawny | Zonda | Tycoon Lil | Foxwood | Love De Tor | Sawatdee | Alavana | |||
| 1996 | Rodney Red | Great Command | Bubble | Batavian | Great Command | Emerald | Hero | O'Reilly | Tartan 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- 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.
| Year | Tarzino / Mudgway / Challenge Stakes 1400m | Windsor Park / Stoney Bridge / Horlicks Plate 1600m | Livamol Spring Classic / Kelt Capital Stakes 2040m | Notes |
| 2019 | Melody Belle | Melody Belle | Melody Belle | Melody Belle is the first horse to win the Triple Crown |
| 2018 | Melody Belle | Melody Belle | Savvy Coup | Melody Belle did not contest the 2018 Spring Classic |
| 2017 | Close Up | Gingernuts | Wait a Sec | |
| 2016 | Kawi | Kawi | Willie Cazals | Kawi did not contest the 2016 Spring Classic |
| 2015 | Kawi | Julinsky Prince | Addictive Habit | |
| 2014 | I do | Pure Champion | Costume | |
| 2013 | Survived | Xanadu | Ransomed | |
| 2012 | Ocean Park | Mufhasa | Shez Sinsational | |
| 2011 | Mufhasa | Jimmy Choux | Jimmy Choux | Jimmy Choux was 2nd to Mufhasa by 1.8 lengths in the Makfi Challenge Stakes |
| 2010 | Keep the Peace | Wall Street | Wall Street | Wall Street was 2nd to Keep the Peace in the Mudgway by 0.1 lengths |
| 2009 | Tavistock | Daffodil | Vosne Romanee | |
| 2008 | Fritzy Boy | Princess Coup | Princess Coup | Princess Coup was 9th, by 5.1 lengths to Fritzy Boy |
| 2007 | Seachange | Seachange | Princess Coup | Seachange was 4th by 0.3 lengths to Princess Coup |
| 2006 | Seachange | Seachange | Legs | Seachange was 3rd by 0.9 lengths to Legs |
| 2005 | Xcellent | Miss Potential | Xcellent | Xcellent did not contest the 2005 Stony Bridge Stakes |
| 2004 | Starcraft | Starcraft | Balmuse | Starcraft was placed 2nd to Balmuse by 2.3 lengths |
| 2003 | Miss Potential | Irish Rover | Distinctly Secret | Due to bad weather the Mudgway was raced at Wanganui and the Windsor Park at Otaki |
| 2002 | Sunline | Hello Dolly | Prized Gem | |
| 2001 | Fritz | Hello Dolly | Cinder Bella | |
| 2000 | Cent Home | The Message | The Message | The 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:
- 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.
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.