Horse Racing in New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country near the Pacific Ocean and forms part of the Australasian continent. The country primarily comprises of two main landmasses which are known as the North Island and the South Island. On the contrary, the country is renowned for its spirit in world sports which has played a major role in New Zealand's culture and upbringing as an international tourist destination.
The racing of thoroughbred horses is a popular sport in New Zealand. The governing body for horse racing in New Zealand is the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Incorporation.
Some of the major thoroughbred races in New Zealand include the Auckland Cup which is run over a distance of 3,200 meters. It is followed by the Kelt Capital Stakes which is conducted over a track of 2,040 metres. The New Zealand Cup is another interesting race which is held over a distance of 3,200 meters. The New Zealand Derby is another international horse racing event which is held over a distance of 2,400 meters. The New Zealand is one more horse race which is held over a distance of 2000 guineas which is equal to1, 600 meters. The Telegraph Handicap is run over a distance of 1,200 meters and most importantly, the Wellington Cup is held on an annual basis over a distance of 2,400 meters.
The Stella Artois Auckland Cup is an annual race which is held by the Auckland Racing Club (ARC) and was first contested in 1874. It is an Open Handicap for thoroughbred racehorses which is run at the Ellerslie Racecourse in Auckland, New Zealand. They compete on a flat turf over a distance of 3200 metres (two miles). The race is graded as a Group One (G1) race which has its fair share of thrill and excitement. Few of the latest winning horses at the Auckland Cup include the ‘Zavite’ who won in 2010; ‘Spin Around’ in 2009, ‘Prize Lady’ in 2008, ‘Prize Lady’ in 2007, ‘Pentane’ won the race in 2006, ‘Bazelle’ outperformed every other horse in 2005, ‘Upsetthym’ was the winning horse of 2004 while ‘Bodie’ won the race in 2003.
Kelt Capital Stakes is the second most important race which is run at Hastings Racecourse in Hawke's Bay. It is a thoroughbred horse race which is run over a distance of 2040 meters. It is New Zealand's richest open-age horse race which attracts horses and audiences from all over the world. This race is sponsored by Kelt Capital Limited, which is why Sam Kelt, the owner of the race is a strong supporter of New Zealand horse racing and particularly the racing conducted at the Hawke's Bay. The Kelt is run on the first Saturday in October on an annual basis. The race is now regarded as New Zealand's premier horse race due to the attractive prize money and other benefits associated with it. Some recent winners of this race include the ‘Vosne Romanee’ who won the race in 2009; ‘Princess Coup’ won it in 2008 and 2007, ‘Legs’ was the winner in 2006 while ‘Xcellent’ clinched the cup in 1995.
The New Zealand Derby has set weights for thoroughbred horse races at the Ellerslie Racecourse in Auckland, New Zealand. It is conducted for three-year-old horses that run over a distance of 2400 meters. The race is held on the first Saturday in March on an annual basis. Few of the recent winners of this race include ‘Military Move’ in 2010, ‘Coniston Bluebird’ in 2009, ‘C’est La Guerre’ in 2008, ‘Wahid’ in 2006 and ‘Xcellent’ in 2004.
The Telegraph Handicap is a Group One New Zealand horse race which is held at Trentham in January on an annual basis. It is held over a distance of 1200 meters and is New Zealand's premier sprint race. The recent winners of the Telegraph Handicap include ‘Vonusti’ in 2010, ‘Mufhasa’ won it in 2009, ‘Seachange’ was the winner of the 2008 edition, ‘Darci Brahma’ won it in 2007 while ‘Gee I Jane’ won the race in 2006.
Some of the major racetracks in New Zealand are famous all around the world. Some of the famous New Zealand racehorses include the great Winton Racecourse, the Taupo Racecourse, the Reefton Racecourse, the Omoto Racecourse, the Matamata Racecourse, the Gore Racecourse, the Awapuni Racecourse, the Ascot Park Racecourse, the Foxton Racecourse, the Riccarton Park Racecourse and the Cuddle and Kindergarten racecourses to name a few.
Ascot Racecourse was constructed in 1711 by Queen Anne. It used to be a famous English racecourse which is located in the small town of Ascot, Berkshire. The Ascot has been primarily used for thoroughbred horse racing in the past as well as present. The racecourse holds around twenty-five races throughout the year which includes sixteen flat meetings held in the months of May and October. The Royal Meeting, which is held in June, remains a major attraction for the viewers as the Ascot Gold Cup is held on an annual basis. The most important race is the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes which is run in the month of July. The centrepiece race at the racecourse is the Royal Ascot which is one of the world’s most famous race meetings in history.
The Cambridge Jockey Club is another important meeting which is astonishingly held three times during the year in April, June and November. It is held at the Club which owns a significant training complex which is located on 40, Racecourse Road, Cambridge. A plethora of facilities are available at the course which include a scenic course with grass for galloping and a separate hurdle and steeplechase track which is only open from the 1st March to 31st October. The facilities include a flood lit stand along with plough tracks for the participants. The horses are treated like royal guests’ at the course as an equine swimming pool has also been developed for them. Flat trials are held at the venue for a period of ten months on an annual basis. Meanwhile, Jumping Trials are also conducted during the winter months.
Gore racecourse is another venue for horse racing in New Zealand which is home to the Gore Racing Club. The racecourse is constructed over a landmass measuring 53 hectares of freehold land. From October to April, Gore attracts a variety of horses which return pull thousands and thousands of spectators to witness this equine festival. It is a left-handed track, measuring a distance of 1600 meters with a 350 meter straight.
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