We’ll start with the basics... There are two types of jumps racing in New Zealand; Hurdles and Steeplechase. Hurdle racing is over smaller fences while Steeplechase races are over larger brush fences. There are around 100 jump racing events in New Zealand and these are split evenly between hurdle and steeplechase. In New Zealand, jumps racing is far less prominent than flat racing and usually takes place during the cooler months.

 

There are Prestige Jumping Races on the New Zealand calendar which all owners, trainers and jockeys strive to win. Top of the wishlist is the Great Northern Steeplechase and the Great Northern Hurdle, both of which carry a generous $125,000 stake. 

 

Some horses are bred to be jumpers, while others find themselves jumping due to failing on the flat. Many horses who struggle in flat races enjoy the new challenge of jumping and do very well with the correct training. Teaching a racehorse to jump also makes them much easier to rehome to an equestrian lifestyle following racing. 

 

Alongside NZ Jumps Inc, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing are continuously working to improve the safety of jumps racing. There has been significant investment into developing the design of padded hurdle jumps - jockeys are now required to withdraw their horse from a race if they’re considered beaten (no longer a realistic chance of winning prize money) and detailed reviews of accidents are undertaken to identify any areas for improved safety. Both horses and jockeys must hold a certificate of qualification for jumping racing and jockeys are required to undergo training and attend pre-season clinics before being granted a jumps jockey licence. 

 

New Zealand have had some wonderful jumpers over the years! Perhaps the most remarkable of all Hall of Famer, Brookby Song. He raced during the 1940s and was applauded for his ability to carry huge weights, up to 79kg on some occasions. His career started on the flat, where he was unplaced. Trainer Bob Hall then turned his attention to jumping, with the hope that they’d have more success. Bob's wife took Brookby Song hunting, to teach him to jump. He won his first race with ease, winning by 10 lengths and only went from strength to strength. Brookby Song is one of three horses to win the Great Northern, Wellington and Grand National Steeples all in one year. He retired with a total career earning of £17,000, which at the time was a record in New Zealand and Australia. 

 

This year, jumps racing kicked off on 22 April at Riverton and will conclude in September. As if Thoroughbred Racing in itself isn’t thrilling enough - throw in a few jumps and you have a whole new race on your hands!