New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) have confirmed the inclusion of the new $100k Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy – a 3YO SW&P 1500m race on Champions Day, 8 March 2025 at Ellerslie Racecourse. 

Responding to feedback from Slot Holders and industry participants, the Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy will ensure the selected emergency horses are ready to compete if required to replace scratched runners from the final field of the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) – the Southern Hemisphere’s richest 3YO race. 

To accommodate the new 3YO race, NZTR and ATR have deleted the previously scheduled 2400m Benchmark 75 race on Champions Day. This change will allow the Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy to provide the pool from which emergency horses for the NZB Kiwi will be chosen.

The Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy is open to all 3YOs, not just NZB Kiwi eligible 3YOs, however, the pool of four emergency runners for the NZB Kiwi will be chosen first from eligible horses that are acceptors for the Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy. 

The decision aligns with international best practices observed in other slot races, such as The Everest in Syndey and the Sunlight slot race in Queensland, where emergencies are sourced from a corresponding race held on the same day over the same track and distance.

This addition follows collaborative discussions between NZTR, Slot Holders and ATR, which highlighted the benefits for all stakeholders.

NZTR Chief Operating Officer Darin Balcombe is pleased to announce the new race.

“Emergency horses for the NZB Kiwi will be prepared to race under identical conditions (same track, distance and day), ensuring they are ready to perform at their best if required.” 

“Connections of emergency horses will no longer need to disrupt their plans for other races, as they can specifically target the Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy without impacting future campaigns.

“The race gives some level of comfort to Slot Holders, while adding depth to the Champions Day card,” he said.  

As part of the programming adjustments, NZTR will delete the 3YO SW&P 1600m race previously scheduled for Saturday 1 March, the week before Champions Day, at Matamata Racecourse. 

“This reflects a focus on ensuring the Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy attracts a strong and competitive field at Ellerslie Racecourse, which is vital for the race’s success,” Balcombe said.

Read more about the Southern Hemisphere’s richest 3YO race here. 

For general enquiries about the$100k Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy (1500m), contact ATR’s Executive General Manager – Racing & Operations Craig Baker via craigb@ellerslie.co.nz. 

View the Special Conditions for the $100k Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy (1500m) here. 

Full Programme Changes

• Saturday 1 March at Matamata Racecourse: 3YO SW&P 1600m deleted. Mdn 1600m added.
• Friday 7 March at Te Aroha Racecourse: Mdn 1600m deleted and replaced with Mdn 3YO 1600m.
• Saturday 8 March at Ellerslie Racecourse $100k Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy (1500m) added. R75 2400m deleted.