Te Aroha will play host to the inaugural Great New Zealand Jumps Carnival this weekend, with the tradition and pride of the Great Northern living on in a revamped, two-day celebration of jumps racing.

The carnival will kick-off under the mountain on Friday, September 19, with the J Swap Great New Zealand Hurdle (4200m) headlining the eight-race card. A stellar field has assembled for the $150,000 feature, with defending champion Lord Spencer, Grand National Hurdles winner Suliman and the always threatening Berry The Cash amongst the line-up.

 

A host of emerging talent has come through in the hurdles this year and the likes of Pakuranga Hurdle winner Hill Of Kings or The Bambino could step up in their 4200m debut, while you couldn’t miss the pint-sized Yolo when she stormed away with the Road To The Jericho last Saturday in Taranaki.

 

The remainder of Friday’s card consists of two maiden hurdles, a maiden steeplechase, highweights and amateur rider races, offering a host of opportunities for riders as the focus of winter racing nears a close.

The stakes will rise further on day two of the carnival on Sunday, with $200,000 on the line in the Ben & Ryan Foote Great New Zealand Steeplechase (6200m).

Those on course at Riccarton last month were treated to a jumping masterclass by Grand National Steeplechase winner Captains Run, and he will carry a narrow topweight in his bid to complete the double, having finished second in the last two editions of the Northern.

Champion jumper West Coast got the better of the gelding on both of those occasions, but he will not contest the race this year, leaving the door open for the likes of Jesko, Nedwin and Run Jakko Run in the big dance.

It comes as no surprise that hospitality tickets have been snapped up for day two, but there are still tickets available for the Friday meeting (here), with $75pp including a reserved seat for the day, a catered meal and two drink tickets, spot prizes for standout winter fashion, and entertainment both on and off the track.

Jumping fans will know the familiar voice of premier race caller and voice of the ‘Bool’, Ric McIntosh, and he will bring his vibrant style to both of the Great New Zealand features, an absolute treat for Kiwi viewers.

If you’re local to the Waikato area or up for the weekend, New Zealand Jumps Racing have organised ‘A Night with Ric McIntosh’, to be held at the Pepper St Café in Matamata from 5pm on Saturday night. Not only does it offer a chance to meet an iconic figure of the sport but also raise funds through a charity auction for the NZ Horse Ambulance Trust, who play a vital role in the safety of our thoroughbreds.

Tickets are nearly sold out for this event, so check out the New Zealand Jumps Racing Facebook page for more information and to secure your spot.

 

What: Great New Zealand Jumps Carnival

Where: Te Aroha Racecourse, Stanley Road South, Te Aroha

When: Friday 19 September and Sunday 21 September

Find out more about Day One here and Day Two here