With the 2021/22 dates process proceeding through March and April it was thought relevant that a draft update was provided to trainers alerting them to the proposed change in the dates of the Hawke’s Bay carnival for 2021/22 and the impact on the dates of other races as a consequence of that change. Proposed changes are set out below acknowledging that there is no confirmation of any date at this point.

This season, the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival was run two weeks later than usual due to the impact of COVID-19.  The view is the delayed start to this Carnival was a success and there is a benefit to holding it later in future seasons. Accordingly, the proposed 2021/22 dates calendar has the Carnival starting on Saturday 11 September 2021, the second day on Saturday 2 October 2021 and the final day on Saturday 16 October 2021.  

Although the dates calendar is not yet final (and may change following the consultation process currently being undertaken with Clubs), we wanted to alert trainers now to the proposed dates of the Carnival and some of the key consequential changes to the Spring racing calendar if the Carnival is moved. In particular, it is proposed that (subject to Pattern Committee approval, where relevant):

1. The G3 Northland Breeders Stakes would be run on Saturday 21 August 2021;
2. The G2 Foxbridge Plate would be run on Saturday 28 August 2021;
3. The Listed Trudy Thomson Memorial will be reinstated and be run, on the same day as the Listed Wanganui Guineas, on Saturday 4 September 2021;
4. The G2 Gold Trail Stakes would be run on Saturday 11 September 2021, the same day as the Listed Sir Colin Meads Trophy is run;
5. The Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Canterbury Belle Stakes reverts to its traditional date of 18 September 2021;
6. The G2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas would be run on Saturday 2 October 2021; and
7. The G3 Arawa Stakes and the Listed Rotorua Challenge Plate will both be reinstated and be run on Sunday 17 October 2021.

In addition, it is proposed that the Pakuranga Hunt Cup will be held on Sunday 5 September 2021 and the Great Northern Hurdle and Great Northern Steeplechase will be held on Sunday 19 September 2021.