Meeting News
NZTR Confirms Major Changes to Key Group 1 Races
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has confirmed the following changes to the 2025-26 racing calendar:
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The $1,000,000 Group 1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) will move to Ellerslie on 21 February 2026, two weeks before the Group 1 Trackside New Zealand Derby. Approved for one year, with review thereafter.
- The $150,000 Group 2 Jennian Homes Lowland Stakes (2100m) will also move to RACE Inc’s Wellington Cup Day on 31 January to sharpen the lead-in to the Oaks.
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The $600,000 Group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) will return to its traditional late-March date at RACE Awapuni on 28 March 2026.
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The $200,000 Group 3 Wentwood Grange Cuddle Stakes (1600m) to RACE Awapuni (1 March 2026); the $600,000 Group 2 Westbury Classic (1400m) to Champions Day at Ellerslie (7 March 2026); and the $90,000 Royal Descent Stakes (1400m) to TAB Karaka Million night (24 January 2026).
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As part of the Asian Pattern Committee review, the $500,000 Harcourts Thorndon Mile (1600m) has been downgraded from Group 1 to Group 2 status. The race will remain at RACE Trentham on 17 January 2026.
View the full MEDIA RELEASE HERE.