1. History of New Zealand Horse Racing
Horses were introduced to New Zealand during colonization, arriving in Wellington with military troops from New South Wales, Australia in 1840. Within the settlements horse racing was introduced quite quickly, with race meetings becoming a prestigious social and sporting event. In 1841 it was decided that the Auckland races take place at Epsom racecourse, managed by a group of Militia officers. This was the first official race to take place. Eventually in the 1860’s racing clubs were established around the country.
2. Horse racing in New Zealand Today
Today horse racing in New Zealand is managed and controlled by the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Association. The Association represents all the clubs registered underneath it. Having become a major industry and contributor to the economy, horse racing creates about $1.4 billion New Zealand Dollars in revenue per year, and employs roughly 18,300 people. 59 areas in the country house racecourses of various sizes and 69 thoroughbred clubs licensed to race in the country.
3. Major Group 1 Races
The major group 1 races in New Zealand include the Karaka Million, the Karaka Million 3YO Classic, the Spring Classic, the New Zealand 1000 Guineas, the New Zealand 2000 Guineas, the New Zealand Cup, the Telegraph Handicap, the Wellington Cup, the Thorndon Mile, the Auckland Cup, the New Zealand Derby and the New Zealand Oaks. The Karaka Million is New Zealand’s priciest race, with a possible winning of $1,000,000 million New Zealand Dollars. The race is limited to thoroughbreds who are two years of age and who were sold through the New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sales in Karaka, Auckland.
4. Major Race Tracks
Major race tracks in New Zealand include the Ellerslie Racecourse, Riccarton Park and Trentham. Ellerslie is a prestigious and world renowned racecourse, known for its beautiful setting and grounds. The course is used for the big races such as the Karaka Million, Auckland Cup and New Zealand Derby. Riccarton Park is the main racecourse for the Christchurch metropolitan area, offers first class facilities and hosts the the New Zealand 1000 Guineas, the New Zealand 2000 Guineas and the New Zealand Cup. Trentham is the main racecourse for the Wellington area and hosts a number of major races including the Wellington Cup, the New Zealand Oaks, the Telegraph Handicap and the Thorndon Mile. Thought of as one of the best racecourses in the country, it provides for an elegant day out to view quality racing.
