Finalists revealed for New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year awards

The finalists for the 2025/26 New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards have been announced, with the country’s leading performers set to be recognised at Auckland’s New Zealand International Convention Centre on September 6.

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) chief executive Matt Ballesty said the finalists highlighted the depth of talent showcased throughout the season.

“This year’s finalists represent the very best of New Zealand thoroughbred racing and the outstanding performances we have witnessed throughout the season,” Ballesty said.

“We have seen some genuine stars emerge, established champions reach new heights and performances that have captured the imagination of racing fans both here and overseas.”

Among the standout contenders are unbeaten fillies Lara Antipova and Well Written, who headline the Champion Two-Year-Old and Champion Three-Year-Old categories respectively.

Lara Antipova earned her place among the juvenile finalists after winning all four of her starts, while Cambridge-trained Well Written put together one of the season’s most remarkable campaigns. The daughter of Written Tycoon won five of six starts, including the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas, the Karaka Millions 3YO and the $4 million NZB Kiwi, New Zealand’s richest race.

Well Written faces strong opposition in the Champion Three-Year-Old division from Belle Cheval, Ohope Wins and Road To Paris. Belle Cheval enhanced her credentials by claiming the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes in Australia, while Ohope Wins and Road To Paris secured New Zealand Oaks and Derby victories respectively.

The Champion Sprinter-Miler category features dual Group 1 winner First Five alongside Waitak, Jaarffi, Provence and Australian-trained star Jigsaw. Waitak is also a finalist for Champion Middle Distance Horse, where he will contest honours against Kingswood and retiring champion mare Legarto.

Ballesty said the awards also recognise the people behind the sport’s success.

“The Awards also provide an important opportunity to acknowledge the jockeys, trainers, owners, stable staff, media and many others whose skill, commitment and hard work underpin those achievements,” he said.

All equine category winners will be eligible for the Horse of the Year title, to be decided by the Awards Voting Panel.