New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has shaken up its autumn schedule, moving two Group 1 races in order to help sustain their international status, while downgrading another to Group 2.
NZTR confirmed on Tuesday that the New Zealand Oaks will be run at Ellerslie Racecourse on February 21, 2026, two weeks before the New Zealand Derby.
The other schedule change sees the Group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes return to its traditional late-March timing at Awapuni, with the race to be held on Saturday, March 28, in 2026.
“NZTR has made necessary adjustments to preserve the quality of New Zealand’s Group 1 calendar, protect critical breeding pathways, and deliver top-class racing experiences nationwide,” NZTR chief executive Matt Ballesty said.
The New Zealand Oaks was in danger of being downgraded after three consecutive years below the required international ratings, prompting an Asian Pattern Committee (APC) review.
The decision to move it from after to before the Derby is aimed at attracting a better-quality field headed towards that feature and the Australian autumn.
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) chief executive Paul Wilcox said the change creates a chance to refresh the Oaks.
“The new February timing at Ellerslie strengthens pathways for fillies, creates synergy with the Derby two weeks later, and gives New Zealand’s classic calendar better alignment with Australia's autumn features,” he said.
As a result, the Group 2 Lowland Stakes will move to Wellington Cup Day on January 31 to sharpen the lead-in to the Oaks.
The New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes, New Zealand’s only Group 1 race exclusively for fillies and mares, was staged on Champions Day this year but will move back to late March, alongside the Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes.
A host of lead-up races will also be rescheduled ion what ahs bene slated as a one year trial.
Significantly, the Thorndon Mile has been downgraded from Group 1 to Group 2 status, having been an elite level race since the international pattern was brought in in the late 1970s. That race will continue to carry prizemoney of $500,000
Five New Zealand races came under review by the APC at its recent meeting, the New Zealand Oaks, New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes, Livamol Classic, Telegraph and Thorndon Mile. Under APC rules, a vote is triggered when a race records three consecutive runnings below the Group 1 benchmark and tolerance levels.
NZTR’s senior handicapper and APC representative Bruce Sherwin there were encouraging signs for New Zealand racing.
“New Zealand’s ratings have been impacted by the recent retirement of top horses, but levels are now rebuilding,” Sherwin said.
“Significant prize money increases, stronger turnover and renewed investment at the NZB sales are positive indicators. This season has also started strongly with the Group 1 Proisir Plate at Ellerslie showing excellent depth and quality.
“Looking ahead, it is critical our best horses contest Group 1 races if they are to remain at the highest level.”
