New Zealand 2000 Guineas
| Class | Group I |
|---|---|
| Location | Riccarton Park Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Inaugurated | 1973 |
| Race type | Thoroughbred – Flat racing |
| Website | Riccarton Park |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 1600m (1 mile) |
| Surface | Turf |
| Track | Left-handed |
| Qualification | Three-year-olds |
| Weight | Set-Weights |
| Purse | NZ$700,000 (2025) |
The New Zealand 2000 Guineas is a Group One set-weight Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old horses run over a distance of 1600 metres at Riccarton Park in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Christchurch New Zealand cup week
The New Zealand 2000 Guineas was previously held on the first day of Christchurch's famous New Zealand Cup Week. In 2025 it was held on the following Saturday on the same day as the New Zealand Cup.
For thoroughbred horses the week also features:
- the New Zealand 1000 Guineas for 3 year old fillies (the Saturday prior to the New Zealand 2000 Guineas)
- the TAB Mile (formerly the Coupland's Bakeries Mile) on the Wednesday
- the Stewards Handicap sprint (also on New Zealand Cup day).
Christchurch Cup week includes premier standardbred meetings at Addington raceway including:
- the New Zealand Trotting Cup for pacers on the Tuesday
- the Dominion Handicap for trotters on the Tuesday (in prior years it was on the Friday)
- the New Zealand Free For All for pacers on the Friday.
There is also greyhound racing on the Thursday, including the following Group 1 races:
- the New Zealand Galaxy - C5f 295m ($40,000 stake)
- the New Zealand Greyhound Cup - C5f 525m ($100,000)
- the New Zealand Stayers Cup - C2df 732m ($40,000)
The week also features the Canterbury A&P Show
History
Until 1973, both the New Zealand Oaks and the New Zealand Derby were run at Riccarton. When those races were moved to Trentham Racecourse and Ellerslie Racecourse respectively, Riccarton was awarded two new classic races, the New Zealand 1000 Guineas and the New Zealand 2000 Guineas over 1600m. These races are based on the 1000 Guineas Stakes and 2000 Guineas Stakes, run at Newmarket in late April or early May.
Both races quickly established themselves on the New Zealand racing calendar.
Notable winners
Among the best recent winners of the 2000 Guineas are:
- Turn Me Loose, winner of the 2015 Crystal Mile, Seymour Cup & Emirates Stakes and 2016 Futurity Stakes.
- Jimmy Choux, winner of the 2011 New Zealand Derby, Rosehill Guineas, Windsor Park Plate and Spring Classic.
- Katie Lee, winner of the 2009 New Zealand 1000 Guineas.
- Darci Brahma, winner of the 2005 The T J Smith, Hawke's Bay Guineas & Otaki-Maori Weight for Age, 2007 Waikato Sprint & Telegraph Handicap.
- King's Chapel, winner of the 2004 Telegraph Handicap, Otaki-Maori Weight for Age & Gold Coast Guineas.
- Veandercross, winner of the 1992 Mackinnon Stakes & Canterbury Guineas and 1993 Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Ranvet Stakes & Australian Cup.
- Sacred Falls, winner of the 2013 and 2014 Doncaster Handicap and the 2014 George Main Stakes.
Jockey Opie Bosson has won the race a record eight times with:
- Danske (1998).
- Buzz Lightyear (1999).
- King's Chapel (2003).
- Katie Lee (2009).
- Atlante (2013).
- Turn Me Loose (2014).
- Embellish (2017).
- Noverre (2021).
1000 and 2000 Guineas
Katie Lee is the only horse to win both of these races, having done so in 2009 ridden by Opie Bosson and trained by Graeme & Debbie Rogerson for owners Sir Patrick & Lady Hogan.
In 1997 Tycoon Lil won the 1000 Guineas and 4 days later was 2nd behind Foxwood in the 2000 Guineas.
In 2014 Platinum Witness was 4th in the 2000 Guineas behind Turn Me Loose and then a week later won the 1000 Guineas.
Hawke's Bay Guineas winners
Horses who have won the Hawke's Bay Guineas that have gone on to win the New Zealand 2000 Guineas include:
- Savaglee (2024)
- Pier (2022)
- Aegon (2020)
- Catalyst (2019)
- Madison County (2018)
- Turn Me Loose (2014)
- Sacred Falls (2012)
Race results
| Year |
Winner |
Breeding |
Jockey |
Trainer |
Owner(s) |
Time | Second |
Third |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025[1] | Romanoff[2] | Belardo - Tsarina Belle | Bruno Queiroz | Pam Gerard[3][4] | Wally Campbell, Adrian Mathieson, Natalie Walker et al | 1:40.38 (heavy) | Affirmative Action | Shoma |
| 2024[5] | Savaglee | Savabeel (Aus) - Glee | Samantha Spratt | Pam Gerard | The Oaks Stud | 1:33.86 (good) | Love Poem | Domain Ace |
| 2023[6] | Crocetti[7] | Zacinto (GB) - Gracehill | Warren Kennedy | Danny Walker & Aaron Tata | Daniel Nakhle | 1:34.59 (good) | Talisker | To Catch A Thief |
| 2022 [8] | Pier | Proisir (Aus) - La Vitesse | Michael McNab | Darryn & Briar Weatherley, Matamata | B W P Wright, D R & Mrs L M Weatherley & Mr Aziz Kheir | 1:36.72 (good) | Desert Lightning | Prowess |
| 2021 [9] | Noverre | Savabeel (Aus) - Magic Dancer | Opie Bosson | Jamie Richards, Matamata | Te Akau 2020 Stallion Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM) | 1:35.11 (good) | Meritable | Field Of Gold |
| 2020 [10] | Aegon | Sacred Falls (NZ) - Toss Up | Leith Innes | Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman, Cambridge | A C Forsman & Zame Partnership | 1:35.96 (good) | Bourbonaire | Marine |
| 2019 [11] | Catalyst | Darci Brahma - Evana | Troy Harris | Clayton Chipperfield, Te Awamutu | D Karreman | 1:36.07 (good) | Harlech | Sherwood Forest |
| 2018 [12] | Madison County | Pins (Aus) - Red Delicious | Matt Cameron | Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman, Cambridge | China Horse Club | 1:37.73 (heavy) | Dawn Patrol | Sir Nate |
| 2017 [13] | Embellish | Savabeel (Aus) - Bling | Opie Bosson | Stephen Autridge & Jamie Richards, Matamata | Te Akau 2016 Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: K W Fenton-Ellis MNZM) | 1:34.80 (good) | Age Of Fire | Ever Loyal |
| 2016 [14] | Ugo Foscolo | Zacinto (GB) - Bequests | Michael Coleman | Stephen Marsh, Cambridge | JML Bloodstock (Mgr: L Petagna), T Muollo, P W O'Rourke, Ms R Phillippo, T I Bawden & KJ Hickman | 1:33.81 (good) | Saville Row | Heroic Valour |
| 2015 [15] | Xtravagant | Pentire (GB) - Axiom | Matt Cameron | Stephen Autridge & Jamie Richards, Matamata | Te Akau 2014 Breeding Syndicate | 1:33.59 (good) | Battle Time | Serena Miss |
| 2014 [16] | Turn Me Loose | Iffraaj (GB) - Indomitable | Opie Bosson | Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman, Cambridge | S Brown, L de Souza, T Hartley, J Lark, D Painter, J Robertson & P Vawdrey | 1:35.00 (good) | Rockfast | Prince Mambo |
| 2013 [17] | Atlante | Fastnet Rock (Aus) - Readyforcatherine | Opie Bosson | Murray Baker, Cambridge | Ms. R. Phillippo | 1:36.47 (good) | Chambord | Gobi Ranger |
| 2012 [18] | Sacred Falls | O'Reilly (NZ) - Iguazu's Girl | Leith Innes | Tony Pike & Mark Donoghue, Cambridge | Raffles Dancers Ltd | 1:34.95 (good) | Oasis Rose | Warhorse |
| 2011 [19] | Rock 'n' Pop | Fastnet Rock (Aus) - Popsy | Jamie Bullard | Jason Bridgman, Matamata | Te Akau Rock 'n' Pop Syndicate | 1:35.62 (firm) | Anabandana | Dollario |
| 2010 [20] | Jimmy Choux | Thorn Park (Aus) - Cierzo | Jonathan Riddell | John Bary, Hastings | Chouxmaani Investments Ltd. | 1:39.46 (heavy) | He's Remarkable | Twilight Savings |
| 2009 [21] | Katie Lee | Pins (Aus) - Miss Jessie Jay | Opie Bosson | Graeme & Debbie Rogerson | Sir Patrick & Lady Hogan | 1:34.91 (good) | Military Move | Clapton |
| 2008 [22] | Tell A Tale | Tale Of The Cat (USA) - Cheeky Veronika | Troy Harris | Mark Walker, Matamata | Fortuna (No 5) Syndicate | 1:34.28 (good) | Il Quello Veloce | Minstrel Court |
| 2007[23] | The Pooka | Tobougg (Ire) - The Banchee | Lisa Cropp | John Wheeler, New Plymouth | P Holland, Markwood Lodge, G D Rutherford, J R Wheeler | 1:35.18 (good) | Alamosa | Rios |
| 2006 [24] | Magic Cape | Magic Albert (Aus) - Cape City | Patrick Holmes | Shaune Ritchie, Cambridge | PC Alexandre Mrs C A & M H Arnott, G I Barnett, D F Emerson, W A Pellett, G G Peterson, Mrs A P Ritchie, Miss C M Webster & M G Wills | 1:38.08 (soft) | Jokers Wild | Princess Coup |
| 2005 | Darci Brahma[25] | Danehill (USA) - Grand Echezeaux | Michael Walker | Mark Walker, Matamata | Te Akau Stud | 1:37.35 (good) | Captain Kurt | Crusoe |
| 2004 | Clean Sweep[26] | End Sweep (USA) - Eidercrown (Can) | Michael Coleman | Michael Moroney & Andrew Scott, Matamata | MP Brown et al. | 1:34.92 (good) | Ambitious Owner | The Raj |
| 2003 | King's Chapel[27] | King Of Kings (Ire) - Lower Chapel (GB) | Opie Bosson | Mark Walker, Matamata | Tauranga Syndicate | 1:36.34 (firm) | Sarah Vee | Kainui Belle |
| 2002 | Hustler[28] | Al Akbar (Aus) - Flush | Noel Harris | Paul Harris, Rangiora[29] | PW Jolly & JP Reid | 1:35.64 (soft) | The Jewel | Bois |
| 2001 | Master Belt[30] | Masterclass (USA) - Lady Di | Brian Hibberd | Kevin Gray, Copper Belt Lodge | K & KA Gray | 1:34.61 (good) | San Luis | Leica Guv |
| 2000 | Tit For Taat[31] | Faltaat (USA) - Miss Kiwitea | Hayden Tinsley | Wayne & Anne Herbert | RI & WS Scott | 1:37.37 (soft) | Sir Clive | Danamite |
| 1999 | Buzz Lightyear[32] | Gold Brose (Aus) - Excitable Kid (USA) | Opie Bosson | Robert Priscott, Te Awamutu | TW, MT & CE Jarvis | 1:35.09 (firm) | Thee Old Dragon | Ad Alta |
| 1998 | Danske[33] | Danehill (USA) - Our Tristalight | Opie Bosson | Paul O'Sullivan, Matamata | January Syndicate | 1:34.41 (good) | So Casual | Power And Fame |
| 1997 | Foxwood[34] | Centaine (Aus) - Delia's Choice | Bruce Herd | Roger James, Cambridge | Mrs HA & Mrs JM Hannan | 1:34.24 (good) | Tycoon Lil | Trust In Ben |
| 1996 | Hero[35] | Deputy Governor (USA) - Domino | Catherine Treymane | Jim Campin, Cambridge | JW Campin | 1:34.79 (firm) | Batavian | Bubble |
| 1995 | Be Boss[36] | Le Belvedere (USA) - Champagne On Ice | Robert Vance | Jenny Vance | K W Lo & Mrs Jenny Vance | 1:36.02 (good) | Peer Gynt | Magic McGinty |
| 1994 | Avedon[37] | Famous Star (GB) - Harper's Bazaar | Darryl Bradley | Patrick Campbell, Awapuni | Mrs M H & R C Spotswood | 1:36.71 (firm) | Asahi | Vedodara |
| 1993 | Facing The Music[38] | Sackford (USA) - Composing | Chris Johnson | Mike Ingram | Mike B Ingram | 1:35.69 (firm) | Makarpura Star | Shatin Heights |
| 1992 | Hulastrike[39] | Straight Strike (USA) - She Might Hula (USA) | Lance O'Sullivan | Dave & Paul O'Sullivan, Matamata | Futurity Bloodstock Ltd | 1:34.14 (good) | Mr Richfield | Rhythm |
| 1991 | Veandercross[40] | Crossways (GB) - Lavender (NZ) | Jim Walker | Chris Turner, New Plymouth | B & C B Turner | 1:35.78 (soft) | Captain Cook | Mafioso |
| 1990 | Surfers Paradise[41] | Crested Wave (USA) - Lady Aythorpe | Darrel Lang | Dave & Paul O'Sullivan, Matamata | F Cheung, K Chong, G Fong & J D Smith | 1:34.12 (good) | Eagle Eye | Full Time |
| 1989 | Finnegan Fox [42] | Silver Blaze (USA) - Gold Shine | Larry Cassidy | Brian Hayter, Hawera | B Hayter | 1:36.20 (good) | Centime | Castletown |
| 1988 | Krona[43] | Icelandic (Ire) - Daley's Point (Aus) | Peter Tims | Roger McGlade, Taupo | H R & Mrs H McGlade | 1:34.43 (good) | Testament | Straight Order |
| 1987 | Weston Lea [44] | Sea Anchor (Ire) - Bruree | Tony Allan | Laurie Laxon, Cambridge | Haunui Farm Ltd & E N Peacocke | 1:35.54 (good) | Westminster | Satisfy |
| 1986 | Steely Dan [45] | Standaan (Fra) - Miss Jubilee | Gary Grylls | Tony Gillies | W T Callahan, R L Kennedy, J C Parkes & A J J Parkinson | 1:36.85 (soft) | Mickey's Town | Arctic Wolf |
| 1985 | Random Chance [46][47] | Three Legs (GB) - Libby | Shane Anderton | Brian Anderton, Wingatui | G W & Mrs L J McDonnell | 1:35.48 (good) | Field Dancer | Bonecrusher |
| 1984 | Kingdom Bay[48] | Otehi Bay (Aus) - Golden Praise | Noel Harris | Jack Taylor, Stratford | D & Mrs D M Whittington | 1:34.64 (fast) | Governor's Bay | Our Buddy |
| 1983 | Gaffa[49] | My Friend Paul (USA) - Kara Sea | Grant L Cooksley | David Kerr, Riccarton | D M Kerr | 1:35.42 (firm) | Lacka Reason | Tanalyse |
| 1982 | Clansman[50] | Aythorpe (Ire) - Ruth's Beau | Ally Robinson | David Kerr, Riccarton | G D Cameron | 1:38.84 (firm) | Our Flight | Freewheeling |
| 1981 | Altitude[51] | Magnesia (USA) - High Trick | Stephen Autridge | Bill Ford, Matamata | N B Hunt | 1:36.05 (firm) | Dig In | Row Of Waves |
| 1980 | Sir Avon[52] | Avon Valley (GB) - Ballometes | Bruce Compton | JE & JW Winder, Cambridge | J S Nuttall & J E Winder | 1:41.69 (soft) | Amyl | King Kaka |
| 1979 | Little Brown Jug [53] | Godavari (Ire) - Pease | Alberto L (Tito) Poblete | Peter Jones, Riccarton | Barney Ballin | 1:41.56 (soft) | Top Castle | Mighty King |
| 1978 | Teddy Doon[54] | Rapier II (GB) - Smokey City | R Franklin | Graeme Rogerson, Te Rapa | I W Allen | 1:38.7 (firm) | Lejano | Holy Toledo |
| 1977 | Uncle Remus[55] | Bandmaster II (Ire) - Tusitana | Robert Vance | Colin Jillings, Takanini | K F Clotworthy & Mrs G M Donaldson | 1:35.6 (firm) | Braless | Greek Magic |
| 1976 | Vice Regal[56] | Bismark II (GB) - Kind Regards | Garry Edge | Jim Campin, Cambridge | E W Cameron & J W Campin | 1:36.6 | ||
| 1975 | Balmerino[57] | Trictrac (Fra) - Dulcie | Maurice Campbell | Brian Smith, Cambridge | Ralph K Stuart | 1:37.4 (firm) | March Legend | Nurlootpa |
| 1974 | Persuasian | My Heart | J R Dowling | Kevin Old, Matamata | N B Hunt | 1:36.6 | ||
| 1973 | Furys Order[58] | Indian Order (GB) - Our Fury | Des Harris | Wally McEwan, Hawera | L H Bridgeman | 1:37 (firm) | Iechyd | Pakistan Flight |
See also
References
- ^ "Race 8 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI 53RD NEW ZEALAND 2000 GUINEAS at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 15 NOV 2025". Love Racing.
- ^ "Romanoff (NZ) Rules in New Zealand 2000 Guineas". NZB Thoroughbred. 17 November 2025.
- ^ Guerin, Michael. "Stablemates fight out Guineas on Riccarton's day of drama". NZ Herald.
- ^ "Romanoff heads Gerard quinella in 2000 Guineas". Love Racing.
- ^ "Race 10 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI 52nd NEW ZEALAND 2000 GUINEAS at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 9 NOV 2024". Love Racing.
- ^ "Race 9 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI 51ST NEW ZEALAND 2000 GUINEAS at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 11 NOV 2023". Love Racing.
- ^ "Crocetti confirms superstar quality in 2000 Guineas". NZ Racing News. Archived from the original on 11 November 2023. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
- ^ "Race 9 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI 50TH NEW ZEALAND 2000 GUINEAS at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 5 NOV 2022". Love Racing.
- ^ "Race 8 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI 49TH NEW ZEALAND 2000 GUINEAS at RICCARTON PARK – CANTERBURY JC on 6 NOV 2021". Love Racing.
- ^ "Race 8 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI 48TH NEW ZEALAND 2000 GUINEAS at RICCARTON PARK – CANTERBURY JC on 7 NOV 2020". Love Racing.
- ^ "Race 7 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD 47TH NEW ZEALAND 2000 GUINEAS at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 9 NOV 2019". Love Racing.
- ^ "Race 7 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD 46TH NEW ZEALAND 2000 GUINEAS at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 10 NOV 2018". Love Racing.
- ^ "Race 7 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD 45TH NZ 2000 GUINEAS at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 11 NOV 2017". Love Racing.
- ^ "Race 7 SOTHYS 44TH NEW ZEALAND 2000 GUINEAS at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 5 NOV 2016". Love Racing.
- ^ "Race 7 SOTHYS 43RD NEW ZEALAND 2000 GUINEAS at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 7 NOV 2015". Love Racing.
- ^ "Race 7 SOTHYS 42ND NEW ZEALAND 2000 GUINEAS at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 8 NOV 2014". Love Racing.
- ^ "Race 7 SOTHYS 41ST NEW ZEALAND 2000 GUINEAS at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 9 NOV 2013". Love Racing.
- ^ "Race 7 SOTHYS 40TH NEW ZEALAND 2000 GUINEAS at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 10 NOV 2012". Love Racing.
- ^ "Race 7 SOTHYS 39TH NEW ZEALAND 2000 GUINEAS at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 5 NOV 2011". Love Racing.
- ^ "Race 7 NEW ZEALAND 2000 GUINEAS at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 6 NOV 2010". Love Racing.
- ^ "Race 7 NEW ZEALAND 2000 GUINEAS at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 7 NOV 2009". Love Racing.
- ^ "Race 9 FIRST SOVEREIGN TRUST NEW ZEALAND 2000 GUINEAS at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 15 NOV 2008". Love Racing.
- ^ "Race 9 FIRST SOVEREIGN TRUST NEW ZEALAND 2000 GUINEAS at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 17 NOV 2007". Love Racing.
- ^ "Race 9 FIRST SOVEREIGN TRUST NEW ZEALAND 2000 GUINEAS at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 18 NOV 2006". Love Racing.
- ^ "Darci Brahma (NZ) 2002". Love Racing.
- ^ "Clean Sweep (NZ) 2001". Love Racing.
- ^ "King's Chapel (AUS) 2000". Love Racing.
- ^ "Hustler (NZ) 1999". Love Racing.
- ^ reporters, Stuff sports (27 December 2023). "Prominent Canterbury racing trainer Paul Harris dies suddenly". Stuff.
- ^ "Master Belt (NZ) 1998". Love Racing.
- ^ "Tit For Taat (NZ) 1997". Love Racing.
- ^ "Buzz Lightyear (NZ) 1996". Love Racing.
- ^ "Danske (NZ) 1995". Love Racing.
- ^ "Foxwood (NZ) 1994". Love Racing.
- ^ "Hero (NZ) 1993". Love Racing.
- ^ "Be Boss (NZ) 1992". Love Racing.
- ^ "Avedon (NZ) 1991". Love Racing.
- ^ "Facing The Music (NZ) 1990". Love Racing.
- ^ "Hulastrike (NZ) 1989". Love Racing.
- ^ "Veandercross (NZ) 1988". Love Racing.
- ^ "Surfers Paradise (NZ) 1987". Love Racing.
- ^ "Finnegan Fox (NZ) 1986". Love Racing.
- ^ "Krona (NZ) 1985". Love Racing.
- ^ "Weston Lea (NZ) 1984". Love Racing.
- ^ "Steely Dan (NZ) 1983". Love Racing.
- ^ "Brian Anderton Reflects on the Thoroughbred History of NZ".
- ^ "Random Chance (NZ) 1982". Love Racing.
- ^ "Kingdom Bay (NZ) 1981". Love Racing.
- ^ "Gaffa (NZ) 1980". Love Racing.
- ^ "Clansman (NZ) 1979". Love Racing.
- ^ "Altitude (NZ) 1978". Love Racing.
- ^ "Sir Avon (NZ) 1977". Love Racing.
- ^ "Little Brown Jug (NZ) 1976". Love Racing.
- ^ "Teddy Doon (NZ) 1975". Love Racing.
- ^ "Uncle Remus (NZ) 1974". Love Racing.
- ^ "Vice Regal (NZ) 1973". Love Racing.
- ^ "Balmerino (NZ) 1972". Love Racing.
- ^ "Fury's Order (NZ) 1970". Love Racing.