New Zealand Oaks

New Zealand Oaks
ClassGroup I
LocationEllerslie, Auckland
formerly Trentham, Wellington, New Zealand
Race typeThoroughbred - Flat racing
Race information
Distance2400 m (12 furlongs)
SurfaceTurf
TrackRight-handed (Ellerslie), Left-handed (Trentham)
QualificationThree-year-old fillies
WeightSet-Weights
PurseNZ$1,000,000 (2026)

The New Zealand Oaks is a Group 1 Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old fillies run at set weights over a distance of 2400 metres (1+1⁄2 miles).

Venue and scheduling

The New Zealand Oaks was run at Riccarton until 1972[1] and over the distance of 1+1⁄4 miles to 1974.

Until 2025 it was held on the third Saturday of March every year at Trentham Racecourse in Wellington, New Zealand. In 2025 it was raced on the same day as the:

  • Cuddle Stakes (Group 3, 1600m) for fillies and mares.
  • New Zealand St. Leger (2500m).
  • Wellington Guineas (Group 2, 1400m) for 3-year olds,
  • Lightning Handicap (listed open, 1200m).

The Levin Classic (1600m) for 3-year horses was raced on the Oaks race-day in 2022 and 2023, but was returned to January.

In September 2025 it was announced that the New Zealand Oaks would be shifted to Ellerslie Racecourse, Auckland, in an attempt to preserve the race's Group 1 status. The 2026 edition would be moved to an earlier date on February 21, two weeks before the NZ Derby so fillies have the option to start in the Derby and to provide a better pathway to races like the Australian Oaks in early April.[2]

The 2026 New Zealand Oaks was scheduled on the same days as the following races:

  • Uncle Remus Stakes (Group 3, 1400m) for 3 year olds.
  • Avondale Guineas (Group 2, 2100m) for 3 year olds.
  • Otaki-Maori Weight for Age (Group 1, 1600m), which had also been moved to Ellerslie
  • Avondale Cup (Group 3, 2400m), an open handicap.

Notable winners

With the consistent strength of New Zealand fillies, the race has an impressive list of winners, including:

Cup winners Empire Rose and Prize Lady were runners up.

Winning jockeys

The most successful jockeys have been:

  • Chris Johnson - 5 wins (1990, 1995, 1997, 1998 and 2018)
  • Opie Bosson - 5 wins (2000, 2003, 2007, 2010 and 2021)
  • Greg Childs - 4 wins (1982, 1983, 1984 and 1987)

Race results

Year
 Winner
 Sire
 Dam
 Jockey
 Trainer(s)
 Owner(s) Time
 Second
 Third
2026[3] Ohope Wins Ocean Park Choux Mania Joe Doyle Lance O'Sullivan & Andrew Scott Yu Long Investments (Australia) Pty Ltd 2:31.17 (soft) Autumn Glory Single Red
2025[4] Leica Lucy Derryn (Aus) Dynamite Lucy Craig Grylls Robbie Patterson, New Plymouth Aziz Kheir, Peter & Heather Crofskey 2:29.41 (soft) Dubai Gold Myakkabelle
2024[5] Pulchritudinous Wrote Showus Warren Kennedy Chad Ormsby[6] C Grace, J Walker, Riverrock Farm, D Roach & M J Moroney 2:29.67 (soft) Positivity Qali Al Farrasha
2023[7] Pennyweka Satono Aladdin (JPN) Threepence Ryan Elliott Jim Wallace The Galloping Wekas Jazweka Syndicate 2.31.18 (soft) Mehzebeen Mischief Managed
2022[8] Belle En Rouge Burgundy (NZ) Cavendish Belle Jason Laking Jamie Richards, Matamata Te Akau Beautiful In Red Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM) 2:31.07 (dead) Self Obsession Aspen Colorado
2021[9] Amarelinha Savabeel (AUS) Hopscotch Opie Bosson Jamie Richards, Matamata Te Akau Hopskip'n'jump Syndicate 2:29.65 Charms Star Llanacord
2020[10] Jennifer Eccles[11] Rip Van Winkle (Ire) Platinum Elle (NZ) Jason Waddell Shaune Ritchie, Cambridge Challenge No.10 Syndicate (Adrian Clark) 2:30.74 Vancooga Feel The Rush
2019[10] Sentimental Miss Reliable Man (GB) Nostalgic (Aus) Lisa Allpress Lisa Latta, Awapuni Go Racing Yesteryear Syndicate 2:35.08 Beyond The Fort Star Karen
2018[12] Savvy Coup Savabeel (AUS) Eudora Chris Johnson Michael & Matthew Pitman, Riccarton AM, AR, CJ, FH & JF Bruford, JD, LR & RA Coupland 2:29.03 Contessa Vanessa Milseain
2017[13] Bonneval Makfi Imposingly Matthew Cameron Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman, Cambridge T W Jarvis, A R Lawrence & J A Rattray 2:31.99 Devise Savvy Dreams
2016[14] Fanatic Shocking (Aus) Komplete Klass (NZ) Mark Hills Graeme Sanders & Debbie Sweeney, Te Awamutu SP Kiernan 2:29.47 Sofia Rosa Strada Cavallo
2015[15] Savaria Savabeel (AUS) Amathea (NZ) Hayden Tinsley Roydon Bergerson, Awapuni D P & Mrs K C Fleming 2:29.67 Platinum Witness Charmont
2014[16] Miss Mossman Mossman (Aus) Dane Promise (AUS) Johnathan Parkes John Sargent & Hayden Allen RBC Racing 2:27.78 Miss Selby Rock Diva
2013[17] More Than Sacred More Than Ready (USA) Danalaga (AUS) Leith Innes Tony Pike & Mark Donoghue, Cambridge Raffles Dancers (NZ) Pty Ltd 2:30.46 Blanket Bay Aurora Lights
2012[18] Artistic Darci Brahma (NZ) Artless (AUS) Michael Coleman Shaune Ritchie, Cambridge The Oaks Stud 2:28.39 Zurella Quintessential
2011[19] Midnight Oil[20] Keeper (AUS) Gilded Light (AUS) Rosie Myers Paul Duncan, Cambridge Nineteenth Syndicate 2:30.04 Zennista Insurgent
2010[21] Keep The Peace Keeper (AUS) Peace of Mind (NZ) Opie Bosson Shaune Ritchie, Cambridge P E Bellingham, L R & L R D Dittman 2:28.49 November Rain Zarzuela
2009[22] Jungle Rocket Jungle Pocket (Jap) Gu Li (NZ) James McDonald Jeff McVean, Cambridge C & Mrs L Betts, Mrs C & D Pleasance 2:30.07 Can't Keeper Down Mill Duckie
2008[23] Boundless Van Nistelrooy (USA) Nothing Less Hayden Tinsley Stephen McKee, Ardmore P A Dallimore, Trevor McKee ONZM, P N Miller & Mrs C N Taylor 2:28.74 Referred Pentura
2007[24] Princess Coup Encosta de Lago (AUS) Stoneyfell Road (AUS) Opie Bosson Mark Walker, Matamata Bromley Bloodstock Ltd & Ray Coupland 2:32.94 Overkaast Veloce Bella
2006[25] Legs Pins (AUS) River Century (NZ) David Walker Kevin Gray, Copper Belt Lodge Waikato Stud 2001 Ltd. 2:29.42 Out Of Align Falsetto
2005 Justa Tad Istidaad (USA) Infinity Vincent Colgan Rudy Liefting, Takanini R P Liefting 2:29.52 Prize Lady Sahara Flight
2004 Wharite Princess His Royal Highness Regal Visit (by Vice Regal) Bruce Herd Lisa Latta, Awapuni NM Cantwell, MR Curd, TA Robinson, KJ Tod, KR Williams & RJ Wong 2:26.88 Filante Etoile Midnight Kiss
2003 Bramble Rose Shinko King (Ire) Images (NZ) Opie Bosson Sir Mark Todd, Cambridge Rivermonte Racing Syndicate 2:27.71 The Jewell Lady Annaliese
2002 Vapour Trail Jetball (Aus) Devil's Lair (NZ) Scott Seamer Donna & Dean Logan, Ruakaka P J & P M Vela Ltd 2:30.88 Sursum Corda Damaschino
2001 Tapildo[26][27] Rhythm (USA) Emulate (NZ) Mark Du Plessis Sheila Laxon Ian M & Sydney T Taplin 2:28.05 Singalong Danasia
2000 She's Country Kenfair Cross Country Opie Bosson Bruce Wallace, Takanini TJ Bodle 2:29.80 Hill of Grace You Beauty
1999 Savannah Success Success Express (USA) Alma Mater (AUS) Lance O'Sullivan Graeme Rogerson JM Haseler & GA Rogerson 2:28.48 Pravda No Alimony
1998 Tycoon Lil Last Tycoon (Ire) Imposing Bloom II (NZ) Chris Johnson Colin Jillings & Richard Yiull, Takanini PJ Walker 2:31.10 Pavan Kilmore Quay
1997 Sawatdee Deputy Governor (USA) Chanson D'Amour Chris Johnson Alan Howatson, Hawera I B Cassels, C F Dunbar, A E & R O Nicol 2:28.71 Bao Cacao Taupari Lass
1996 Alacrity Grosvenor (NZ) Daybreak Express (AUS) Brian Hibberd Mike Moroney, Matamata Mrs A & D Paykel & Mrs EI Wells 2:28.87 The Lions Roar San Goma
1995 Tartan Tights Tights (USA) Ultra Sound Chris Johnson Ellis Winsloe, Gore G L Robertson 2:26.26 Rampage Queen Sneetch
1994 Snap Kingdom Bay Crackle Lance O'Sullivan Dave & Paul O'Sullivan, Matamata Mrs LM O'Sullivan & Lord Robin Tavistock[28] 2:28.17 Facing The Music Mess
1993 Miltak McGinty (NZ) Encore (NZ) David Walsh Dave & Paul O'Sullivan, Matamata Miktak Syndicate 2:30.03 Village Dancer Slanchyvah
1992 Staring Fiesta Star (AUS) Sweet Violet (NZ) Noel Harris Murray Baker, Woodville Grovedale Trust & MK Gyde 2:28.96 Conifer Bay Fine Design
1991 Let's Sgor Creag-An-Sgor Alycide Larry Cassidy Murray Baker, Woodville MA Fisher, PM Paterson, EGL Simpson & TG Whiteman 2:30.22 Plume Narration
1990 Domino Grosvenor (NZ) Tupelo Honey Chris Johnson Jim Campin, Cambridge J W Campin 2:29.81 Blue Music Te Akau Pearl
1989 Regal Empress Triumphal March (USA) Empress Lu (NZ) Catherine Tremayne RN & Mrs MS Fraser, Mrs JA Lang & NA Leitch 2:30.60 Kate's Myth Sarah Fay
1988 Candide Sound Reason (Can) Country Flower (NZ) Ross Elliott M & Miss SA Joseph & Trans Media Park Stud Pty Ltd 2:27.96 Savana City Red Chifton
1987 Starline Sir Tristram (Ire) Star Lot Greg Childs Ray Verner, Takanini Miss MB Macdougall & Mrs LS Otway 2:32.30 Sounds Like Fun Etoile d'Or
1986 Royal Heights Sir Tristram (Ire) Claudine Wawrick Robinson Ross Douglas, Morrinsville Mr and Mrs R F Douglas 2:26.50 Empire Rose Eau D'Etoile
1985 Solveig Imposing Soliloquoy Grant Cooksley Colin Curnow & Trevor McKee, Takanini RE & RWE Moore 2:28.94 Pass A Glance Avana
1984 Zepherin Zephyr Bay Lucky Bid Greg Childs Jim Gibbs & Roger James, Matamata Balcarres Stud Ltd 2:29.11 Duanette's Girl Aptitude
1983 Aulyn Auk Helyn Greg Childs Ray Verner, Takanini BM Mollet 2:28.03 Trafficker Our Flight
1982 Maurita Harbor Prince Cathmol Greg Childs Jim Gibbs, Matamata PR Kearns, A O'Malley & E Yee 2:31.25 Amrica Placio
1981 Glamour Bay Zephyr Bay Glamour Test (by Test Case) Bruce Compton FR Begueley, Matamata K Joe, JH Lindsay & J McAnnalley 2:29.25 Summer Haze Just From Santa
1980 Supreme Glory Final Orders Supreme One Jim Walker H Furness, Paeroa CE Proctor, MG & Mrs Thwaites 2:30.25 Pays Anne Firefly
1979 Tang Taipan II Agricolet (by Agricola) Des Harris Charlie Cameron, Hastings DB & EJ Callaghan & RM Miller 2:29.25 Tui's Lass Springtide (relegated from 2nd)
1978 Athenaia Hermes Meleina (by Timanova) Robert Vance Colin Jillings, Takanini Sir Tristran Antico, Mrs DH Munro & TJ Smith 2:28.50 Mun Lee Kindled
1977 La Mer Copenhagen II La Balsa Des Harris Malcolm Smith, New Plymouth 2:29.25 Blintz Star Chick
1976 Eastern Time Hermes Letty (by Klorassan) David Peake Royce Dowling, Te Rapa J L Chionbian 2:32.00 Entice Nena
1975 Princess Patrice Charicles How About That Gary Phillips M C Conway, Avondale DA Hagar & PS Wilson 2:28.5
1974 Sweet Offer Sucaryl Fair Offer Gary Phillips Brian Deacon, Hawera ID & Mrs Parsons 2:29.75
1972 Brown Satin Mellay (GB) Satinette[29] AK Robinson BG, C and JWG White 2:04.6
1971 Young Ida Oncidium (GB) Young Margaret II (Ire) [30] JA Messent JHT Duncan 2:05.4
1970 Devante Sobig Skylit[31] JA Messent C J Cameron, Hastings MW Owen & TS Sellwood 2:02.6
1969 Princess Mellay[32] Mellay (GB) Princess Ermine [33] AK Robinson Mrs HA Anderton 2:03.4

There was no race in 1973.

See also

References

  1. ^ "25 NZ Oaks winners, 1969-1993 & their stud records". 25 NZ Oaks winners, 1969-1993 & their stud records | New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Association.
  2. ^ Guerin, Michael. "New Zealand Oaks moving to Ellerslie to save Group 1 status". NZ Herald.
  3. ^ https://loveracing.nz/RaceInfo/54904/8/Race-Detail.aspx
  4. ^ "Race 8 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 22 MAR 2025 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz. Retrieved Mar 24, 2025.
  5. ^ "Race 8 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 16 MAR 2024 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz. Archived from the original on 16 March 2024. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  6. ^ "Oaks heroine gives Ormsby a different kind of Group One". loveracing.nz. Archived from the original on 2024-03-16. Retrieved 2024-03-16.
  7. ^ "Race 8 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 18 MAR 2023 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz. Archived from the original on 19 March 2023. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
  8. ^ "Race 8 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 19 MAR 2022 | LOVERACING.NZ". Archived from the original on 19 March 2022. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  9. ^ "Race 8 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 20 MAR 2021 | LOVERACING.NZ". Archived from the original on 18 March 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  10. ^ a b "Race 8 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 14 MAR 2020 | LOVERACING.NZ". Archived from the original on 18 March 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  11. ^ "Racing: Jennifer Eccles on song in Oaks".
  12. ^ "Race 8 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 17 MAR 2018 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  13. ^ "Race 8 WELLFIELD NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 18 MAR 2017 | LOVERACING.NZ". Archived from the original on 12 February 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  14. ^ "Race 8 WELLFIELD NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 19 MAR 2016 | LOVERACING.NZ". Archived from the original on 18 March 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  15. ^ "Race 9 WELLFIELD NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 14 MAR 2015 | LOVERACING.NZ". Archived from the original on 18 March 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  16. ^ "Race 9 WELLFIELD NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 15 MAR 2014 | LOVERACING.NZ". Archived from the original on 18 March 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  17. ^ "Race 9 WELLFIELD NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 16 MAR 2013 | LOVERACING.NZ". Archived from the original on 18 March 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  18. ^ "Race 8 WELLFIELD NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 17 MAR 2012 | LOVERACING.NZ". Archived from the original on 18 March 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  19. ^ "Race 8 WELLFIELD NEW ZEALAND OAKS GROUP 1 at WELLINGTON RC on 19 MAR 2011 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  20. ^ "Midnight Oil shines in the Oaks > Australia and International Horse Racing news updated daily".
  21. ^ "Race 8 WELLFIELD NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 20 MAR 2010 | LOVERACING.NZ". Archived from the original on 18 March 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  22. ^ "Race 8 NEW ZEALAND BLOODSTOCK INSURANCE NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 14 MAR 2009 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz. Archived from the original on 16 March 2023. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
  23. ^ "Race 8 GILLIES GROUP NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 15 MAR 2008 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz. Archived from the original on 16 March 2023. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
  24. ^ "Race 8 NEW WORLD NZ OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 17 MAR 2007 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz. Archived from the original on 16 March 2023. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
  25. ^ "Race 8 NEW ZEALAND BLOODSTOCK NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 18 MAR 2006 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz. Archived from the original on 16 March 2023. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
  26. ^ "Racing: NZ Oaks winner scores - Racing News". The New Zealand Herald. November 17, 2024.
  27. ^ "Racing: Tapildo up against globetrotters". The New Zealand Herald. November 17, 2024.
  28. ^ "Racing: Duke of Bedford dies - Sport News".
  29. ^ "Brown Satin (NZ) 1969 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". Archived from the original on 2022-03-18. Retrieved 2022-03-18.
  30. ^ "Young Ida (NZ) 1968 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". Archived from the original on 2022-03-18. Retrieved 2022-03-18.
  31. ^ "Devante (NZ) 1967 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz. Archived from the original on 2022-10-01. Retrieved 2022-03-18.
  32. ^ "Racing: Shades of Princess Mellay". 14 November 2011. Archived from the original on 18 March 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  33. ^ "Princess Mellay (NZ) 1966 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". Archived from the original on 2022-03-18. Retrieved 2022-03-18.
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