New Zealand Oaks
New Zealand thoroughbred horse race
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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).
ClassGroup I
LocationEllerslie, Auckland
formerly Trentham, Wellington, New Zealand
formerly Trentham, Wellington, New Zealand
Race typeThoroughbred - Flat racing
Distance2400 m (12 furlongs)
| Class | Group I |
|---|---|
| Location | Ellerslie, Auckland formerly Trentham, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Race type | Thoroughbred - Flat racing |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 2400 m (12 furlongs) |
| Surface | Turf |
| Track | Right-handed (Ellerslie), Left-handed (Trentham) |
| Qualification | Three-year-old fillies |
| Weight | Set-Weights |
| Purse | NZ$1,000,000 (2026) |
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:
- Bonneval: twice New Zealand Horse of the Year, winner of the 2017 Cambridge Stud Sir Tristram Fillies Classic, Lowland Stakes, Australian Oaks (ATC), Feehan Stakes and Underwood Stakes.
- Glamour Bay: winner of the 1981 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes and ARC Royal Stakes and runner up in the 1980 New Zealand 1000 Guineas and 1980 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes.
- La Mer.
- Legs: the 2006 Kelt Capital Stakes winner.
- Pennyweka: winner of the 2023 Australian Oaks (ATC)
- Princess Coup: winner of the 2007 and 2008 Kelt Capital Stakes, 2008 Stoneybridge Stakes and 3rd in the Caulfield Cup.
- Savvy Coup: winner of the 2017 Eulogy Stakes, 2018 Lowland Stakes and Spring Classic plus 3rd in the 2018 Karaka Million 3Y0 Classic and Levin Classic.
- Solveig: the winner of the 1986 Avondale Cup and Captain Cook Stakes.
- Tycoon Lil: winner of 1997 New Zealand 1000 Guineas, 1998 Cambridge Stud Sir Tristram Fillies Classic and Canterbury Guineas, runner up in the 1997 New Zealand 2000 Guineas and Rosehill Guineas and 3rd to Might and Power in the 1998 Cox Plate.
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.