Champions Day NZ seems to be a moving feast!

[Chief Stipe]

$100k Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy Confirmed for Champions Day

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) have confirmed the inclusion of the new $100k Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy – a 3YO SW&P 1500m race on Champions Day, 8 March 2025 at Ellerslie Racecourse. 

Responding to feedback from Slot Holders and industry participants, the Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy will ensure the selected emergency horses are ready to compete if required to replace scratched runners from the final field of the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) – the Southern Hemisphere’s richest 3YO race. 

To accommodate the new 3YO race, NZTR and ATR have deleted the previously scheduled 2400m Benchmark 75 race on Champions Day. This change will allow the Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy to provide the pool from which emergency horses for the NZB Kiwi will be chosen.

The Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy is open to all 3YOs, not just NZB Kiwi eligible 3YOs, however, the pool of four emergency runners for the NZB Kiwi will be chosen first from eligible horses that are acceptors for the Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy. 

The decision aligns with international best practices observed in other slot races, such as The Everest in Syndey and the Sunlight slot race in Queensland, where emergencies are sourced from a corresponding race held on the same day over the same track and distance.

This addition follows collaborative discussions between NZTR, Slot Holders and ATR, which highlighted the benefits for all stakeholders.

NZTR Chief Operating Officer Darin Balcombe is pleased to announce the new race.

“Emergency horses for the NZB Kiwi will be prepared to race under identical conditions (same track, distance and day), ensuring they are ready to perform at their best if required.” 

“Connections of emergency horses will no longer need to disrupt their plans for other races, as they can specifically target the Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy without impacting future campaigns.

“The race gives some level of comfort to Slot Holders, while adding depth to the Champions Day card,” he said.  

As part of the programming adjustments, NZTR will delete the 3YO SW&P 1600m race previously scheduled for Saturday 1 March, the week before Champions Day, at Matamata Racecourse. 

“This reflects a focus on ensuring the Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy attracts a strong and competitive field at Ellerslie Racecourse, which is vital for the race’s success,” Balcombe said.

Read more about the Southern Hemisphere’s richest 3YO race here. 

For general enquiries about the$100k Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy (1500m), contact ATR’s Executive General Manager – Racing & Operations Craig Baker via craigb@ellerslie.co.nz. 

View the Terms and Conditions for the $100k Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy (1500m) here.

Full Programme Changes

• Saturday 1 March at Matamata Racecourse: 3YO SW&P 1600m deleted. Mdn 1600m added.
• Friday 7 March at Te Aroha Racecourse: Mdn 1600m deleted and replaced with Mdn 3YO 1600m.
• Saturday 8 March at Ellerslie Racecourse $100k Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy (1500m) added. R75 2400m deleted.

 

NZB Kiwi Contact
Emma Thompson - NZB Kiwi Programme Lead
emma.thompson@nztr.co.nz

[curious]

So they can find 100k for another race at Ellerslie but not enough to upgrade a couple of summer meetings in the SI from industry to feature? Or, where is the 100 grand coming from. If you really want to piss off owners this is a good way to do it.

[Doomed]

1 hour ago, curious said:

So they can find 100k for another race at Ellerslie but not enough to upgrade a couple of summer meetings in the SI from industry to feature? Or, where is the 100 grand coming from. If you really want to piss off owners this is a good way to do it.

You do have to realise there are heaps of 3yos about in the north. You only have to look at this Sunday. Fields of 8,8 and 9 accepted in the three 3yo races. Probably 7 or so will go around in each, so more than enough to justify another $100,000 of industry money.

Only four 3yo races scheduled for slot day, plus a WFA 2,000m for those who fancy a 2,000m race, and an open 1,200m for the sprinting 3yos. So only six opportunities for 3yos on the day. Should easily get 7 or 8 for each race. Probably a chance for some maidens to race for decent money as well.

[Huey]

This Champion Day going to be like saying because an AB test is sold out the sport of rugby is strong & healthy. 

[Huey]

20 hours ago, curious said:

So they can find 100k for another race at Ellerslie but not enough to upgrade a couple of summer meetings in the SI from industry to feature? Or, where is the 100 grand coming from. If you really want to piss off owners this is a good way to do it.

Well they did can a stayers race to fund some of it.

There is way too much going to the top end of racing for Entain involvement to be successful long term IMHO.

[Chief Stipe]

1 minute ago, Huey said:

Well they did can a stayers race to fund some of it.

There is way too much going to the top end of racing for Entain involvement to be successful long term IMHO.

Been like that for at least 10 years before ENTAIN turned up.

[TAB For Ever]

Gee , its the first year of this ' new event' ....the same ole ,same ole was not working !

Been going in reverse for decades .....it's called CHANGE !

Stop your grizzlin' and try and enjoy the NZ Racing !

[curious]

2 minutes ago, TAB For Ever said:

Gee , its the first year of this ' new event' ....the same ole ,same ole was not working !

Been going in reverse for decades .....it's called CHANGE !

Stop your grizzlin' and try and enjoy the NZ Racing !

I don't think doing more of what's already not working at an elevated level is likely to solve that problem, do you?

[Trojan]

5 minutes ago, TAB For Ever said:

Gee , its the first year of this ' new event' ....the same ole ,same ole was not working !

Been going in reverse for decades .....it's called CHANGE !

Stop your grizzlin' and try and enjoy the NZ Racing !

There's an old Einstein saying doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different outcome is the definition of insanity.

Doubling down on doing the same thing as in doing it 3 times as much is worse than insanity it's a path to oblivion.  Or as Einstein would have said a one way trip to a big black hole!!

[TAB For Ever]

21 minutes ago, curious said:

I don't think doing more of what's already not working at an elevated level is likely to solve that problem, do you?

Well ,we gonna find out aren't we ....and I for one won't be sitting at home moaning my arse about the negatives !

Kumara seems to be having a great day there today.......

For those punters who enjoy a bet theres 10 x times the options to bet on than there was 2 x years ago.

Ownership in horses is looking easier/better than its ever been ! The stakes best ever !

Horse and participant welfare is best its ever been.

Jockeys and trainers making best money ever !

What is upsetting you vocal negaholics so much ??

 

[Doomed]

26 minutes ago, TAB For Ever said:

Gee , its the first year of this ' new event' ....the same ole ,same ole was not working !

Been going in reverse for decades .....it's called CHANGE !

Stop your grizzlin' and try and enjoy the NZ Racing !

I'm not going to get into a big debate. Sure, don't look a gift horse in the mouth, but is it sustainable? How much money do we have available and how long can the industry continue running at a loss?

Some of us remember Auckland's two $1m races in the early 90s. That appeared to have no long term benefit for the industry, other than the connections of Horlicks. Others of us remember Winston and Helen's 15 $1m races about 20 years ago. That had no residual benefit either. In fact the industry went into free fall soon after.

Lashings of money with no overall plan is very much a short term fix.

[Huey]

1 hour ago, Chief Stipe said:

Been like that for at least 10 years before ENTAIN turned up.

Worse. But we been told they are the saviours. 

[TAB For Ever]

47 minutes ago, Doomed said:

I'm not going to get into a big debate. Sure, don't look a gift horse in the mouth, but is it sustainable? How much money do we have available and how long can the industry continue running at a loss?

Some of us remember Auckland's two $1m races in the early 90s. That appeared to have no long term benefit for the industry, other than the connections of Horlicks. Others of us remember Winston and Helen's 15 $1m races about 20 years ago. That had no residual benefit either. In fact the industry went into free fall soon after.

Lashings of money with no overall plan is very much a short term fix.

Why oh why Doomed are you concerned about NZ racing  ?

Is your family Jewels tied up in it......WHY ??? ...Please tell.

There is a plan , are you reading strategic plans , statements of intent and Annual reports etc ??

NZ Sport in general is becoming suffocated in governance and rules and regulations and having PLANS is a huge part of it.

Horlicks finished racing about 1990 so unsure about her relevance but a lot of those associated with her still seem to be still around so maybe she left a bigger legacy than what you think. I remember a bit after that  Sam Kelt dream't up the Hawkes Bay Carnival...I doubted he would attract any Aussie horses to the Bay in Ocober , but I remember a group of us investing some money ,borrowing some from Bank as a company and buying about 15 x horses and starting up a Trading company ,keeping some to race...yes we nailed one group 1 winner and sold an Aussie Oaks winner ! Sam inspired 10 x of us !

I digress....ahhhhh the good ole days !

NZ Sport watching has never been better....I sitting here , watching Craig Grylls dominate at Trentham ,Kumara do their stuff , Black Caps can't catch a cold , A 'Horlicks era 'player wins the ASB tennis .[ A $million event ] , 2 x football games later on {NZ teams] and Breakers misery as well.

Sure need to embrace Televised sport and learn to bet on phones !

Change can be tough for old dogs !

Edited 5 hours ago by TAB For Ever

[Trojan]

31 minutes ago, TAB For Ever said:

Change can be tough for old dogs !

What change?

[TAB For Ever]

1 hour ago, Trojan said:

What change?

Well the change of train timetable today.....all tickets please !

As Einstein once said 'Sometimes it better to remain silent and appear a fool ,than speak and remove all doubt ! '

ps ..this thread about Champions Day in NZ , apparently involving a Slot Race.....something different , new , a change maybe ?

[curious]

1 minute ago, TAB For Ever said:

Well the change of train timetable today.....all tickets please !

As Einstein once said 'Sometimes it better to remain silent and appear a fool ,than speak and remove all doubt ! '

ps ..this thread about Champions Day in NZ , apparently involving a Slot Race.....something different , new , a change maybe ?

Not at all. It's more of the same. Perhaps a positive along with other things you have mentioned. I note that you make no mention of the wagering revenue geerated amongst those things. Yes, there's a plan but it's more of the same with no strategy to significantly address the things that have seen TR go from being essentially self-sufficient two decades ago to where it is today.

[Doomed]

7 minutes ago, TAB For Ever said:

 

ps ..this thread about Champions Day in NZ , apparently involving a Slot Race.....something different , new , a change maybe ?

8 or 9 slot races in Aussie TAB4E. I think this will be the 5th in NZ, so not all that new.

[Wingman]

3 hours ago, Trojan said:

Stop your grizzlin' and try and enjoy the NZ Racing !

 

9 minutes ago, curious said:

I note that you make no mention of the wagering revenue geerated amongst those things.

I did enjoy todays racing despite my finding SWP races a nightmare to work through. How can a G1 ( Thorndon) be anything other than a handicap or WFA? Wagering revenue is the elephant in the gambling room. In three years the funding ceases, Entain take 50% of the profit, sports betting will be on the rise and will racing then still be able to provide the stakes as they are today?

[TAB For Ever]

1 hour ago, Doomed said:

8 or 9 slot races in Aussie TAB4E. I think this will be the 5th in NZ, so not all that new.

Well , to me in the 'glass half full society' this is New Zealand and not bloody Australia....this is bigger and better than any raceday in NZ.And likely to trigger plenty of Australian interest as well !

Sorry Doomed ,you shouldn't be counting Australian racing .....and certainly not HARNESS slot races.

Get serious champ !

[TAB For Ever]

1 hour ago, curious said:

Not at all. It's more of the same. Perhaps a positive along with other things you have mentioned. I note that you make no mention of the wagering revenue geerated amongst those things. Yes, there's a plan but it's more of the same with no strategy to significantly address the things that have seen TR go from being essentially self-sufficient two decades ago to where it is today.

This day qualifies as bigger and better than any previous raceday in NZ ....no need to try and devalue it !

I believe it is the first NZ Thoroughbred Slot race.......I attended the others in Harness.

The stake money is unprecedented in NZ....a record !

The day includes 4 x Group 1 races ......a first !

The Derby and Auckland Cup on same day.......a first !

As for talking the wagering on ONE day or one race, this is a new tactic employed by negaholics trying to score points for ....god knows why !

Racing fans are being offered many new experiences at the moment , increased stakes at all levels and unprecedented opportunities for their horses no matter what their ability.

Get on the train if you choose !

[curious]

Have you heard of optimism bias TAB?

[curious]

12 minutes ago, TAB For Ever said:

This day qualifies as bigger and better than any previous raceday in NZ ....no need to try and devalue it !

I believe it is the first NZ Thoroughbred Slot race.......I attended the others in Harness.

The stake money is unprecedented in NZ....a record !

The day includes 4 x Group 1 races ......a first !

The Derby and Auckland Cup on same day.......a first !

As for talking the wagering on ONE day or one race, this is a new tactic employed by negaholics trying to score points for ....god knows why !

Racing fans are being offered many new experiences at the moment , increased stakes at all levels and unprecedented opportunities for their horses no matter what their ability.

Get on the train if you choose !

I'm not talking about one day's wagering. I'm talking about overall wagering revenue to costs including stakes. You ignore it when it's the primary metric for industry self-sufficiency and long term survival. I said that the one race day maybe a positive but that doesn't mean it goes anyway to addressing the issues which remain ignored after two decades of decline. It also doesn't mean that I can't enjoy what is left even though I hate to see the continued decline of something I have been involved in and passionate about for over half a century.

[TAB For Ever]

19 minutes ago, curious said:

I'm not talking about one day's wagering. I'm talking about overall wagering revenue to costs including stakes. You ignore it when it's the primary metric for industry self-sufficiency and long term survival. I said that the one race day maybe a positive but that doesn't mean it goes anyway to addressing the issues which remain ignored after two decades of decline. It also doesn't mean that I can't enjoy what is left even though I hate to see the continued decline of something I have been involved in and passionate about for over half a century.

Well you have a weird way of showing your enjoyment !

[Wingman]

I can understand both of your (Curious/TAB For Ever) views. What is not to like about about some top class race days providing outstanding prize money and the highly competitive fields that have been attracted. Then the glad fly moves off to the next light and that most certainly will not be what is scheduled after March. The calendar needs positive attention, many of you have identified areas that need attention yet in the last year it is all about glamour days/races. Everything is still way out of balance. A few Remutaka type races do not address the cost of racing horses and the reality that is; for at least 6 months of the year it is a drab existence. There are seriously large entities holding up racing all over the world and whilst it is difficult to see the Australia's and Hong Kong's of the world disappearing, NZ is not a gambling country and I do think ultimately NZ racing has taken a Pinocchio deal. Seduced by sweets but soon to face the coalface of exploitation. So you are both correct but on different perspectives. Enjoy the next few years.