North Island Mares’ revamp confirmed

[Wandering Eyes]

HRNZ is pleased to announce a revised schedule for Mares’ racing in the North Island next autumn.

From March 6 to May 22,2026 there will be a suite of seven races for the mares at Alexandra Park and Cambridge,  with stakes worth more than $210,000.

The biggest change is the $50,000 Magness Benrow Northern Mares Classic (Listed) which moves from New Year’s Eve to March 20, 2026.

“After seasons of the Classic shifting dates and even being cancelled we are delighted to have a long-term solution locked in,” says New Zealand Sires’ Stakes Board Executive Martin Pierson.

“This is another important step in creating a sustainable racing pathway for mares in both islands. The new North Island program, alongside the South Island schedule, ensures mares get the recognition and opportunities they deserve, while aiding to keep those horses racing in New Zealand,” says HRNZ’s Head of Racing and Wagering Matthew Peden. 

The seven races in the North are :  

Mares, Auckland, March 6, 2026, $17,000 (1700m) Up to R80 and R81+ with Junior Driver Concession
Magness Benrow Northern Mares Classic, Auckland,  March 20, $50,000 (2200m) Conditioned
Waikato Breeders Stakes, Cambridge, April 2, $25,000 (1700), FFA
Mares, Cambridge, April 10, $30,000 (2200m), FFA
Autumn Mares Sprint, Auckland, April 24, $30,000 (1700m), FFA
Charles Roberts North Island Standardbred Breeders Association Stakes, Auckland, May 8, $30,000 (2200m), FFA
Breeders Stakes, Auckland, May 22, $30,000 (2700m), FFA – Discretionary Handicap – Maximum Backmark of 20m

The Mares’ 2025 Spring Schedule in the South Island was released last month.

The six races in the South are:

August 29, Addington: $17,000 R80.
Sept 12, Addington: $25,000 Woodlands First Mares Spring Sprint, $25,000, R80, with conditions for higher assessed mares.
Sept 26, Addington: $30,000 Woodlands Second Mares Spring Sprint, $30,000, open.
Oct 10, Addington: Woodlands Mares Spring Sprint (G2), $60,000, open.
Oct 27, Ashburton: Ladies Sprint (G2), $60,000, open.
Nov 14, Addington: Bob McArdle Southern Mares Classic (Listed), $60,000, restricted

“This revamp gives mares the stage they deserve — more races, more opportunity, and more reason to keep them racing,” says Pierson.

Today’s release follows new data that shows that the Silk Road Fillies and Mares initiative is gaining some serious traction. It was introduced as part of The Future Starts Now strategy  last year to provide better racing opportunities for Fillies and Mares.

In the 2024-25 season there were 44 races with an average field size of 9.5 for the pacing Fillies and Mares, and 9.8 for the trotters, with turnover at 50 per cent of all their races being either first or second at their respective meetings.

The average turnover for Fillies and Mares’ races was over $80,000.

For more information contact matthew.peden@hrnz.co.nz

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