Waikato Stud joins Auckland Cup Week

[Chief Stipe]

The Auckland Racing Club is pleased to announce a partnership with Waikato Stud, who is joining its stable in the capacity of a Group-race sponsor during Auckland Cup Week.

The $100,000 Group Three sprint feature on New Zealand Derby day next Saturday, the opening day of the carnival, will be run as the Waikato Stud Plate.

ARC chief executive Paul Wilcox says the club is thrilled to reignite a partnership with Waikato Stud.

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome the Chittick family and Waikato Stud back to Ellerslie,” he said.

“You just have to look at the recent New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales results to understand that they are leaders in their field – something that we here at ARC are continually striving to be.

“We look forward to seeing the signature green, blue and white colours of Waikato Stud displayed proudly on course on Vodafone Derby Day and in the years to come.”

A race Waikato Stud are familiar with, having previously sponsored it, Waikato Stud owner Mark Chittick says it is an obvious fit to renew the partnership, with both organisations having a keen eye on chasing success.

“At Waikato Stud our mantra is that success is our motivation, the driving force behind what we do,” he said.

“This fits perfectly with ARC who are the leading race club in New Zealand and who put on the best week of racing in the country – Auckland Cup Week.”

Waikato Stud takes over the sponsorship of the Group Three race from Godolphin Australia (Darley) – an arm of one of the world’s biggest racing and bloodstock operations. Having sponsored this race since 2005, they could not renew their contract due to global alignment requirements.

Mr Wilcox acknowledged the support of Darley and thanked it for the ongoing support it has provided the club over the years, wishing it all the best for future endeavors.

Run over 1200 metres, the Waikato Stud Plate is one of four black-type races to be run on Vodafone Derby Day, Saturday 2nd March, at Ellerslie Racecourse as part of Auckland Cup Week 2019.

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