New Zealand Trotting Cup
The New Zealand Cup for standardbred horses, also known as either the New Zealand Trotting Cup or the New Zealand Pacing Cup is a Group One (G1) harness race held annually by the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club at Addington Raceway in Christchurch, New Zealand.
| Group I race | |
| Location | Addington Raceway Christchurch, New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Inaugurated | 1904 |
| Race type | Standardbred - Flat racing |
| Website | www |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 3200m (2 miles) |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Track | Left-handed oval |
| Qualification | Three-year-olds and up |
| Purse | NZ$600,000 (2022) |
It is generally considered the country's most prestigious harness racing event.
The race is held during Show Week on the second Tuesday in November, three days before the Show Day public holiday. The New Zealand Free For All is held on Show Day. The public holiday in Christchurch is the observance of the Canterbury Anniversary Holiday (16 December in reality). The race meeting, along with the New Zealand Cup for thoroughbreds and greyhounds, forms part of Canterbury's carnival week, along with the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Show. Until 1999, the A&P show was held at showgrounds adjacent to Addington Raceway.
The New Zealand Trotting cup is considered as Canterbury's biggest day on its social calendar. Many flock to Addington for the glitz and glamour of the event, rather than the horse racing.
Cup history
Three horses have won the race three times, they are Indianapolis, False Step and Terror To Love. False Step later went to the United States where he beat the acknowledged American champion of the time, Adios Butler.[1] A number of horses have won the race twice including Harold Logan and Highland Fling who both won their second cups off the very large handicap of 60 yards and Lazarus.
In 1929, 1930 and 1931 the New Zealand Cup was run with heats: a first division [2] and second division[2] and then the final.
The 1962 New Zealand Cup days was one of the few days when there has been rain on the Cup day. This was the year that Lordship beat the hot favorite Cardigan Bay.[3]
In 1963 Cardigan Bay who is arguably New Zealand's greatest ever horse won the Cup and also won the Inter Dominion in Australia. Cardigan Bay, in association with New Jersey master reinsman Stanley Dancer went on to become the first million dollar winner in the sport's history.
A common feature of the race is the inclusion of Australian trained runners, including the winners:
- Steel Jaw in 1983,
- Lightning Blue in 1987, and
- Arden Rooney in 2015.
The 2008 running of the race was won by Changeover, driven by David Butcher and trained by Geoff Small, in a then race/world record time (1.58.8-mile rate). The race was delayed by over 6 minutes due to fractious horses and a damaged wheel to one of the favoured runners. After being slow away, Butcher moved forward to lead, and soon after took a trail behind one of the other favourites, Baileys Dream. In an exciting finish, Butcher used the passing lane to pass Baileys Dream, with Report for Duty third for Anthony Butt (who was trying for 3 wins in a row in the NZ Cup). It was another dream result for the ATC Trotting Syndicate, who own the horse. The last horse home, favoured runner Monkey King, was credited with a time of 3.58.7, which was fast enough to have won every prior NZ Cup, except the 2007 running, won by Flashing Red.
Terror To Love equaled the record for most wins in 2013, having won the previous two years. Despite breaking stride at the start of the race, giving the leaders a 15-length head start (about 37m or 3 seconds), Terror To Love made up the distance slowly and worked towards the front, taking the lead in the back stretch of the final lap. The horse managed to hold off late-charging runners to record the unusual win by a head. The race announcer called the race the greatest win in the New Zealand Trotting Cup's history. At the time it was the second fastest New Zealand Cup, behind the 2008 win by Changeover.
The 2015 running of the New Zealand Cup was won by Australian-based horse, Arden Rooney, driven by Kerryn Manning. It was the first time in the history of the race that a female had driven the winner. After a great start, Arden Rooney was given a leisurely time in front and with a last half-mile in 55 seconds under a vigorous drive, gave little else a chance to catch it. Subsequently, the driver was given a two-week suspension and $1000 fine for "Excessive use of whip". It was her second fine for a similar offense in New Zealand within 8 days.
In 2016 the race was run and won by the dominant Purdon/Rasmussen training combination, with their champion horse Lazarus. It was won in a very fast time in completely dominant fashion by 10 lengths, running 3.53.1 for the 2-mile event (a mile rate of 1.57.2). The Purdon/Rasmussen combination filled 3 of the first 4 finishing positions. Lazarus returned to win the Cup the following year.
In 2016, the ZM Body Art final was held at the Trotting Cup.[4]
New Zealand Cup day will generally attract over 20,000 people at the race course. However, in 2021 the crowd was unable to attend due to COVID-19 restrictions.[5]
Stake money
The stake or total prize money for the New Zealand Cup has fluctuated over the years:
- 1940 – 2500 pounds
- 1950 – 7500 pounds
- 1960 – 6750 pounds
- 1970 - $25,000
- 1980 - $100,000
- 1990 - $375,000
- 2008 - $1.2 million
- 2009 - $1 million
- 2010 - $750,000
- 2011 and 2012 - $600,000
- 2013 - $650,000
- 2020 - $540,000
- 2021 - $631,500
Records
Most wins:
- 3 - Terror To Love (2011, 2012, 2013)
- 3 - False Step (1958, 1959, 1960)
- 3 - Indianapolis (1934, 1935, 1936)
Most wins by a driver:
- 7 - Ricky May (1989, 1997, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013)
- 6 - Cecil Devine (1951, 1956, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1979)
- 6 - Mark Purdon (1995, 1996, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2020)
- 4 - James “Scotty” Bryce (1916, 1925, 1926, 1933)
- 4 - Todd Mitchell (1999, 2002, 2003, 2004)
- 4 - Peter Wolfenden (1963, 1965, 1970, 1977)
Race results
The following are the winners and place getters.[6][7]
| Year |
Horse |
Age |
Hcp |
Owner(s) |
Driver |
Time |
Second |
Third |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Copy That | 5 h | fr | Merv & Meg Butterworth[8] | Blair Orange | 3:54.00 | Majestic Cruiser | Spankem |
| 2021 | Copy That[9] | 4 h | fr | Merv & Meg Butterworth[10] | Blair Orange | 3:58.80 | Self Assured | South Coast Arden |
| 2020 | Self Assured | 5 g | fr | Mrs Jean L Feiss | Mark Purdon | 3:55.20 | Spankem | Ashley Locaz |
| 2019 | Cruz Bromac | 8 g | fr | D Zavitsanos, P M O’Shea, Mrs D O’Shea, Mrs J Zavitsanos, W R Viney | Blair Orange | 3:56.9 | Spankem | Classie Brigade |
| 2018 | Thefixer | 5 g | fr | Mrs G J Kennard & P I Kennard, Mrs P P Gillan, R J Fleetwood, R J Magness | Natalie Rasmussen | 3:53.9 | Tiger Tara | Dream About Me |
| 2017 | Lazarus | 5 h | fr | Mrs G J Kennard & P I Kennard, T Casey & K Riseley | Mark Purdon | 3:55.0 | Jack's Legend | Tiger Tara |
| 2016 | Lazarus | 4 h | fr | Mrs G J Kennard & P I Kennard, T Casey & K Riseley | Mark Purdon | 3:53.1 | Tiger Tara | Titan Banner |
| 2015 | Arden Rooney | 6 g | fr | M W (Merv) Butterworth & Mrs M T (Meg) Butterworth | Kerryn Manning | 3:57.4 | Smolda | Mossdale Conner |
| 2014 | Adore Me | 5 m | fr | C J Roberts, P G Kenny & Mrs M L Kenny | Mark Purdon | 3:54.6 | Franco Nelson | For A Reason |
| 2013 | Terror To Love | 6 h | fr | Terry McDonald | Ricky May | 3:57.0 | Fly Like An Eagle | Christen Me |
| 2012 | Terror To Love | 5 h | fr | Terry McDonald | Ricky May | 3:58.6 | Highview Tommy | Sushi Sushi |
| 2011 | Terror To Love | 4 h | fr | Terry McDonald | Jim Curtin | 4:02.0 | Smoken Up | Highview Tommy |
| 2010 | Monkey King * | 8 g | fr | Cavalla Bloodstock Limited | Ricky May | 4:00.7 | Smoken Up | Sleepy Tripp |
| 2009 | Monkey King * | 7 g | fr | Cavalla Bloodstock Limited | Ricky May | 3:57.3 | Bettor's Strike | Smoken Up |
| 2008 | Changeover | 5 h | fr | A.T.C. Trot 2006 Syndicate | David Butcher | 3:56.4 | Baileys Dream | Report For Duty |
| 2007 | Flashing Red | 10 h | 15m | Ravelyn Pty Ltd, Jenkscraft Pty Ltd | Anthony Butt | 3:57.8 | Monkey King | Tribute |
| 2006 | Flashing Red | 9 h | fr | Ravelyn Pty Ltd, Jenkscraft Pty Ltd | Anthony Butt | 4:00.3 | Cobbity Classic | It's Ella |
| 2005 | Mainland Banner | 4 m | fr | Ian D Dobson,[11] S J Dobson, Lynne Umar | Ricky May | 4:04.0 | Alta Serena | Just An Excuse |
| 2004 | Just An Excuse * | 6 g | 10m | O Haines, Mrs I K Haines | Todd Mitchell | 4:01.2 | Elsu | Howard Bromac |
| 2003 | Just An Excuse | 5 g | fr | O Haines, Mrs I K Haines | Todd Mitchell | 4:05.7 | Elsu | Jack Cade |
| 2002 | Gracious Knight | 6 g | fr | Happy Valley Syndicate | Todd Mitchell | 4:05.1 | Facta Non Verba | Shortys Girl |
| 2001 | Kym's Girl | 7 m | fr | G J Trist, D B Miller, W G Marra | Colin De Filippi | 4:05.4 | Homin Hosed | Yulestar |
| 2000 | Yulestar | 6 g | 10m | Mrs J L Nolan, R P Nolan | Tony Shaw | 3:59.1 | Bogan Fella | Kym's Girl |
| 1999 | Homin Hosed | 5 g | fr | Mrs M A Macey, B L Macey | Todd Mitchell | 4:04.3 | Holmes D G | Bogan Fella |
| 1998 | Christian Cullen * | 4 h | fr | Ian D Dobson,[12] Mrs D A Dobson, B A O'Meara | Danny Campbell | 4:00.4 | Iraklis | Franco Enforce |
| 1997 | Iraklis | 5 h | fr | R M Cameron, Kypros Kotzikas | Ricky May | 4:00.9 | Smooth Dominion | Sovereign Hill |
| 1996 | Il Vicolo | 5 h | 10m | J H Seaton, Mark Purdon | Mark Purdon | 4:02.3 | Anvil's Star | Surprise Package |
| 1995 | Il Vicolo * | 4 h | fr | J H Seaton, M Purdon | Mark Purdon | 4:00.4 | Just Royce | Master Musician |
| 1994 | Bee Bee Cee * | 5 h | fr | C J Calvert, Mrs J M Calvert[13] | Jim Curtin | 4:01.5 | Master Musician | Matthew Lee |
| 1993 | Chokin * | 5 g | fr | Pacers Australia/M Joyce/J Loughnan/B De Boer | Tony Herlihy | 4:04.7 | Master Musician | Giovanetto |
| 1992 | Blossom Lady * | 8 m | fr | Polly Syndicate | Anthony Butt | 4:05.0 | Giovanetto | Christopher Vance |
| 1991 | Christopher Vance * | 5 g | fr | R R Reid, Lorna Reid Syndicate, Mrs J C Reid | Tony Herlihy | 4:05.3 | Clancy | Surmo Way |
| 1990 | Neroship | 5 h | 10m | G J & Mrs. H J Webber, J W Langdon | John Langdon | 4:04.1 | Starship | Kylie's Hero |
| 1989 | Inky Lord | 4 h | fr | G M Saunders | Ricky May | 4:02.2 | Dillon Dean | Bold Sharvid |
| 1988 | Luxury Liner | 7 g | 10m | R R Reid, Lorna Reid Synd, Mrs J C Reid | Tony Herlihy | 4:00.4 | Our Maestro | Speedy Cheval |
| 1987 | Lightning Blue | 5 h | fr | N Conidi, A T Hunter, A Prochilo | Jim O'Sullivan | 4:05.1 | Luxury Liner | Skipper Dale |
| 1986 | Master Mood * | 5 h | fr | K L & Mrs B A Williams, S F & F B Wong | Kevin Williams | 4:05.5 | Luxury Liner | Skipper Dale |
| 1985 | Borana | 6 h | Fr | J G Murray, Mrs D M Murray | Peter Jones | 4:11.1 | Our Mana | Roydon Glen |
| 1984 | Camelot | 6 h | fr | Dr H G Crofts | R D Butt | 4:06.4 | Our Mana | Dillon Dale |
| 1983 | Steel Jaw | 5 g | fr | S Everett & O Marr | N J Lang | 4:05.3 | Camelot | Bonnie's Chance |
| 1982 | Bonnie's Chance | 7 m | fr | Mesdames K A Grice & V B McGarry | Richard Brosnan | 4:09 | Armalight | Quiet Win |
| 1981 | Armalight * | 5 m | fr | H B Smith | R H Negus | 4:08.7 | Bonnie's Chance | Hands Down |
| 1980 | Hands Down * | 5 g | fr | W H & Mrs M F McAughtrie | Peter Jones | 4:07.2 | Delightful Lady | Sapling |
| 1979 | Lord Module * | 5 h | fr | Cecil Devine | Cecil Devine | 4:09 | Rocky Tryax | Trevira |
| 1978 | Trusty Scot * | 6 h | fr | A M & J H Hunter | J Henderson Hunter | 4:12.8 | Sapling | Rocky Tryax |
| 1977 | Sole Command | 6 g | fr | B J & Mrs M I Walker & R C Purdon | Peter Wolfenden | 4:11.4 | Greg Robinson | Wee Win |
| 1976 | Stanley Rio | 4 h | fr | W J Francis, G B & J B Noble | J B Noble | 4:11.5 | Captain Harcourt | Forto Prontezza |
| 1975 | Lunar Chance | 5 g | fr | K N Lawlor | K N Lawlor | 4:08.6 | Final Decision | Robalan |
| 1974 | Robalan * | 7 g | fr | A T Devery, P N Hope & Denis Nyhan | Denis Nyhan | 4:09 | Kotare Legend | Young Quinn |
| 1973 | Arapaho | 6 g | fr | Laurie Forde | Jack W Smolenski | 4:08.6 | Globe Bay | Young Quinn |
| 1972 | Globe Bay | 6 g | fr | S J Wheatley | Jack A Carmichael | 4:11.6 | Scottish Charm | Robalan |
| 1971 | True Averil | 6 h | fr | Clarrie Rhodes | Doody Townley | 4:11 | Radiant Globe | Intrepid |
| 1970 | James | 8 g | fr | J A Donaldson | Peter Wolfenden | 4:11.2 | Stella Frost | Manaroa |
| 1969 | Spry * | 7 h | fr | Mrs & Charlie A Winter | Pat G O'Reilly | 4:15.2 | Holy Hal | Chequer Board |
| 1968 | Humphrey | 7 g | 6 yds | Mrs & W E Lowe | W E Lowe | 4:16 | Cardinal Garrison | Co-pilot |
| 1967 | Great Adios | 8 h | fr | Mrs P M Norton | Ray P Norton | 4:10.4 | Happy Ending | Spry |
| 1966 | Lordship | 8 h | 42 yds | Mrs D G Nyhan | Denis Nyhan | 4:19 | Robin Dundee | Waitaki Hanover |
| 1965 | Garry Dillon | 7 g | fr | E B S Grey & J H Shaw | Peter Wolfenden | 4:22.4 | Robin Dundee | Jacobite |
| 1964 | Cairnbrae | 8 g | fr | W E Lowe | C S Donald | 4:12.6 | Orbiter | Lordship |
| 1963 | Cardigan Bay * | 7 g | 54 yds | Mrs A D Deans | Peter Wolfenden | 4:11.2 | Robin Dundee | Master Alan |
| 1962 | Lordship * | 4 h | fr | Mrs D G Nyhan | Denis Nyhan | 4:24 | Falsehood | Blue Prince |
| 1961 | Invicta | 11 g | fr | Les Duff | S D Edge | 4:14.4 | Patchwork | Scottish Command |
| 1960 | False Step * | 8 h | 48 yds | J Smyth | Cecil Devine | 4:09 | Sun Chief | Lookaway |
| 1959 | False Step | 7 h | 24 yds | J Smyth | Cecil Devine | 4:12.8 | Gentry | Caduceus |
| 1958 | False Step | 6 h | fr | J Smyth | Cecil Devine | 4:18.6 | Caduceus | Gentry |
| 1957 | Lookaway * | 4 g | fr | Clarrie Rhodes | M F Holmes | 4:14.8 | Thunder | La Mignon |
| 1956 | Thunder | 7 g | fr | Erick & Est G L Rutherford | Cecil Devine | 4:21.8 | Laureldale | Caduceus |
| 1955 | Our Roger | 8 g | 12 yds | W A Newton | Doug C Watts | 4:12.2 | Rupee | Excelsa |
| 1954 | Johnny Globe * | 7 h | 48 yds | Don G Nyhan | Don G Nyhan | 4:07.6 | Young Charles | Rupee |
| 1953 | Adorian | 6 h | 12 yds | F G Holmes | F G Holmes | 4:13.8 | Johnny Globe | Soangetaha |
| 1952 | Mobile Globe | 8 g | 12 yds | J Findlay & C Smith | Noel L Berkett | 4:26.4 | Tactician | Van Dieman |
| 1951 | Van Dieman | 5 h | fr | Cecil Devine | Cecil Devine | 4:19.8 | Johnny Globe | Young Charles |
| 1950 | Chamfer | 5 h | fr | D McFarlane | M F Holmes | 4:17 | Plunder Bar | Single Direct |
| 1949 | Loyal Nurse | 9 m | 36 yds | T S Harrison | Colin R Berkett | 4:12.2 | Captain Sandy | Lady Averil |
| 1948 | Highland Fling * | 6 h | 60 yds | Alf T Kemble | Leo F Berkett | 4:10.6 | Plunder Bar | Single Direct |
| 1947 | Highland Fling | 5 h | 12 yds | Alf T Kemble | Colin R Berkett | 4:18.4 | Knave Of Diamonds | Loyal Peter |
| 1946 | Integrity | 8 g | 12 yds | V Leeming | Doug C Watts | 4:21.4 | Josedale Grattan | Haughty |
| 1945 | Gold Bar | 9 h | fr | Allan B Holmes | Allan B Holmes | 4:16.2 | Integrity | Shadow Maid |
| 1944 | Bronze Eagle | 8 h | 24 yds | W J Suttie | George B Noble | 4:27.8 | Integrity | Pacing Power |
| 1943 | Haughty | 8 m | 36 yds | Ben Grice | O E (Ossie) Hooper | 4:13.6 | Countless | Pacing Power |
| 1942 | Haughty | 7 m | fr | Ben Grice | O E (Ossie) Hooper | 4:13.8 | Loyal Rey | Bayard |
| 1941 | Josedale Grattan * | 6 h | fr | M G Pezaro & E G Bridgens | F J Smith | 4:15 | Kenworthy | Peter Smith |
| 1940 | Marlene | 7 m | fr | C S Donald | R Donald | 4:18.6 | Dusky Sound | Colonel Grattan |
| 1939 | Lucky Jack | 7 h | 24 yds | W T Lowe | R B Berry | 4:16.2 | Cantata | Blair Athol |
| 1938 | Morello | 9 g | fr | A J Lawrence | M C McTigue | 4:19.8 | Lucky Jack | Logan Derby |
| 1937 | Lucky Jack | 5 h | fr | W T Lowe | R B Berry | 4:21.4 | Gamble | Tempest |
| 1936 | Indianapolis | 7 h | 48 yds | G J Barton | J Fraser jnr | 4:30.6 | Red Shadow | War Buoy |
| 1935 | Indianapolis * | 6 h | 48 yds | G J Barton | J Fraser jnr | 4:44 | War Buoy | Red Shadow |
| 1934 | Indianapolis | 5 h | 12 yds | G J Barton | E C McDermott | 4:15.8 | Blue Mountain | Harold Logan |
| 1933 | Red Shadow * | 6 h | 24 yds | Mrs M Harrall | James “Scotty” Bryce | 4:24.2 | Royal Silk | Mountain Dell |
| 1932 | Harold Logan * | 10 g | 60 yds | Miss E Hinds | Allan B Holmes | 4:16.4 | Glenrossie | Roi l'Or |
| 1931 | Harold Logan * | 9 g | 48 yds | Miss E Hinds | R J Humphreys | 4:18.4 | Kingcraft | Free Advice |
| 1930 | Wrackler | 5 g | 12 yds | H F Nicoll | M F Holmes | 4:24.2 | Author Jinks | Jewel Pointer |
| 1929 | Peter Bingen | 9 h | 36 yds | Wilfred Johnstone | Jack J Kennerley | 4:18.8 | Logan Park | Dundas Boy |
| 1928 | Peter Bingen * | 8 h | 12 yds | Jack J Kennerley | Jack J Kennerley | 4:22.2 | Great Bingen | Ahuriri |
| 1927 | Kohara | 6 h | 24 yds | J L Webb | Andrew Bryce | 4:46.6 | Cardinal Logan | Man O' War |
| 1926 | Ahuriri | 7 h | 24 yds | R M Morten | James “Scotty” Bryce | 4:25 | Prince Pointer | Talaro |
| 1925 | Ahuriri | 6 h | 12 yds | R M Morten | James “Scotty” Bryce | 4:28.2 | Great Bingen | Acron |
| 1924 | Sheik | 7 h | 36 yds | Peter Riddle | Peter Riddle | 4:25.8 | Great Hope | Taraire |
| 1923 | Great Hope | 5 h | 12 yds | J Trengrove | James Bryce jnr | 4:31.4 | Acron | Onyx |
| 1922 | Agathos | 11 g | 12 yds | C Shanning | A Butterfield | 4:33.4 | Logan Pointer | Vilo |
| 1921 | Reta Peter (T) | 8 m | 7 secs | Francis H Robson | A G Wilson | 4:29 | Sherwood (1st dsq relegated) | Vice Admiral |
| 1920 | Reta Peter (T) | 7 m | 9 secs | Francis H Robson | A G Wilson | 4:30.4 | General Link | Author Dillon |
| 1919 | Trix Pointer | 6 m | 6 secs | W H Norton | Free Holmes | 4:30 | Moneymaker | Match Light |
| 1918 | Author Dillon * | 6 h | 3 secs | B Jarden | B Jarden | 4:26.4 | Match Light | Sungod |
| 1917 | Adelaide Direct | 10 m | 7 secs | M E Edwards | M E Edwards | 4:27.8 | Cathedral Chimes | Author Dillon |
| 1916 | Cathedral Chimes | 5 h | 36 yds | J B Thomson | James “Scotty” Bryce | 4:31.2 | Evelyn | Admiral Wood |
| 1915 | Country Belle | 7 m | scr | W J Morland | A Hendricksen | 4:35.6 | Our Thorpe | Jingle |
| 1914 | Win Soon | 7 m | 6 secs | Mr. Stevenson, Mr. McMath | A Pringle | 4:31 | Country Belle | Eccentric |
| 1913 | Ravenschild | 7 h | 6 secs | J McCutcheon | N L Price | 4:35.4 | Denver Huon | Calm |
| 1912 | Albert H | 7 h | 8 secs | M Maher | A Hendricksen | 4:48.8 | Ravenschild | Glendalough |
| 1911 | Lady Clare | 6 m | 4 secs | W F Clinton | J Brankin | 4:38 | Prince Imperial | Dick Fly |
| 1910 | Wildwood Junior | 6 h | scr | W Kerr | W Kerr | 4:33 | Bright | Ribbons |
| 1909 | Wildwood Junior | 5 h | 5 secs | W Kerr | W Kerr | 4:39 | Terra Nova | Lord Elmo |
| 1908 | Durbar | 12 g | scr | H F Nicoll | A Pringle | 4:36 | Terra Nova | Lord Elmo |
| 1907 | Marian | 8 m | 9 secs | S E Tasker | J Tasker | 5:16.4 | Advance | Verax |
| 1906 | Belmont M | 6 h | 4 secs | J Mills | A G (Gus) Milsom | 4:46 | Euchre | Marian |
| 1905 | Birchmark | 5 g | 7 secs | Allendale Stock Farm Co. | David J Price | 5:17.6 | General Lincoln | Vickery |
| 1904 | Monte Carlo (T) | 14 g | 7 secs | Tom Yarr | Bert Edwards | 4:44.4 | Norice | Durbar |
Other associated races
The horses that contest the New Zealand Cup often compete in various traditional lead in races. The winner of the New Zealand Cup is usually one that wins or performs strongly in these races.
On the Friday following the New Zealand Cup, Canterbury Anniversary day, many of the same horses will contest the New Zealand Free For All.
| Year |
Canterbury Classic (2600m) Addington [14] |
Hannon Memorial (2600m) Oamaru [15] |
Ashburton Flying Stakes (2400m) Ashburton [16] |
Kaikoura Cup (2400m) Kaikoura [17] |
New Zealand Cup (3200m) Addington [6] |
New Zealand Free For All (1609m) Addington [18] |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Republican Party | Aardie's Express | Akuta | ||||
| 2022 | B D Joe | Akuta | B D Joe | Kango | Copy That | Self Assured | |
| 2021 | South Coast Arden | Henry Hubert | Self Assured | Classie Brigade | Copy That | South Coast Arden | Copy That raced in Auckland prior to the NZ Cup |
| 2020 | Self Assured | Classie Brigade | Copy That (2nd Self Assured) | Classie Brigade | Self Assured | Spankem | In the NZ Cup Classie Brigade was 6th, Copy That 8th |
| 2019 | Spankem | Spankem | Spankem | Classie Brigade | Cruz Bromac | Chase Auckland | In the NZ Cup Spankem was second, Classie Brigade third |
| 2018 | Dream About Me | Dream About Me | Eamon Maguire | Spankem | Thefixer | Cruz Bromac | Dream About Me was 3rd in the NZ Cup |
| 2017 | Lazarus | Titan Banner | Lazarus | Lazarus | Lazarus | Ultimate Machete | Lazarus won the 2017 Interdomnion final |
| 2016 | Lazarus | Franco Nelson | Lazarus | Franco Nelson | Lazarus | Lazarus | Franco Nelson was 6th in the New Zealand Cup |
| 2015 | Tiger Tara | Mighty Flying Mac | Smolda | Arden Rooney | Arden Rooney | Tiger Tara | |
| 2014 | Terror To Love (6th Adore Me) | Tiger Tara | Adore Me | Arden Rooney | Adore Me | Christen Me | |
| 2013 | Christen Me (2nd Terror To Love) | Franco Ledger | Terror To Love | Fly Like An Eagle | Terror To Love | Pembrook Benny | |
| 2012 | Gold Ace (2nd Terror To Love) | Franco Ledger | Terror To Love | Sushi Sushi | Terror To Love | Gold Ace | |
| 2011 | Terror To Love | Monkey King | Auckland Reactor | Smiling Shard | Terror To Love | Smoken Up | |
| 2010 | Monkey King | Cullen's Creek | Stunnin Cullen | Smiling Shard | Monkey King | Monkey King | |
| 2009 | Monkey King | Bondy | Karloo Mick | Nearea Franco | Monkey King | Monkey King | |
| 2008 | Tribute | Ohoka Rebel | Baileys Dream | Report For Duty | Changeover | Auckland Reactor | |
| 2007 | Classic Cullen (5th Flashing Red) | Baileys Dream | Tribute | Bondy | Flashing Red | Waipawa Lad | |
| 2006 | Winforu (6th Flashing Red) | The Flyin Doctor | Flashing Red | Tribute | Flashing Red | Sly Flyin | |
| 2005 | White Arrow | Bobs Blue Boy | Harnetts Creek | Imagine That | Mainland Banner | Howard Bromac | |
| 2004 | Mister D G | Mister D G | Elsu | Harnetts Creek | Just An Excuse | Just An Excuse | |
| 2003 | Jack Cade | Jack Cade | Jack Cade | Falcon Rise | Just An Excuse | Jack Cade | Jack Cade was 3rd in the New Zealand Cup |
| 2002 | Stars And Stripes | Panky's Pacer | Young Rufus | Disprove | Gracious Knight | Yulestar | |
| 2001 | Pic Me Pockets | Kym's Girl | Panky's Pacer | Pic Me Pockets | Kym's Girl | Young Rufus | |
| 2000 | The Tough Nut | Chloe Hanover | Yulestar | Bogan Fella | Yulestar | Agua Caliente | Yulestar also won the 2001 Inter Dominion final |
| 1999 | Freeway Don | Holmes D G | Ritchi | Homin Hosed | Holmes D G | Holmes DG was 2nd in the NZ Cup | |
| 1998 | Iraklis | Christian Cullen | Bradshaw | Christian Cullen | Christian Cullen | ||
| 1997 | Iraklis | Iraklis | Sharp And Telford | Iraklis | Brabham | ||
| 1996 | Anvil's Star | Hoppy's Jet | Il Vicolo | Il Vicolo | Iraklis | ||
| 1995 | Burlington Bertie | Burlington Bertie | Il Vicolo | Il Vicolo | Il Vicolo | ||
| 1994 | Bee Bee Cee | Master Musician | Franco Whisper | Bee Bee Cee | Bee Bee Cee | ||
| 1993 | Blossom Lady | - not raced | Master Musician | Chokin | Chokin | ||
| 1992 | Giovanetto | Millie's Brother | Master Musician | Blossom Lady | Blossom Lady | ||
| 1991 | Clancy | Blossom Lady | Starship | Christopher Vance | Christopher Vance | ||
| 1990 | Blossom Lady | Twinkle John | Tight Connection | Neroship | Tight Connection | ||
| 1989 | Inky Lord | Starship | Gina Rosa | Inky Lord | Dillon Dean | ||
| 1988 | Bionic Chance | Master Mood | Final Offer | Luxury Liner | Tax Credit | ||
| 1987 | Sossy | Happy Sunrise | Michele Bromac | Lightning Blue | Luxury Liner | ||
| 1986 | Skipper Dale | Skipper Dale | Spry Joker | Master Mood | Master Mood | Skipper Dale was 3rd in the NZ Cup | |
| 1985 | Roydon Glen | Roydon Glen | Spry Joker | Borana | Preux Chevalier | Roydon Glen was 3rd in the NZ Cup | |
| 1984 | Enterprise | Enterprise | Diamond Moose | Camelot | Dillon Dale | ||
| 1983 | Derby | Derby | Diamond Moose | Steel Jaw | Camelot | ||
| 1982 | Bonnie's Chance | Vita Man | Armalight | Bonnie's Chance | Bonnie's Chance | ||
| 1981 | Idolmite | El Regale | Hands Down | Armalight | Armalight | ||
| 1980 | Idolmite | Wee Win | Sun Seeker | Hands Down | Hands Down | ||
| 1979 | Watbro | Bad Luck | Bad Luck | Lord Module | Lord Module | ||
| 1978 | Roydon Scott | Trusty Scot | Trusty Scot | Trusty Scot | Trusty Scot | ||
| 1977 | Palestine | Balgove | Palestine | Sole Command | Balgove | ||
| 1976 | Palestine | Mighty Gay | Final Curtain | Stanley Rio | Master Dean | ||
| 1975 | Kawarau Gold | Noodlum | Micron | Lunar Chance | Lunar Chance | ||
| 1974 | Hakim | Kotare Legend | Game Lad | Robalan | Robalan | ||
Top horses who did not win the New Zealand Cup
The list of New Zealand Cup winners includes many of the best horses New Zealand has produced as well as some great Australian horses. However, some very distinguished horses that have attempted but failed to win the Cup include:
- Auckland Reactor
- Caduceus
- Delightful Lady
- Elsu
- Master Musician
- Robin Dundee
- Roydon Glen
- Smoken Up
- Tiger Tara
- Young Quinn
See also
References
- "R – 1966 Encyclopaedia of New Zealand – Te Ara".
- "Add og title". www.hrnz.co.nz.
- "The Home of NZ Harness Racing". Addington Raceway & Events Centre. Archived from the original on 16 October 2008.
- Models bare all for New Zealand Trotting Cup body art contest Retrieved November 2016
- "Masks and bubbles: NZ Cup Day kicks off without the crowd". 9 November 2021.
- "Add og title".
- Wood, Bernie (1981). Flying Sulkies - History of the New Zealand Cup 1904-80. Moa Publications, Auckland.
- "Copy That claims back-to-back New Zealand Cup wins".
- "New Zealand Trotting Cup: Copy That topples favourite Self Assured at Addington". 9 November 2021.
- "COVID-19 leaves top owners out in the cold but Merv will be looking for the 'Blair glare' on TV • Lincoln Farms".
- October 2023, Barry Lichter • 16. "'Dobbie', a harness racing icon, finds finishing line on the morning of his 90th birthday • Lincoln Farms". Lincoln Farms.
- "Vale Ian Dobson". www.hrnz.co.nz.
- "Former harness racing star Bee Bee Cee put down at age 31". 12 January 2021.
- "Canterbury Classic (Group 2)". Harness Racing New Zealand.
- "Hannon Memorial (Group 3)". Harness Racing New Zealand.
- "Ashburton Flying Stakes (Group 2)". Harness Racing New Zealand.
- "Kaikoura Cup (Group 2)". Harness Racing New Zealand.
- "New Zealand Free-For-All (Group 1)". Harness Racing New Zealand.