New Zealand Oaks

Thoroughbred horse race
Horse race
New Zealand Oaks
Group I race
LocationTrentham
Wellington, New Zealand
Race typeThoroughbred - Flat racing
WebsiteTrentham
Race information
Distance2400 m (12 furlongs)
SurfaceTurf
TrackLeft-handed
QualificationThree-year-old fillies
WeightSet-Weights
PurseNZ$450,000 (2023)

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) on the third Saturday of March every year at Trentham Racecourse in Wellington, New Zealand.

It was run at Riccarton until 1972[1] and over the distance of 1+1⁄4 miles to 1974.

It is currently raced on the same day as the:

  • Levin Classic (1600m) for 3 year horses.
  • Cuddle Stakes (1600m) for fillies and mares.
  • New Zealand St. Leger (2600m).
  • Lightning Handicap (1200m).


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
 Breeding
 Jockey
 Trainer(s)
 Owner(s) Time
 Second
 Third
2024[2] Pulchritudinous Wrote - Showus Warren Kennedy Chad Ormsby[3] C Grace, J Walker, Riverrock Farm, D Roach & M J Moroney 2:29.67 (soft) Positivity Qali Al Farrasha
2023[4] Pennyweka Satono Aladdin (JPN) - Threepence Ryan Elliott Jim Wallace The Galloping Wekas Jazweka Syndicate 2.31.18 (soft) Mehzebeen Mischief Managed
2022[5] 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[6] Amarelinha Savabeel - Hopscotch Opie Bosson Jamie Richards, Matamata Te Akau Hopskip'n'jump Syndicate 2:29.65 Charms Star Llanacord
2020[7] Jennifer Eccles[8] 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[7] 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[9] Savvy Coup Savabeel - Eudora Chris Johnson Michael & Matthew Pitman, Riccarton AM, AR, CJ, FH & JF Bruford, JD, LR & RA Coupland 2:29.03 Contessa Vanessa Milseain
2017[10] 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[11] Fanatic Shocking (Aus) - Komplete Klass (NZ) Mark Hills Graeme Sanders & Debbie Sweeney, Te Awamutu SP Kiernan 2:29.47 Sofia Rosa Strada Cavallo
2015[12] Savaria Savabeel (Aus) - Amathea (NZ) Hayden Tinsley Roydon Bergerson, Awapuni D P & Mrs K C Fleming 2:29.67 Platinum Witness Charmont
2014[13] Miss Mossman Mossman (Aus) - Dane Promise (AUS) Jonathan Parkes John Sargent & Hayden Allen RBC Racing 2:27.78 Miss Selby Rock Diva
2013[14] 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[15] Artistic Darci Brahma (NZ) - Artless (AUS) Michael Coleman Shaune Ritchie, Cambridge The Oaks Stud 2:28.39 Zurella Quintessential
2011[16] Midnight Oil[17] Keeper (Aus) - Gilded Light (AUS) Rosie Myers Paul Duncan, Cambridge Nineteenth Syndicate 2:30.04 Zennista Insurgent
2010[18] 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[19] 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[20] 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[21] Princess Coup Encosta de Lago (AUS) - Stoneyfell Road (AUS) Opie Bosson Mark Walker, Matamata Bromley Bloodstock Ltd & R A Coupland 2:32.94 Overkaast Veloce Bella
2006[22] 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 Rhythm (USA) - Emulate (NZ) Mark Du Plessis Sheila Laxon I M & S 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[23] 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 - 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
1973 no race
1972 Brown Satin Mellay (GB) - Satinette[24] AK Robinson BG, C and JWG White 2:04.6
1971 Young Ida Oncidium (GB) - Young Margaret II (Ire) [25] JA Messent JHT Duncan 2:05.4
1970 Devante Sobig - Skylit[26] JA Messent C J Cameron, Hastings MW Owen & TS Sellwood 2:02.6
1969 Princess Mellay[27] Mellay (GB) - Princess Ermine [28] AK Robinson Mrs HA Anderton 2:03.4

See also

References

  1. ^ "25 NZ Oaks winners, 1969-1993 & their stud records". 25 NZ Oaks winners, 1969-1993 & their stud records | New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Association.
  2. ^ "Race 8 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 16 MAR 2024 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  3. ^ "Oaks heroine gives Ormsby a different kind of Group One". loveracing.nz.
  4. ^ "Race 8 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 18 MAR 2023 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  5. ^ "Race 8 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 19 MAR 2022 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  6. ^ "Race 8 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 20 MAR 2021 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  7. ^ a b "Race 8 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 14 MAR 2020 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  8. ^ "Racing: Jennifer Eccles on song in Oaks".
  9. ^ "Race 8 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 17 MAR 2018 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  10. ^ "Race 8 WELLFIELD NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 18 MAR 2017 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  11. ^ "Race 8 WELLFIELD NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 19 MAR 2016 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  12. ^ "Race 9 WELLFIELD NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 14 MAR 2015 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  13. ^ "Race 9 WELLFIELD NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 15 MAR 2014 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  14. ^ "Race 9 WELLFIELD NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 16 MAR 2013 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  15. ^ "Race 8 WELLFIELD NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 17 MAR 2012 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  16. ^ "Race 8 WELLFIELD NEW ZEALAND OAKS GROUP 1 at WELLINGTON RC on 19 MAR 2011 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  17. ^ "Midnight Oil shines in the Oaks > Australia and International Horse Racing news updated daily".
  18. ^ "Race 8 WELLFIELD NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 20 MAR 2010 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  19. ^ "Race 8 NEW ZEALAND BLOODSTOCK INSURANCE NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 14 MAR 2009 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  20. ^ "Race 8 GILLIES GROUP NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 15 MAR 2008 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  21. ^ "Race 8 NEW WORLD NZ OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 17 MAR 2007 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  22. ^ "Race 8 NEW ZEALAND BLOODSTOCK NEW ZEALAND OAKS at WELLINGTON RC on 18 MAR 2006 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  23. ^ "Racing: Duke of Bedford dies - Sport News".
  24. ^ "Brown Satin (NZ) 1969 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ".
  25. ^ "Young Ida (NZ) 1968 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ".
  26. ^ "Devante (NZ) 1967 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  27. ^ "Racing: Shades of Princess Mellay". 14 November 2011.
  28. ^ "Princess Mellay (NZ) 1966 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ".

External links

  • New Zealand Oaks Winners at Trentham