Harness racing in New Zealand is a lively part of the country’s sporting scene, drawing in passionate fans and generating significant economic activity. This unique sport, where horses pull a two-wheeled cart called a sulky, has deep roots in New Zealand and is constantly evolving with modern twists. It’s not just about the horses; it’s also about the trainers, drivers, and breeders who put their heart and soul into it.
Christchurch Cup week
Christchurch Cup Week is one of the highlights of the harness racing calendar. Held every year at Addington Raceway, this week-long extravaganza features a lineup of top-notch races, all leading up to the famous New Zealand Cup. The buzz during this week is infectious, with thousands of fans flocking to watch the action and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Cup history
The New Zealand Cup has an impressive history that goes back to 1904. Over the years, it has grown into one of the top harness racing events in the Southern Hemisphere. This race isn’t just another event on the calendar; it stands for tradition, pride, and excellence in the sport. Legendary horses like Cardigan Bay and Young Quinn have made their mark here, becoming icons among harness racing fans. Each year, the Cup draws attention not only for its competitive spirit but also for its influence on breeding and training practices in the industry.
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The history of the New Zealand Cup is filled with unforgettable moments and record-breaking performances. Horses that have won this race are often celebrated long after their racing days are over. The competition is fierce each year as top contenders vie for glory, making it an exciting spectacle for everyone involved.
Stake money
In recent years, the financial stakes in harness racing have really ramped up. With new slot races being introduced, prize pools have grown significantly. In 2023, Harness Racing New Zealand announced that the New Zealand Cup would return as a $1 million race, making it one of the richest harness races alongside another $1 million slot race at Cambridge. Additionally, two new $500,000 slot races for three-year-old pacers and trotters were added during Show Day, while the Dominion Trot was boosted by $100,000 to reach $400,0001. This surge in stake money not only attracts higher-quality entries but also gets fans and punters more excited about the races.
Records
Here are some notable records from New Zealand harness racing:
- Fastest Mile: The record for the fastest mile in New Zealand is held by Border Control, who completed the distance in 1:50.6 at Ashburton Raceway on June 1, 2013. This remarkable feat showcases the incredible speed of modern pacers.
- Fastest 1600m (Pacing): The record for pacing 1600 meters is held by Young Al, with a time of 1:59.6 achieved on January 15, 1975, at Ascot Park Raceway. This record highlights the competitive nature of pacing races in New Zealand.
- Fastest 2000m (Mobile Start): Merlin set the record for a mobile start over 2000 meters with a time of 2:35.1 on April 12, 2024, at Cambridge Raceway, demonstrating the ongoing evolution of horse racing performance.
- Fastest 2700m (Mobile Start): The record for the fastest mobile start over 2700 meters is held by Majestic Cruiser, who clocked in at 3:13.1 on April 29, 2022, at Alexandra Park. This record illustrates the endurance and speed that top horses can achieve over longer distances.
- Fastest 3200m (Stand): The record for this distance is held by Lazarus, who finished in 3:53.1 on November 8, 2016, at Addington Raceway. Lazarus is one of the most celebrated horses in harness racing history and has set multiple records throughout his career.
Race results
In 2023, Swayzee emerged victorious, clocking in at an impressive 3:56.5. Following closely behind were Akuta in second place and Beach Ball in third. The previous year, in 2022, Copy That claimed the title with a time of 3:54.0, finishing ahead of Majestic Cruiser and Spankem.
In 2021, Copy That once again showcased his talent by winning the race with a time of 3:58.8, beating out Self Assured and South Coast Arden. The 2020 race saw Self Assured take home the victory, finishing in 3:55.2, with Spankem and Ashley Locaz securing second and third places, respectively. In 2019, the winner was Cruz Bromac, who crossed the finish line in 3:56.9, followed closely by Spankem and Classie Brigade.
Other associated races
Besides the New Zealand Cup, there are plenty of other important races that keep the harness racing calendar buzzing in New Zealand. Events like the Auckland Cup and various regional championships play vital roles in showcasing talent across different classes of horses. These races often serve as stepping stones for emerging horses or provide chances for them to shine on bigger stages.
Top horses who did not win the New Zealand Cup
While many top horses have claimed victory in the New Zealand Cup, there are some notable competitors who haven’t quite managed to win this prestigious race despite their impressive careers. Horses like Monkey King and Smoken Up are beloved figures in harness racing but fell short when it came to winning this particular title.
