New Zealand Bloodstock Insurance, in association with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, is proud to announce three new Triple Crown Series for the 2019-20 New Zealand racing season. With $300,000 in bonuses, the Series is set to take summer and autumn feature racing to a new level.
Each Series comprises three prestigious Group races, and each Series will carry a bonus of $100,000 for any horse that can win all three races.
The Weight-For-Age Triple Crown begins with the $200,000 Group 1 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic (2000m) at Ellerslie on December 26, followed by the $400,000 Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on February 8, and the $200,000 Group 1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie on March 7.
The races in the Sprint Triple Crown are the $200,000 Group 1 Sistema Railway (1200m) at Ellerslie on January 1, the $250,000 Group 1 JR & N Berkett Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham on January 18, and the $200,000 Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa on February 8.
The third Series is the Fillies and Mares Triple Crown , made up of the $70,000 Group 3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on March 14, the $200,000 Group 1 Fiber Fresh New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (1600m) at Te Aroha on April 4, and the $100,000 Group 2 Travis Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on April 25.
New Zealand Bloodstock's managing director Andrew Seabrook believes the new Triple Crowns will provide a vital and timely boost to the New Zealand industry.
"New Zealand Bloodstock Ltd, through its Insurance Division, is delighted to be offering these three significant bonuses," he said.
"In a time of stagnant prizemoney, I'm sure this announcement will be welcome news for stakeholders. I would like to particularly thank NZTR for its support, along with the Auckland Racing Club, Waikato Racing Club, Wellington Racing Club and Cambridge Jockey Club, who have all contributed financially.
"NZB Insurance has been a significant sponsor of New Zealand racing, so thanks go to our hard-working insurance team and our very supportive underwriters in the UK."
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing's chief executive Bernard Saundry has also enthusiastically welcomed the concept.
"We are delighted to partner with New Zealand Bloodstock Insurance on the Triple Crown Series," said Saundry.
"The series will be a fantastic addition to the 19/20 racing calendar. We appreciate the support New Zealand Bloodstock provide to thoroughbred racing in New Zealand and their innovative thinking with concepts such as this will continue to make a significant difference to our industry."
Series Schedule
| WEIGHT-FOR-AGE TRIPLE CROWN |
| $200,000 G1 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic (2000m) at Ellerslie on 26 December 2019 |
| $400,000 G1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on 8 February 2020 |
| $200,000 G1 Bonecrusher NZ Stakes at Ellerslie on 7 March 2020 |
| The winner of all three races wins the $100,000 Triple Crown Weight-for-Age Bonus |
| SPRINT TRIPLE CROWN |
| $200,000 G1 Sistema Railway (1200m) at Ellerslie on 1 January 2020 |
| $250,000 G1 JR & N Berkett Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham on 18 January 2020 |
| $200,000 G1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa on 8 February 2020 |
| The winner of all three races wins the $100,000 Triple Crown Sprint Bonus |
| FILLIES AND MARES TRIPLE CROWN |
| $70,000 G3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on 14 March 2020 |
| $200,000 G1 Fiber Fresh NZ Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (1600m) at Te Aroha on 4 April 2020 |
| $100,000 G2 Travis Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on 25 April 2020 |
| The winner of all three races wins the $100,000 Triple Crown Fillies and Mares Bonus |
