The New Zealand 2000 Guineas is a Group One set-weight Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old horses run over a distance of 1600 metres at Riccarton Park in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Christchurch New Zealand cup week
The New Zealand 2000 Guineas was previously held on the first day of Christchurch's famous New Zealand Cup Week. In 2025 it was held on the following Saturday on the same day as the New Zealand Cup.
For thoroughbred horses the week also features:
the New Zealand 1000 Guineas for 3 year old fillies (the Saturday prior to the New Zealand 2000 Guineas) the TAB Mile (formerly the Coupland's Bakeries Mile) on the Wednesday the Stewards Handicap sprint (also on New Zealand Cup day).
Christchurch Cup week includes premier standardbred meetings at Addington raceway including:
the New Zealand Trotting Cup for pacers on the Tuesday the Dominion Handicap for trotters on the Tuesday (in prior years it was on the Friday) the New Zealand Free For All for pacers on the Friday.
There is also greyhound racing on the Thursday, including the following Group 1 races:
the New Zealand Galaxy - C5f 295m ($40,000 stake) the New Zealand Greyhound Cup - C5f 525m ($100,000) the New Zealand Stayers Cup - C2df 732m ($40,000)
The week also features the Canterbury A&P Show
History
Until 1973, both the New Zealand Oaks and the New Zealand Derby were run at Riccarton. When those races were moved to Trentham Racecourse and Ellerslie Racecourse respectively, Riccarton was awarded two new classic races, the New Zealand 1000 Guineas and the New Zealand 2000 Guineas over 1600m. These races are based on the 1000 Guineas Stakes and 2000 Guineas Stakes, run at Newmarket in late April or early May.
Both races quickly established themselves on the New Zealand racing calendar.
Notable winners
Among the best recent winners of the 2000 Guineas are: Turn Me Loose, winner of the 2015 Crystal Mile, Seymour Cup & Emirates Stakes and 2016 Futurity Stakes. Jimmy Choux, winner of the 2011 New Zealand Derby, Rosehill Guineas, Windsor Park Plate and Spring Classic. Katie Lee, winner of the 2009 New Zealand 1000 Guineas. Darci Brahma, winner of the 2005 The T J Smith, Hawke's Bay Guineas & Otaki-Maori Weight for Age, 2007 Waikato Sprint & Telegraph Handicap. King's Chapel, winner of the 2004 Telegraph Handicap, Otaki-Maori Weight for Age & Gold Coast Guineas. Veandercross, winner of the 1992 Mackinnon Stakes & Canterbury Guineas and 1993 Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Ranvet Stakes & Australian Cup. Sacred Falls, winner of the 2013 and 2014 Doncaster Handicap and the 2014 George Main Stakes.
Jockey Opie Bosson has won the race a record eight times with: Danske (1998). Buzz Lightyear (1999). King's Chapel (2003). Katie Lee (2009). Atlante (2013). Turn Me Loose (2014). Embellish (2017). Noverre (2021).
1000 and 2000 Guineas
Katie Lee is the only horse to win both of these races, having done so in 2009 ridden by Opie Bosson and trained by Graeme & Debbie Rogerson for owners Sir Patrick & Lady Hogan.
In 1997 Tycoon Lil won the 1000 Guineas and 4 days later was 2nd behind Foxwood in the 2000 Guineas.
In 2014 Platinum Witness was 4th in the 2000 Guineas behind Turn Me Loose and then a week later won the 1000 Guineas.
Hawke's Bay Guineas winners
Horses who have won the Hawke's Bay Guineas that have gone on to win the New Zealand 2000 Guineas include: Savaglee (2024) Pier (2022) Aegon (2020) Catalyst (2019) Madison County (2018) Turn Me Loose (2014) Sacred Falls (2012)
Race results Year Winner Breeding Jockey Trainer Owner(s) Time Second Third2025Romanoff Belardo - Tsarina Belle Bruno QueirozPam Gerard Wally Campbell, Adrian Mathieson, Natalie Walker et al 1:40.38 (heavy)Affirmative Action Shoma2024SavagleeSavabeel (Aus) - GleeSamantha SprattPam GerardThe Oaks Stud1:33.86 (good)Love PoemDomain Ace2023 CrocettiZacinto (GB) - Gracehill Warren Kennedy Danny Walker & Aaron Tata Daniel Nakhle1:34.59 (good) TaliskerTo Catch A Thief 2022 Pier Proisir (Aus) - La Vitesse Michael McNab Darryn & Briar Weatherley, MatamataB W P Wright, D R & Mrs L M Weatherley & Mr Aziz Kheir 1:36.72 (good) Desert LightningProwess2021 NoverreSavabeel (Aus) - Magic DancerOpie BossonJamie Richards, MatamataTe Akau 2020 Stallion Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM)1:35.11 (good) MeritableField Of Gold2020 AegonSacred Falls (NZ) - Toss UpLeith InnesMurray Baker & Andrew Forsman, CambridgeA C Forsman & Zame Partnership 1:35.96 (good)Bourbonaire Marine2019 CatalystDarci Brahma - EvanaTroy HarrisClayton Chipperfield, Te AwamutuD Karreman1:36.07 (good)Harlech Sherwood Forest2018 Madison County Pins (Aus) - Red DeliciousMatt CameronMurray Baker & Andrew Forsman, CambridgeChina Horse Club1:37.73 (heavy)Dawn Patrol Sir Nate2017 Embellish Savabeel (Aus) - BlingOpie BossonStephen Autridge & Jamie Richards, MatamataTe Akau 2016 Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: K W Fenton-Ellis MNZM)1:34.80 (good) Age Of FireEver Loyal2016 Ugo Foscolo Zacinto (GB) - BequestsMichael ColemanStephen Marsh, CambridgeJML Bloodstock (Mgr: L Petagna), T Muollo, P W O'Rourke, Ms R Phillippo, T I Bawden & KJ Hickman1:33.81 (good) Saville RowHeroic Valour2015 Xtravagant Pentire (GB) - AxiomMatt CameronStephen Autridge & Jamie Richards, MatamataTe Akau 2014 Breeding Syndicate1:33.59 (good) Battle TimeSerena Miss2014 Turn Me LooseIffraaj (GB) - IndomitableOpie BossonMurray Baker & Andrew Forsman, CambridgeS Brown, L de Souza, T Hartley, J Lark, D Painter, J Robertson & P Vawdrey1:35.00 (good)Rockfast Prince Mambo2013 AtlanteFastnet Rock (Aus) - ReadyforcatherineOpie BossonMurray Baker, CambridgeMs. R. Phillippo1:36.47 (good) ChambordGobi Ranger2012 Sacred FallsO'Reilly (NZ) - Iguazu's GirlLeith InnesTony Pike & Mark Donoghue, CambridgeRaffles Dancers Ltd1:34.95 (good)Oasis Rose Warhorse2011 Rock 'n' PopFastnet Rock (Aus) - PopsyJamie BullardJason Bridgman, MatamataTe Akau Rock 'n' Pop Syndicate1:35.62 (firm)Anabandana Dollario2010 Jimmy ChouxThorn Park (Aus) - CierzoJonathan RiddellJohn Bary, HastingsChouxmaani Investments Ltd.1:39.46 (heavy) He's Remarkable Twilight Savings2009 Katie LeePins (Aus) - Miss Jessie JayOpie BossonGraeme & Debbie RogersonSir Patrick & Lady Hogan1:34.91 (good)Military Move Clapton2008 Tell A TaleTale Of The Cat (USA) - Cheeky VeronikaTroy HarrisMark Walker, MatamataFortuna (No 5) Syndicate1:34.28 (good) Il Quello VeloceMinstrel Court2007The PookaTobougg (Ire) - The BancheeLisa CroppJohn Wheeler, New PlymouthP Holland, Markwood Lodge, G D Rutherford, J R Wheeler1:35.18 (good) AlamosaRios2006 Magic CapeMagic Albert (Aus) - Cape CityPatrick HolmesShaune Ritchie, CambridgePC Alexandre Mrs C A & M H Arnott, G I Barnett, D F Emerson, W A Pellett, G G Peterson, Mrs A P Ritchie, Miss C M Webster & M G Wills1:38.08 (soft)Jokers Wild Princess Coup2005Darci BrahmaDanehill (USA) - Grand EchezeauxMichael WalkerMark Walker, MatamataTe Akau Stud1:37.35 (good)Captain Kurt Crusoe2004 Clean SweepEnd Sweep (USA) - Eidercrown (Can)Michael ColemanMichael Moroney & Andrew Scott, MatamataMP Brown et al.1:34.92 (good) Ambitious Owner The Raj2003King's ChapelKing Of Kings (Ire) - Lower Chapel (GB)Opie BossonMark Walker, MatamataTauranga Syndicate1:36.34 (firm) Sarah VeeKainui Belle2002Hustler Al Akbar (Aus) - FlushNoel HarrisPaul Harris, RangioraPW Jolly & JP Reid1:35.64 (soft)The Jewel Bois2001Master BeltMasterclass (USA) - Lady DiBrian HibberdKevin Gray, Copper Belt LodgeK & KA Gray1:34.61 (good)San Luis Leica Guv2000Tit For TaatFaltaat (USA) - Miss KiwiteaHayden TinsleyWayne & Anne HerbertRI & WS Scott1:37.37 (soft) Sir CliveDanamite1999Buzz LightyearGold Brose (Aus) - Excitable Kid (USA)Opie BossonRobert Priscott, Te AwamutuTW, MT & CE Jarvis1:35.09 (firm)Thee Old Dragon Ad Alta1998DanskeDanehill (USA) - Our TristalightOpie BossonPaul O'Sullivan, MatamataJanuary Syndicate1:34.41 (good) So CasualPower And Fame1997FoxwoodCentaine (Aus) - Delia's ChoiceBruce HerdRoger James, CambridgeMrs HA & Mrs JM Hannan1:34.24 (good)Tycoon Lil Trust In Ben1996HeroDeputy Governor (USA) - DominoCatherine TreymaneJim Campin, CambridgeJW Campin1:34.79 (firm)Batavian Bubble1995Be BossLe Belvedere (USA) - Champagne On IceRobert VanceJenny VanceK W Lo & Mrs Jenny Vance1:36.02 (good) Peer Gynt Magic McGinty1994Avedon Famous Star (GB) - Harper's BazaarDarryl BradleyPatrick Campbell, AwapuniMrs M H & R C Spotswood1:36.71 (firm)Asahi Vedodara1993Facing The Music Sackford (USA) - ComposingChris JohnsonMike IngramMike B Ingram1:35.69 (firm) Makarpura StarShatin Heights1992Hulastrike Straight Strike (USA) - She Might Hula (USA)Lance O'SullivanDave & Paul O'Sullivan, MatamataFuturity Bloodstock Ltd1:34.14 (good)Mr Richfield Rhythm1991Veandercross Crossways (GB) - Lavender (NZ)Jim WalkerChris Turner, New PlymouthB & C B Turner1:35.78 (soft)Captain Cook Mafioso1990Surfers ParadiseCrested Wave (USA) - Lady AythorpeDarrel LangDave & Paul O'Sullivan, MatamataF Cheung, K Chong, G Fong & J D Smith1:34.12 (good)Eagle Eye Full Time1989Finnegan Fox Silver Blaze (USA) - Gold ShineLarry CassidyBrian Hayter, HaweraB Hayter1:36.20 (good) CentimeCastletown1988KronaIcelandic (Ire) - Daley's Point (Aus)Peter TimsRoger McGlade, TaupoH R & Mrs H McGlade1:34.43 (good) Testament Straight Order 1987Weston Lea Sea Anchor (Ire) - BrureeTony AllanLaurie Laxon, CambridgeHaunui Farm Ltd & E N Peacocke1:35.54 (good) Westminster Satisfy 1986Steely Dan Standaan (Fra) - Miss JubileeGary GryllsTony GilliesW T Callahan, R L Kennedy, J C Parkes & A J J Parkinson 1:36.85 (soft) Mickey's Town Arctic Wolf 1985Random Chance Three Legs (GB) - LibbyShane AndertonBrian Anderton, WingatuiG W & Mrs L J McDonnell 1:35.48 (good)Field Dancer Bonecrusher1984Kingdom Bay Otehi Bay (Aus) - Golden PraiseNoel HarrisJack Taylor, Stratford D & Mrs D M Whittington1:34.64 (fast)Governor's Bay Our Buddy1983Gaffa My Friend Paul (USA) - Kara SeaGrant L CooksleyDavid Kerr, Riccarton D M Kerr1:35.42 (firm)Lacka Reason Tanalyse1982Clansman Aythorpe (Ire) - Ruth's BeauAlly RobinsonDavid Kerr, Riccarton G D Cameron1:38.84 (firm)Our Flight Freewheeling1981Altitude Magnesia (USA) - High TrickStephen AutridgeBill Ford, MatamataN B Hunt1:36.05 (firm)Dig In Row Of Waves1980Sir Avon Avon Valley (GB) - BallometesBruce ComptonJE & JW Winder, Cambridge J S Nuttall & J E Winder 1:41.69 (soft)Amyl King Kaka1979 Little Brown Jug Godavari (Ire) - PeaseAlberto L (Tito) PobletePeter Jones, RiccartonBarney Ballin1:41.56 (soft)Top Castle Mighty King1978Teddy Doon Rapier II (GB) - Smokey CityR FranklinGraeme Rogerson, Te RapaI W Allen1:38.7 (firm)Lejano Holy Toledo1977Uncle Remus Bandmaster II (Ire) - TusitanaRobert VanceColin Jillings, TakaniniK F Clotworthy & Mrs G M Donaldson1:35.6 (firm)Braless Greek Magic1976Vice RegalBismark II (GB) - Kind RegardsGarry EdgeJim Campin, CambridgeE W Cameron & J W Campin1:36.6 1975BalmerinoTrictrac (Fra) - DulcieMaurice CampbellBrian Smith, CambridgeRalph K Stuart1:37.4 (firm)March Legend Nurlootpa1974PersuasianMy HeartJ R DowlingKevin Old, MatamataN B Hunt1:36.6 1973Furys OrderIndian Order (GB) - Our FuryDes Harris Wally McEwan, HaweraL H Bridgeman1:37 (firm) IechydPakistan Flight
See also Recent winners of major races for 3 year olds
References