New Zealand Oaks

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 ( miles).

Venue and scheduling

The New Zealand Oaks was run at Riccarton until 1972 and over the distance of miles to 1974.

Until 2025 it was held on the third Saturday of March every year at Trentham Racecourse in Wellington, New Zealand. In 2025 it was raced on the same day as the:

Cuddle Stakes (Group 3, 1600m) for fillies and mares. New Zealand St. Leger (2500m). Wellington Guineas (Group 2, 1400m) for 3-year olds, Lightning Handicap (listed open, 1200m).

The Levin Classic (1600m) for 3-year horses was raced on the Oaks race-day in 2022 and 2023, but was returned to January.

In September 2025 it was announced that the New Zealand Oaks would be shifted to Ellerslie Racecourse, Auckland, in an attempt to preserve the race's Group 1 status. The 2026 edition would be moved to an earlier date on February 21, two weeks before the NZ Derby so fillies have the option to start in the Derby and to provide a better pathway to races like the Australian Oaks in early April.

The 2026 New Zealand Oaks was scheduled on the same days as the following races:

Uncle Remus Stakes (Group 3, 1400m) for 3 year olds. Avondale Guineas (Group 2, 2100m) for 3 year olds. Otaki-Maori Weight for Age (Group 1, 1600m), which had also been moved to Ellerslie Avondale Cup (Group 3, 2400m), an open handicap.

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 Sire Dam Jockey Trainer(s) Owner(s) Time Second Third2026https://loveracing.nz/RaceInfo/54904/8/Race-Detail.aspxOhope WinsOcean ParkChoux ManiaJoe DoyleLance O'Sullivan & Andrew ScottYu Long Investments (Australia) Pty Ltd 2:31.17 (soft)Autumn GlorySingle Red2025Leica LucyDerryn (Aus) Dynamite LucyCraig Grylls Robbie Patterson, New PlymouthAziz Kheir, Peter & Heather Crofskey 2:29.41 (soft)Dubai Gold Myakkabelle2024 Pulchritudinous Wrote Showus Warren Kennedy Chad OrmsbyC Grace, J Walker, Riverrock Farm, D Roach & M J Moroney 2:29.67 (soft)PositivityQali Al Farrasha2023PennywekaSatono Aladdin (JPN) Threepence Ryan Elliott Jim WallaceThe Galloping Wekas Jazweka Syndicate2.31.18 (soft)MehzebeenMischief Managed 2022Belle En RougeBurgundy (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 ObsessionAspen Colorado2021Amarelinha Savabeel (AUS) Hopscotch Opie Bosson Jamie Richards, Matamata Te Akau Hopskip'n'jump Syndicate2:29.65 Charms Star Llanacord2020Jennifer EcclesRip Van Winkle (Ire) Platinum Elle (NZ)Jason Waddell Shaune Ritchie, Cambridge Challenge No.10 Syndicate (Adrian Clark)2:30.74VancoogaFeel The Rush2019Sentimental MissReliable Man (GB) Nostalgic (Aus)Lisa AllpressLisa Latta, AwapuniGo Racing Yesteryear Syndicate2:35.08Beyond The FortStar Karen2018Savvy CoupSavabeel (AUS) EudoraChris JohnsonMichael & Matthew Pitman, RiccartonAM, AR, CJ, FH & JF Bruford, JD, LR & RA Coupland2:29.03Contessa VanessaMilseain2017BonnevalMakfi ImposinglyMatthew CameronMurray Baker & Andrew Forsman, CambridgeT W Jarvis, A R Lawrence & J A Rattray2:31.99DeviseSavvy Dreams2016FanaticShocking (Aus) Komplete Klass (NZ)Mark HillsGraeme Sanders & Debbie Sweeney, Te AwamutuSP Kiernan2:29.47Sofia RosaStrada Cavallo2015SavariaSavabeel (AUS) Amathea (NZ)Hayden TinsleyRoydon Bergerson, AwapuniD P & Mrs K C Fleming2:29.67Platinum WitnessCharmont2014Miss MossmanMossman (Aus) Dane Promise (AUS)Johnathan ParkesJohn Sargent & Hayden AllenRBC Racing2:27.78Miss SelbyRock Diva2013More Than SacredMore Than Ready (USA) Danalaga (AUS)Leith InnesTony Pike & Mark Donoghue, CambridgeRaffles Dancers (NZ) Pty Ltd2:30.46Blanket BayAurora Lights2012ArtisticDarci Brahma (NZ) Artless (AUS)Michael ColemanShaune Ritchie, CambridgeThe Oaks Stud2:28.39ZurellaQuintessential2011Midnight OilKeeper (AUS) Gilded Light (AUS)Rosie MyersPaul Duncan, CambridgeNineteenth Syndicate2:30.04ZennistaInsurgent2010Keep The PeaceKeeper (AUS) Peace of Mind (NZ)Opie BossonShaune Ritchie, CambridgeP E Bellingham, L R & L R D Dittman2:28.49November RainZarzuela2009Jungle RocketJungle Pocket (Jap) Gu Li (NZ)James McDonaldJeff McVean, CambridgeC & Mrs L Betts, Mrs C & D Pleasance2:30.07Can't Keeper DownMill Duckie2008BoundlessVan Nistelrooy (USA) Nothing LessHayden TinsleyStephen McKee, ArdmoreP A Dallimore, Trevor McKee ONZM, P N Miller & Mrs C N Taylor2:28.74ReferredPentura2007Princess CoupEncosta de Lago (AUS) Stoneyfell Road (AUS)Opie BossonMark Walker, MatamataBromley Bloodstock Ltd & Ray Coupland2:32.94OverkaastVeloce Bella2006LegsPins (AUS) River Century (NZ)David WalkerKevin Gray, Copper Belt LodgeWaikato Stud 2001 Ltd.2:29.42Out Of AlignFalsetto2005Justa TadIstidaad (USA) InfinityVincent ColganRudy Liefting, TakaniniR P Liefting2:29.52Prize LadySahara Flight2004Wharite PrincessHis Royal Highness Regal Visit (by Vice Regal)Bruce HerdLisa Latta, AwapuniNM Cantwell, MR Curd, TA Robinson, KJ Tod, KR Williams & RJ Wong2:26.88Filante EtoileMidnight Kiss2003Bramble RoseShinko King (Ire) Images (NZ)Opie BossonSir Mark Todd, CambridgeRivermonte Racing Syndicate2:27.71The JewellLady Annaliese2002Vapour TrailJetball (Aus) Devil's Lair (NZ)Scott SeamerDonna & Dean Logan, RuakakaP J & P M Vela Ltd2:30.88Sursum Corda Damaschino2001TapildoRhythm (USA) Emulate (NZ)Mark Du PlessisSheila LaxonIan M & Sydney T Taplin2:28.05SingalongDanasia2000She's Country Kenfair Cross CountryOpie BossonBruce Wallace, TakaniniTJ Bodle2:29.80Hill of GraceYou Beauty1999Savannah SuccessSuccess Express (USA) Alma Mater (AUS)Lance O'Sullivan Graeme Rogerson JM Haseler & GA Rogerson2:28.48 Pravda No Alimony 1998Tycoon Lil Last Tycoon (Ire) Imposing Bloom II (NZ)Chris Johnson Colin Jillings & Richard Yiull, TakaniniPJ Walker2:31.10PavanKilmore Quay1997 Sawatdee Deputy Governor (USA) Chanson D'AmourChris Johnson Alan Howatson, HaweraI B Cassels, C F Dunbar, A E & R O Nicol2:28.71Bao CacaoTaupari Lass1996AlacrityGrosvenor (NZ) Daybreak Express (AUS) Brian Hibberd Mike Moroney, MatamataMrs A & D Paykel & Mrs EI Wells 2:28.87The Lions RoarSan Goma 1995Tartan Tights Tights (USA) Ultra SoundChris Johnson Ellis Winsloe, GoreG L Robertson2:26.26Rampage QueenSneetch1994Snap Kingdom Bay CrackleLance O'Sullivan Dave & Paul O'Sullivan, Matamata Mrs LM O'Sullivan & Lord Robin Tavistock2:28.17Facing The Music Mess1993Miltak McGinty (NZ) Encore (NZ)David Walsh Dave & Paul O'Sullivan, Matamata Miktak Syndicate 2:30.03 Village Dancer Slanchyvah1992Staring Fiesta Star (AUS) Sweet Violet (NZ) Noel HarrisMurray Baker, WoodvilleGrovedale Trust & MK Gyde 2:28.96Conifer BayFine Design1991Let's Sgor Creag-An-Sgor Alycide Larry Cassidy Murray Baker, Woodville MA Fisher, PM Paterson, EGL Simpson & TG Whiteman 2:30.22PlumeNarration1990DominoGrosvenor (NZ) Tupelo Honey Chris Johnson Jim Campin, CambridgeJ W Campin2:29.81Blue MusicTe Akau Pearl1989 Regal Empress Triumphal March (USA) Empress Lu (NZ) Catherine Tremayne RN & Mrs MS Fraser, Mrs JA Lang & NA Leitch 2:30.60Kate's Myth Sarah Fay1988 Candide Sound Reason (Can) Country Flower (NZ) Ross Elliott M & Miss SA Joseph & Trans Media Park Stud Pty Ltd 2:27.96Savana CityRed Chifton1987 Starline Sir Tristram (Ire) Star Lot Greg Childs Ray Verner, Takanini Miss MB Macdougall & Mrs LS Otway 2:32.30Sounds Like Fun Etoile d'Or1986 Royal Heights Sir Tristram (Ire) ClaudineWawrick Robinson Ross Douglas, MorrinsvilleMr and Mrs R F Douglas2:26.50Empire RoseEau D'Etoile1985 Solveig Imposing SoliloquoyGrant Cooksley Colin Curnow & Trevor McKee, Takanini RE & RWE Moore 2:28.94 Pass A GlanceAvana1984 Zepherin Zephyr Bay Lucky BidGreg Childs Jim Gibbs & Roger James, Matamata Balcarres Stud Ltd2:29.11 Duanette's GirlAptitude1983 Aulyn Auk HelynGreg Childs Ray Verner, Takanini BM Mollet2:28.03TraffickerOur Flight1982 Maurita Harbor Prince CathmolGreg Childs Jim Gibbs, Matamata PR Kearns, A O'Malley & E Yee 2:31.25AmricaPlacio1981 Glamour Bay Zephyr Bay Glamour Test (by Test Case) Bruce Compton FR Begueley, Matamata K Joe, JH Lindsay & J McAnnalley 2:29.25Summer Haze Just From Santa1980 Supreme Glory Final Orders Supreme One Jim Walker H Furness, Paeroa CE Proctor, MG & Mrs Thwaites 2:30.25Pays AnneFirefly1979 Tang Taipan II Agricolet (by Agricola) Des Harris Charlie Cameron, HastingsDB & EJ Callaghan & RM Miller 2:29.25 Tui's Lass Springtide (relegated from 2nd)1978Athenaia Hermes Meleina (by Timanova) Robert Vance Colin Jillings, TakaniniSir Tristran Antico, Mrs DH Munro & TJ Smith 2:28.50Mun LeeKindled1977 La MerCopenhagen II La Balsa Des Harris Malcolm Smith, New Plymouth 2:29.25BlintzStar Chick1976Eastern TimeHermes Letty (by Klorassan)David Peake Royce Dowling, Te Rapa J L Chionbian2:32.00EnticeNena1975Princess PatriceCharicles How About That Gary PhillipsM C Conway, AvondaleDA Hagar & PS Wilson 2:28.51974Sweet Offer Sucaryl Fair Offer Gary Phillips Brian Deacon, Hawera ID & Mrs Parsons 2:29.751972Brown Satin Mellay (GB) SatinetteAK Robinson BG, C and JWG White2:04.61971 Young IdaOncidium (GB) Young Margaret II (Ire) JA Messent JHT Duncan 2:05.41970Devante Sobig SkylitJA Messent C J Cameron, Hastings MW Owen & TS Sellwood 2:02.61969Princess Mellay Mellay (GB) Princess Ermine AK Robinson Mrs HA Anderton 2:03.4

There was no race in 1973.

New Zealand Oaks

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