Sires' Stakes set to shine during Cup week

10 November 2025 , NZ Sires Stakes

The NZ Sires' Stakes Board wishes everyone racing over IRT NZ Trotting Cup Week all the very best of good luck.

CUP WEEK? CAN’T WAIT!

It’s been a cracking Spring on racetracks around the country, and Sires’ Stakes aspirants have been out in force staking their claim for outright excellence among the elite in New Zealand Harness Racing. So, we’re understandably excited as the next IRT Cup Carnival approaches!

A Showcase of World-Class Standardbreds

The schedule of Sires’ Stakes races for Cup Week is a mouthwatering showcase of our country’s world-class standardbred racehorses—a true testament to New Zealand's standing in the sport globally.

Across our two biggest race days of the year, we’ll see:

Cup Day (Tuesday):

Woodlands Stud Series Final – featuring outstanding two-year-old pacing colts and geldings, the stars of now and our future.

To see the field click here

The Nevele R Series – the greatest series anywhere for three-year-old pacing fillies and a group that fits the billing.

To see the field click here

Show Day (Friday):

Dunstan Horsefeeds Series Final – showcasing the best two-year-old pacing fillies down under.

IRT Two-Year-Old Trotters Championship – the launch race for our rising square-gaiting stars.

Bob McArdle Southern Mares Classic – where matriarchs destined to secure quality in New Zealand’s broodmare band put on a show.

Expect Champions, Photo Finishes, and Record Breakers

If the New Zealand Sires’ Stakes racing year so far is any gauge, Cup Week will deliver champions, finishes that need photos, and record books that may need rewriting after this ultimate week of harness racing!

Looking Ahead to 2026

Finally, we encourage anyone with a current yearling who can imagine being part of all this next year to mark their calendar: Final sustaining payment for 2025 is due December 1st.

The New Zealand Sires’ Stakes Board extends its best wishes to all competing horses and connections. May racing luck be on your side and make this marquee event the best yet—win, lose, or draw.