Big stakes on offer for Fillies and Mares

A total of 35 Silk Road races, with stakes totalling around $700,000, will start later this month.

It is the second year of the series. The Silk Road's objective is to create pathways for everyday, emerging and elite Fillies and Mares. It is a key pillar of "The Future Starts Now" strategy launched in 2024.

This year's "Winter Series" heats will be divided among Northern, Canterbury and Southern with heats and finals for both gaits. They will start on May 23 at Alexandra Park with the last Final at Cambridge on Friday, July 24, with racing also to be held at Addington, Wyndham, Winton and Invercargill.

Stakes for the heats will vary from $10,000 to $17,000 with the Finals worth up to $34,000. There will be 24 heats in all, and 11 Finals. The first four placegetters in each heat will be automatic qualifiers for finals, if nominated.

To see a complete list of the Silk Road 2025 Winter Racing Series Heats and Finals click here