Sires' Stakes update - Go Media New Zealand Trotting Cup week

The start of Cup Week is always one of the most exciting times on the New Zealand harness racing calendar, bringing together owners, breeders, trainers, drivers and fans from throughout the country to compete on the sport's biggest stage. On behalf of the NZ Sires' Stakes Board, we extend our very best wishes to everyone involved in racing over GO Media New Zealand Cup Week and hope it is a successful and enjoyable carnival for all.

A special good luck to the connections of those competing in our feature age-group championship events:

• Woodlands Stud NZ 2YO Colts and Geldings Final 
• Nevele R Stud 3YO Fillies Final 
• Dunstan Horsefeeds 2YO Fillies Championship 
• IRT 2YO Trotters Championship

These races showcase the brightest young talent in our industry and represent the culmination of months of planning, preparation and dedication from breeders and owners right through to trainers, drivers and stable staff.

You are all champions to get here.

As the industry enjoys a busy and exciting Cup Week, the Board would also like to remind owners that 2YO Sustaining Payments for current yearlings will be emailed and posted later this week. These payments are not due until Tuesday, 1 December 2026.

This sustaining payment applies to current yearlings wishing to compete as two-year-olds during the 2027 racing season. Owners who choose not to make this payment can still nominate their horses for their three-year-old season, with the next eligibility payment not due until 1 July 2027.

Should you have any questions regarding sustaining payments or eligibility, please contact Martin on 027 471 1081.

The NZ Sires' Stakes Board thanks everyone for their continued support and wishes all participants a safe, successful and memorable GO Media New Zealand Cup Week. Like you, we are looking forward to seeing the next generation of champions shine on harness racing's biggest stage.

To see the Sires' Stakes latest newsletter click here