The Tasman Empress to debut at Nelson in 2026

A brand new series for lower to intermediate grade mares has been announced for Nelson's two day meeting in the New Year.

The Tasman Empress Sprint Series for 4YO+ and up to R45-60 mares will be held on January 9 and 11.

There will be one $20,000 heat on each day, with a maximum of 12 runners in each. Both will be run over the mile. 

The top five from each heat will qualify for the $35,000 Final at Addington over 1980 metres on January 23,2026.

"We are delighted with this concept," says Nelson Trotting Club President Erin Fox.

"Owners and trainers deserve to be rewarded for travelling to the regions and thanks to support from HRNZ the Empress series is a perfect example of what can be achieved."

HRNZ's Head of Racing and Wagering Matthew Peden agrees : "Since the launch of the Future Starts Now,  we have put a major emphasis on mares' racing, highlighted by the implementation of Silk Road and revamped elite mares programmes in both islands and this is a continuation of that."

"It creates an additional pathway for our mares and also encourages owners and trainers to support those two Nelson meetings."

The timing of the Series means that the three races will lead into Group racing later in January and February including the Premier Mares Championship and the New Zealand Breeders' Stakes at Addington.