NZ Sires’ Stakes Board Confirms Unchanged Stakes Commitment for 2026/27 as Second Half of Season Begins.
We knew this would happen. It’s August already — and you know what that means.
Last month of winter. Spring around the corner. And before you can kick the hopple shorteners, it’ll be Cup Week or close to it.
With spring racing fast approaching, the NZ Sires’ Stakes Board has confirmed an unchanged stakes commitment across all administered series for 2026/27.
CEO Martin Pierson says maintaining premium stakes is a major win for the industry:
“It looks like the industry is in for another reset ahead, so we’re delighted to have the NZ Sires’ Stakes series stakes levels stay at premium.”
“There’s a determination to keep these races the best place to race for subscribers — the owners, breeders, trainers, and of course the fans.”
Momentum also continues with a significant increase: the Caduceus Club is lifting the Group 2 Ladyship Stakes (3YO Fillies) from $70,000 to $100,000 for its Auckland feature in March 2027, strengthening the fillies’ pathway and rewarding depth in the division.
The Sires' Stakes Board has also confirmed a major programming change for 2027:
The Garrard’s 3YO Colts & Geldings Series will be repositioned from Autumn 2027 to Spring 2027. This means the Final returns to Cup Week, and the two Semi Finals will be programmed with one in each island in the spring. Official race dates will be announced once we’re closer to the change, but the shift is locked in.
This adjustment restores the series to its traditional spring setting and aligns the pathway with peak racing interest and participation.
Remittances for Foal Nominations, Yearling Sustaining, and Three‑Year‑Old Sustaining fees will be issued from 5 August, with payments due 1 September 2026.
Pierson encourages he is always available to help owners and trainers navigate payments or map out a path for their horses.
“It can be a process, especially when you’ve got a couple or more horses on the books. But I’m always keen to help — making sure people and their horses are on the same page to maximize potential in their series.”
Like a two‑year‑old back in work after a freshen‑up, the NZ Sires’ Stakes is ‘on the chewy’ for spring and summer harness racing action to begin.
Early heats for the Dunstan Horsefeeds and Nevele R Fillies Series begin 21 August and 30 August, signalling the start of a busy spring racing calendar.
Race dates for the remainder of 2026 are available at: https://www.nzsiresstakes.co.nz/race-dates
Programme Conditions are available at: https://www.nzsiresstakes.co.nz/conditions
Contact: Martin Pierson — CEO 027 4711 081
