NEW ZEALAND CUP · NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand Cup prize money
The New Zealand Cup is worth £198,405 for the 2025 running . That makes it the 336th richest of the 997 races on this site and the 14th richest in New Zealand.
The race announces its purse as NZ$450,000, and every figure here is that money converted. The currency control at the top swaps the whole page.
TOTAL PRIZE MONEY £198,405
AS PUBLISHED NZ$450,000
WORLD RANK 336th
RUNNINGS HELD 55
FIRST RUN 1865
What the New Zealand Cup is
Group III · 3200m (2 miles) · Turf · Riccarton Park Racecourse
- Racecourse
- Riccarton Park Racecourse
- Country
- New Zealand
- Grade
- Group III
- Distance
- 3200m (2 miles)
- Surface
- Turf
- Race type
- Thoroughbred, Flat racing
- Open to
- Three-year-olds and up
- Direction
- Left-handed
- First run
- 1865
- As published
- NZ$450,000
We hold the total fund for the New Zealand Cup and no separate winner's cheque. What the winner takes is a rule the racecourse sets rather than a national one, and it varies race by race.
Run in 3:33.05 in 2025, the New Zealand Cup pays £931 for every second of the race, which is 360th of the 611 races in horse racing prize money per second and 20th in New Zealand.
Every New Zealand Cup winner
55 runnings, 1970 to 2025, newest first
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Bozo3:33.05 (heavy) | Tina Comignaghi | Kevin Myers | Rick, Sandra & Anne Hill |
| 2024 | Mehzebeen3.27.40 (soft) | Craig Grylls | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | Sarai Stud, M & Y Davis, D & S Rolston, S Waddell, R & B Duncan, T & K Howe |
| 2023 | Mahrajaan3:25.28 (good) | Sam Weatherley | Shaune Ritchie & Colm Murray, Cambridge | G I Barnett, G W Bates, R Cooper, P J Cranitch, G M Jennings, G G Peterson, S F Ritchie, C J Talbot, E J Wood & Est late S F Massey |
| 2022 | Aljay3:22.27 (soft) | Tina Comignaghi | Kevin Myers, Wanganui | L J Gestro & K T Myers |
| 2021 | Mondorani3:27.18 (soft) | Sarah Macnab | Kevin Myers, Wanganui | J N & Mrs K L Murdoch |
| 2020 | Dragon Storm3:21.52 (soft) | Craig Grylls | Chris Gibbs | A C Consultant and Investment Ltd, C Y Chen, Karaka Mews Development Ltd & Pegasus Bloodstock Ltd |
| 2019 | Dee And Gee3:23.05 (dead) | Leah Hemi | Terrill Charles & Peter Corbett | Terrill Charles & Peter Corbett |
| 2018 | Bizzwinkle3:22.58 | Sam Spratt | Glenn Old | G J Craig, S W Hawkings, D & P Hughes, A E Kaminski, E Kaye, C N & P A Kemp, Kilgravin Lodge, D S Kinnear, T Lee, C T P Middleton,G E Petersen |
| 2017 | Gobstopper3:23.79 | Sam Spratt | Andrew Campbell | C D Allison, C V & J A Barnao, A R Campbell, T G Heptinstall, T M Pivac & D R Platt |
| 2016 | Pump Up The Volume3:23.43 | Kelly McCulloch | Ralph Manning | A B Coombe & R R Manning |
| 2015 | Jimmy Mac3:21.01 Good | Lisa Allpress | Gene Andrew | G & L Andrew, P McGillicuddy, M Richardson & C White |
| 2014 | Mungo Jerry3:23.88 Good | Kelly McCulloch | Adrian & Harry Bull, Hunterville | Makaraka Bloodstock Ltd |
| 2013 | Spring Cheer3:19.92 Good | Rosie Myers | Kevin Myers, Wanganui | The Oaks Stud |
| 2012 | Blood Brotha3:19.56 Good | Lisa Allpress | Raymond Connors, Wanganui | Mark S & Raymond M Connors |
| 2011 | Blood Brotha3:29.24 Heavy | James McDonald | Raymond Connors, Wanganui | Mark S & Raymond M Connors |
| 2010 | Showcause (AUS)3:19.75 Good | Darryl Bradley | Frank Ritchie | Showcause Syndicate |
| 2009 | My Scotsgrey3:20.64 Good | Leith Innes | Shaune Ritchie | GG Syndicate Ltd, RM Reid, SF Ritchie, WM Schoonderwoerd, RJ Stroud, G Syminton, Mrs CB & MA Todd |
| 2008 | Hoorang3:18.11 Good | Kelly Myers | Ian Shaw, Wanganui | IA Shaw |
| 2007 | Everswindell3:21.55 Good | Noel Harris | John Sargent, Matamata | Three Fillies Syndicate |
| 2006 | Pentathon3:22.71 Dead | Noel Harris | John Wheeler | RS Baulcomb, MK Ralsten |
| 2005 | Trebla3:24.55 Good | Leith Innes | Del Roberts | JH & Mrs SD Pattie |
| 2004 | Waltermitty3:19.54 Firm | Brian Hibberd | John Wheeler, New Plymouth | P Holland, V Matijasevich, ME Ralston & J Wheeler |
| 2003 | Torlesse3:20.80 Firm | Terry Moseley | Mandy Brown | Ngapuke Stables Syndicate |
| 2002 | Mike3:24.51 Dead | Noel Harris | Paul Harris | HJ & Mrs MJ & MP Rutz |
| 2001 | Soldier Blue3:17.97 | Gary Grylls | Royce Dowling | Alistaire and Isabel Barker |
| 2000 | Smiling Like3:24.90 | Michael Walker | Graeme Rogerson and Keith Hawtin | Sir Patrick & Lady Hogan |
| 1999 | Wake Forest3:19.87 Easy | Noel Harris | Gus Clutterbuck, Awapuni | MA Collinson, PG Maher & PJ Walker |
| 1998 | Sapio3:17.81 Good | Darryl Bradley | Sylvia Kay, Otaki | PJ & Mrs SL Kay |
| 1997 | Laud Peregrine3:17.99 Good | Leanne Rutherford | Ralph Manning | GS Oldbury & Estate A D Worth |
| 1996 | Old Thymer3:17.47 Firm | Jan Cameron | Kelly Thompson, Longbush | Mrs Isla M Thompson |
| 1995 | Sapio3:20.40 Good | Brian Hibberd | Sylvia Kay, Otaki | P J & Mrs SL Kay |
| 1994 | Double Take3:17.88 Firm | Chris Johnson | Royce Dowling & Mrs Linda Laing, Cambridge | JD Ancell |
| 1993 | Karaoke|3:24.99 Firm | Brian Hibberd | Bruce Marsh, Woodville | Tudor Syndicates No. 1 & 2 |
| 1992 | Mercator|3:20.07 Fast | Chris Johnson | Royce & Linda Dowling, Cambridge | LM McKelvie |
| 1991 | Carlton King3:19.12 Firm | Matthew Enright | Miss Diane Sergeant, Hastings | E S & Mrs L E M Aroa & R T Boyce |
| 1989 | Exocet3:19.82 | Brian Hibberd | Andrew Peacock, Hawke's Bay | MA & MG Peacock |
| 1988 | Gallipoli3:27.82 | Garry Phillips | Patrick Busuttin, Foxton | JE Bowden & WM Burgess |
| 1987 | Empire Rose3:20.20 Good | Tony Allan | Laurie Laxon, Cambridge | Whakanui Stud Ltd |
| 1986 | Oak Vue3:18.79 | Grant Cooksley | Ralph Manning | Mrs S Wylies |
| 1985 | Samasaan3:17.55 | Chris Johnson | Garth Jackson, Riccarton | Mike Bell, Ian H Harrison & Garth A Jackson |
| 1984 | Our Boyfriend3:20.15 | Mark Barnsley | Mrs Marlene Todd, Hastings | Mr & Mrs NT, Mr & Mrs OA Wyeth |
| 1983 | Payco3:19.31 Fast | Brian Hibberd | Scott Hammersley, Woodville | Mesdames JP Brown & JE Chamberlain |
| 1982 | Sirtain3:21.36 | Maree Lyndon | Max Northcott, New Plymouth | IM & Mrs Northcott |
| 1981 | Gold Bullion3:18.20 Firm | Garry Phillips | Noel Eales, Woodville | JL Swafford & EW Symes |
| 1980 | Koiro Trelay3:20.22 | Phillip Smith | Eric Temperton, Awapuni | DG Canning |
| 1979 | Star Order3:24.63 | Eddie Low | Eddie Low, Riccarton | JR & RK Dawson & Mrs MO McDonald |
| 1978 | Royal Cadenza3:18.80 | Paul Hillis | Stuart Dromgool, Cambridge | BO Reed & JK Robb |
| 1977 | Heidsieck3:19.60 | Bob Skelton | Fred Phillips, Matangi | GR & Mrs Pollock |
| 1976 | Andrew3:25.60 | David Wittington | Lachie Ross, Hastings | D L & Mrs DR Ross |
| 1975 | Heidsieck3:23.00 | Bruce Compton | Fred Phillips, Matangi | GR & Mrs Pollock |
| 1974 | Fury's Order3:20.40 | Jim Walker | Wally McEwan, Hawera | LH Bridgeman |
| 1973 | Watallan3:22.60 | Steve Allen | Brian Anderton, Wingatui | Wattie Latimer & J Mathieson |
| 1972 | Kartika3:22.0 | Jim Walker | Brian Deacon, Hawera | C G & Mrs Taylor |
| 1971 | Princess Mellay3:21.8 | Bob Skelton | Hec Anderton, Wingatui | Alice Anderton |
| 1970 | Princess Mellay3:28.0 | John Dowling | Hec Anderton, Wingatui | Alice Anderton |
55 of the 55 runnings name the rider, 55 name the trainer and 55 name the owner, who is the one of the three the prize money actually belongs to.
Who wins the New Zealand Cup more than once
The fact the table above holds and cannot show
Blood Brotha has won it 2 times, which is more than any other horse.
4 horses have won it more than once across 55 runnings.
Most wins by a jockey
| Horse | Wins | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Brotha | 2 | 2011, 2012 |
| Sapio | 2 | 1995, 1998 |
| Heidsieck | 2 | 1975, 1977 |
| Princess Mellay | 2 | 1970, 1971 |
Races worth about the same
Either side of the New Zealand Cup in the world money order
| # | Race | Country | Prize money | As published |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 326 | Holy Bull StakesGulfstream Park | United States | £206,767 | $275,000 |
| 327 | Al Maktoum Challenge (thoroughbreds)Meydan Racecourse | United Arab Emirates | £201,700 | AED 1,000,000 |
| 328 | Dubai Kahayla ClassicMeydan | United Arab Emirates | £201,700 | AED 1,000,000 |
| 329 | Derby Grand PrixMizusawa Racecourse | Japan | £201,600 | ¥40,000,000 |
| 330 | Nippon TV HaiFunabashi Racecourse | Japan | £201,600 | ¥40,000,000 |
| 331 | Tokyo Okan ShoOhi Racecourse | Japan | £201,600 | ¥40,000,000 |
| 332 | Arkle Challenge TrophyCheltenham Racecourse | Great Britain | £200,000 | £200,000 |
| 333 | Betfair ChaseHaydock Park | Great Britain | £200,000 | £200,000 |
| 334 | Broadway Novices' ChaseCheltenham Racecourse | Great Britain | £200,000 | £200,000 |
| 335 | Gordon StakesGoodwood Racecourse | Great Britain | £200,000 | £200,000 |
| 337 | Bahrain TrophyJuly Course | Great Britain | £196,740 | £196,740 |
| 338 | Dante StakesYork Racecourse | Great Britain | £192,200 | £192,200 |
| 339 | Prix Ferdinand DufaureAuteuil Racecourse | France | £188,034 | €220,000 |
| 340 | Albany StakesSaratoga Race Course | United States | £187,970 | $250,000 |
| 341 | Calder DerbyCalder Race Course | United States | £187,970 | $250,000 |
| 342 | Del Mar DerbyDel Mar Racetrack | United States | £187,970 | $250,000 |
| 343 | Dubai City of GoldNad Al Sheba Racecourse | United Arab Emirates | £187,970 | $250,000 |
| 344 | Illinois DerbyHawthorne Race Course | United States | £187,970 | $250,000 |
| 345 | Iowa DerbyPrairie Meadows Racetrack | United States | £187,970 | $250,000 |
| 346 | Kent StakesDelaware Park Racetrack | United States | £187,970 | $250,000 |
The 20 races closest to the New Zealand Cup in what they pay, above and below it. Follow the ranking all the way up on the richest races in the world.
The rest of the money in New Zealand
35 races, 14th of them is this one
| Race | Racecourse | Grade | Prize money |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes | Awapuni Racecourse | Group I | £242,495 |
| Telegraph Handicap | Trentham Racecourse | Group I | £242,495 |
| Thorndon Mile | Trentham | Group II | £220,450 |
| Zabeel Classic | Ellerslie Racecourse | Group I | £220,450 |
| Dominion (harness race) | Addington Raceway | Group I | £176,360 |
| Howden Insurance Mile | Hastings Racecourse | Group I | £176,360 |
| Levin Classic | Trentham Racecourse, Wellington, (2014-) | Group 1, Group 2 (2025-) | £176,360 |
| Mufhasa Classic | Trentham Racecourse | Group I | £176,360 |
Every race in New Zealand we hold a purse for is on the New Zealand prize money list.
Frequently asked questions
What is the total New Zealand Cup prize money?
£198,405, for the 2025 running. The race announces it as NZ$450,000.
Where does the New Zealand Cup rank among the richest races in the world?
336th of 997. 335 races pay more, the nearest of them Holy Bull Stakes. In New Zealand it is 14th of 35.
Which horse has won the New Zealand Cup most often?
Blood Brotha, 2 times, in 2011, 2012.
Which jockey has won the New Zealand Cup most often?
Brian Hibberd, with 5 wins between 1983 and 2004.
When was the New Zealand Cup first run?
1865. This page holds 55 runnings, from 1970 to 2025.
How far is the New Zealand Cup?
3200m (2 miles), on turf, at Riccarton Park Racecourse.
Where to next
The rest of the racing money