WELLINGTON CUP · NEW ZEALAND
Wellington Cup prize money
The Wellington Cup is worth £176,360 for the 2026 running . That makes it the 364th richest of the 997 races on this site and the 20th richest in New Zealand.
The race announces its purse as NZ$400,000, and every figure here is that money converted. The currency control at the top swaps the whole page.
TOTAL PRIZE MONEY £176,360
AS PUBLISHED NZ$400,000
WORLD RANK 364th
RUNNINGS HELD 74
FIRST RUN 1874
What the Wellington Cup is
Group 3 · 3200 metres · Turf · Trentham Racecourse
- Racecourse
- Trentham Racecourse
- Country
- New Zealand
- Grade
- Group 3
- Distance
- 3200 metres
- Surface
- Turf
- Race type
- Thoroughbred - Flat racing
- Open to
- Three-Year-Olds and Up
- Direction
- Left-handed
- First run
- 1874
- As published
- NZ$400,000
We hold the total fund for the Wellington 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 3:19.91 in 2026, the Wellington Cup pays £882 for every second of the race, which is 371st of the 611 races in horse racing prize money per second and 22nd in New Zealand.
Every Wellington Cup winner
74 runnings, 1953 to 2026, newest first
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Manzor Blue5m · 3:19.91 (good) | Kate Hercock | Lisa Latta | Go Racing Amalfi Syndicate |
| 2025 | Wolfgang6g · 3:20.68 (good) | Joe Doyle | Peter & Shaun McKay | Simms Davison, Kim & Peter McKay |
| 2024 | Mary Louise5m · 3:23.65 (soft) | Craig Grylls | Robbie Patterson, New Plymouth | E M & N A Bourke & A R Piercy |
| 2023 | Leaderboard8g · 3:33.01 (heavy) | Joe Doyle | Mark Walker | Fortuna Leaderboard Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin) |
| 2022 | Lincoln King7g · 3:23.21 (good) | Craig Grylls | Stephen Marsh | Lincoln Farms Bloodstock Ltd, Wellfield Holdings Ltd, Exempt Bloodstock Ltd, Stephen Marsh & Peter Gillespie |
| 2021 | Waisake6g · 3:22.85 (good) | Samantha Collett | Alan Sharrock, New Plymouth | LR Butler, JM & KA Horner, A & NJ Macdonald, B & E Menzies, PV Mullen, BC & MC Schumacher & SA Sharrock |
| 2020 | Soleseifei7m · 3:20.03 (good) | Trudy Thornton | Jaimee-Lee Lupton, Waverley | L Ridge & Ms M Slagter |
| 2019 | Gorbachev5g · 3:22.49 (good) | Ryan Elliot | Bryce Newman, Bulls | P Bardell, F J P Huwyler, B K O'Dea & K T O'Donnell |
| 2018 | Magic Chai5g · 3:25.19 (good) | Michael McNab | Tony Pike, Cambridge | MA & Mrs SL Treweek |
| 2017 | Savaria5m · 3:21.90 (good) | Hayden Tinsley | Roydon Bergerson, Awapuni | DP & Mrs KC Fleming |
| 2016 | Mister Impatience6g · 3:21.60 (good) | Samantha Spratt | Michael Moroney & Chad Ormsby, Matamata | R Legh, GG Syndicate Ltd, K Millar, G Sharp, A Locantro, H Hansen, J O'Neill, G Van Ameyden, P Merton & L Neradovsky |
| 2015 | Maygrove5g · 2:26.65 (2400m, good) | Matthew Cameron | Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman, Cambridge | JML Bloodstock Ltd (Mgr L Petagna) & PW O'Rourke |
| 2014 | Graphic5g · 2:29.30 (2400m, good) | Craig Grylls | Michael Moroney & Chad Ormsby, Matamata | Christopher R & Susanna Grace |
| 2013 | Blood Brotha7g · 2:31.32 (2400m) | Lisa Allpress | Raymond Connors, Bulls | M S & R M Connors |
| 2012 | Six O'Clock News7g · 2:31.33 (2400m) | Leith Innes | Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young, Cambridge | Six O'Clock News Syndicate |
| 2011 | Spiro5g · 2:28.82 (2400m) | Kane Smith | Sylvia Kay, Levin | P J & Mrs S L Kay, Mrs A J, B T, J E & R L Maetzig |
| 2010 | Red Ruler5g · 2:27.42 (2400m) | Mark Du Plessis | John Sargent, Matamata | R J Arculli, A R Meehan & G B Sargent |
| 2009 | Megapins5m · 2:28.32 (2400m) | Trudy Thornton | John & Karen Parsons, Balcairn | W R Campbell et al. |
| 2008 | Young Centaur5g · 3:22.15 | Michael Walker | John Sargent, Matamata | J G Sargent & A Soon Shiong |
| 2007 | Willy Smith5g · 3:22.11 | Matthew Cameron | Mark Todd, Cambridge | Mrs M K Hain & M McPhail |
| 2006 | Envoy7g · 3:22.38 | Grant Cooksley | Ken Kelso, Matamata | K & B Kelso, R & J White |
| 2005 | Zabeat5g · 3:20.73 | Peter Johnson | Donna & Dean Logan, Ruakaka | A.M. Goodwin & Mrs. D.M. Logan |
| 2004 | Cluden Creek5g · 3:26.49 | Andrew Calder | John Boon, Waverley | B Barber, W Purvis & A MacDonald |
| 2003 | Oarsman5g · 3:19.53 | Gary Grylls | Paul Duncan | B E & R W Punch |
| 2002 | Cyclades6g · 3:20.20 | Lance O'Sullivan | Cydne Evans, Waverley | D N & W E Pye |
| 2001 | Smiling Like6m · 3:22.04 | Michael Walker | Graeme Rogerson | Sir Patrick & Lady Hogan |
| 2000 | Second Coming5m · 3:20.93 | Michael Coleman | Michael Moroney & Andrew Scott, Matamata | A J Burton, P S Lindberg, Paul Moroney & G G Peterson. |
| 1999 | Miss Bailey7m · 3:21.91 | Leanne Isherwood | Grant Cullen, Hastings | Grant Cullen et al. |
| 1998 | Aerosmith5g · 3:22.62 | Grant Cooksley | Peter & Nikki Hurdle, Awapuni | AB & DG Smith |
| 1997 | Ed7g · 3:17.39 | Lance O'Sullivan | Noel Eales, Awapuni | AJ & Mrs LM Crooks |
| 1996 | Yes Indeed6g · 3:17.85 | Jock Caddigan | Michael Moroney, Matamata | DJ & Mrs MA Deegan |
| 1995 | Ed5g · 3:18.25 | Damien Oliver | Cecil Beckett, Riverton | AJ (Bert) & Mrs LM (Margaret) Crooks |
| 1994 | Castletown7g · 3:18.63 | Noel Harris | Patrick Busuttin, Foxton | PM Busuttin, BJ McCahill, KP Morris |
| 1993 | Dancing Lord6g · 3:18.19 | Leanne Isherwood | MI Pearson, Hastings | KS Lee |
| 1992 | Castletown5g · 3:19.33 | Noel Harris | Patrick Busuttin, Foxton | PM Busuttin, BJ McCahill, KP Morris |
| 1991 | Castletown4g · 3:18.37 | Noel Harris | Patrick Busuttin, Foxton | PM Busuttin, BJ McCahill, KP Morris |
| 1990 | Flying Luskin5g · 3:20.52 | Peter Johnson | Stephen & Trevor McKee, Takanini | Joe Karam, Trevor McKee, Peter J Walker, John A Wells |
| 1989 | Noble Khan7g · 3:19.21 | Peter Ayres | Don Sellwood, Hastings | R J Fleetwood, Mrs M C Kuzmich, D G Terry & J A Willmott |
| 1988 | Daria's Fun6m · 3:15.59 | Gary Stewart | Mrs S E H Ellis | D A Hodgetts, D W Mayers & M D Richardson |
| 1987 | Rastes6 · 3:22.56 | Paul Taylor | Danny Walker | N K Allen, Miss P S Brough, P J Marron Jnr & R D Seivers |
| 1986 | Samasaan5 · 3:23.22 | Chris Johnson | Garth Jackson, Riccarton | M R Bell, I H Harrison, G A Jackson |
| 1985 | Imaprince4 · 3:22.27 | Philip Mercer | Mick Preston, Otaki | J C Bell |
| 1984 | Secured Deposit4 · 3:22.6 | Neil Hain | Neville Atkins, Waiuku | Eileen Mackley, Dale Ralph & Neville Atkins |
| 1983 | Kiwi5g · 3:20.29 | Jimmy Cassidy | E S (Snow) Lupton, Waverley | E S & Mrs Lupton |
| 1982 | Ruakuna6 · 3:19.25 | Stephen Autridge | Leonie Pratt, Cambridge | M H Tims & Estate W J Pratt |
| 1981 | Koiro Trelay5 · 3:18.75 | Phillip Smith | Eric Temperton, Awapuni | D G Canning |
| 1980 | Cubacade6 · 3:23.51 | Jim Walker | Don Couchman, Hawera | R & Mrs Gallagher |
| 1979 | Big Gamble5 · 3:19.25 | Toby Autridge | Howie Mathews, Matamata | D P McLennan, H J & Mrs Tapper |
| 1978 | Good Lord6g · 3:18.00 | David Peake | Ray Verner, Takanini | M L Hines |
| 1977 | Good Lord5g · 3:24.5 | Bruce Compton | Ray Verner, Takanini | M L Hines |
| 1976 | Guest Star5 · 3:20.75 | Maurice Campbell | Ivan & I R Tucker, Takanini | I J Tucker |
| 1975 | Timon6 · 3:23.00 | Gary Willets | Frederick Phillips, Matangi | G R Pollock |
| 1974 | Battle Heights6g · 3:23.5 | Alwin Tweedie | Tim Douglas, Morrinsville | R F & Mrs Douglas |
| 1973 | Rustler4 · 3:20.75 | David Peake | Merv Ritchie, Takanini | J C & Mrs Fletcher |
| 1972 | Simon de Montfort6 · 3:17.75 | Brian Dodds | Fred Meynell, Hawera | Mrs T G Whenlan |
| 1971 | Ansin5 · 3:19.25 | David Peake | Jack Winder, Te Rapa | M I Matulich |
| 1970 | Il Tempo7 · 3:16.75 | Neil Riordan | | Bruce Priscott, Te Awamutu | W B Priscott |
| 1969 | City Court4 · 3:17.50 | Bob Skelton | Ray Wallace, Takanini | A K Sharp |
| 1968 | Loofah4 · 3:20.25 | Bill Skelton | Buster O’Malley, Levin | A O’Malley |
| 1967 | Michael Molloy4 · 3:19.75 | Murray Long | Jim Hely, Te Rapa | S Caddigan & Estate H P Long |
| 1966 | Red Crest5 · 3:27.5 | Brian Andrews | Jack Winder, Te Rapa | I A McMullin & J F Rendle |
| 1965 | Eiffel Tower4 · 3:22.75 | Midge Didham | Bill Hillis, Riverton | W E Hazlett |
| 1964 | Gay Filou6 · 3:21.25 | Grenville Hughes | Ivan McClure, Riccarton | D D Fea & R Smith |
| 1963 | Great Sensation10g · 3:19 | Bob Skelton | Mick Brown, Wingatui | D W Brown |
| 1962 | Great Sensation9g · 3:20 | Bob Skelton | Mick Brown, Wingatui | D W Brown |
| 1961 | Great Sensation8g · 3:17.5 | Bob Skelton | Mick Brown, Wingatui | D W Brown |
| 1960 | Jalna4 · 3:18 | Billy Smith | Dave Arnott, Te Aroha | H C Adams & P G Henwood |
| 1959 | Ark Royal3:20.25 | Bob Skelton | Ashley Powell | G J Barton |
| 1958 | Yeman3:19.0 | R J Jury | H Koran & S N Sparks | |
| 1957 | Sombrero3:21.0 | Bill Broughton | Mrs G Wall | |
| 1956 | Fox Myth3:21.25 | D J Wyatt | Harry S Limmer | Harry S Limmer |
| 1955 | Golden Galleon3:22.5 | L J Hodren | Sir Matthew Oram | |
| 1954 | Golden Tan3:22.5 | J Garth | G W Hartshone | |
| 1953 | Crimson King3:22.0 | M J Jennings | J McNeill |
74 of the 74 runnings name the rider, 69 name the trainer and 74 name the owner, who is the one of the three the prize money actually belongs to.
Who wins the Wellington Cup more than once
The fact the table above holds and cannot show
Castletown has won it 3 times, which is more than any other horse.
4 horses have won it more than once across 74 runnings.
Most wins by a jockey
| Horse | Wins | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Castletown | 3 | 1991, 1992, 1994 |
| Great Sensation | 3 | 1961, 1962, 1963 |
| Ed | 2 | 1995, 1997 |
| Good Lord | 2 | 1977, 1978 |
Races worth about the same
Either side of the Wellington Cup in the world money order
| # | Race | Country | Prize money | As published |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 354 | Australia StakesMoonee Valley Racecourse | Australia | £185,185 | AU$350,000 |
| 355 | Blue Diamond Prelude C&GCaulfield Racecourse, Sandown Racecourse | Australia | £185,185 | AU$350,000 |
| 356 | Blue Diamond Prelude FilliesCaulfield Racecourse, Sandown Racecourse | Australia | £185,185 | AU$350,000 |
| 357 | Queensland GuineasEagle Farm Racecourse | Australia | £185,185 | AU$350,000 |
| 358 | Sky High StakesRosehill Gardens Racecourse | Australia | £185,185 | AU$350,000 |
| 359 | Dominion (harness race)Addington Raceway | New Zealand | £176,360 | NZ$400,000 |
| 360 | Howden Insurance MileHastings Racecourse | New Zealand | £176,360 | NZ$400,000 |
| 361 | Levin ClassicTrentham Racecourse, Wellington, (2014-) | New Zealand | £176,360 | NZ$400,000 |
| 362 | Mufhasa ClassicTrentham Racecourse | New Zealand | £176,360 | NZ$400,000 |
| 363 | Proisir PlateEllerslie Racecourse, Auckland. Formerly Hastings Racecourse | New Zealand | £176,360 | NZ$400,000 |
| 365 | Bet365 Gold CupSandown Park | Great Britain | £175,000 | £175,000 |
| 366 | Celebration ChaseSandown Park | Great Britain | £175,000 | £175,000 |
| 367 | Tingle Creek ChaseSandown Park Racecourse | Great Britain | £175,000 | £175,000 |
| 368 | Grand Prix de DeauvilleDeauville Racecourse | France | £170,940 | €200,000 |
| 369 | Prix ChaudenayLongchamp Racecourse | France | £170,940 | €200,000 |
| 370 | Prix Daniel WildensteinLongchamp Racecourse | France | £170,940 | €200,000 |
| 371 | Prix DollarLongchamp Racecourse | France | £170,940 | €200,000 |
| 372 | Prix LupinLongchamp Racecourse | France | £170,940 | €200,000 |
| 373 | Welsh Grand NationalChepstow Racecourse | Great Britain | £170,000 | £170,000 |
| 374 | Critérium de Maisons-LaffitteChantilly | France | £162,393 | €190,000 |
The 20 races closest to the Wellington 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, 20th of them is this one
| Race | Racecourse | Grade | Prize money |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Proisir Plate | Ellerslie Racecourse, Auckland. Formerly Hastings Racecourse | Group I | £176,360 |
| New Zealand Trotting Derby | Addington Raceway | Group I | £132,270 |
| Auckland Pacing Cup | Alexandra Park | Group I | £110,225 |
| Awapuni Gold Cup | Awapuni Racecourse | Group II | £88,180 |
| Grand National Steeplechase | Riccarton Park Racecourse, Christchurch, New Zealand | Prestige jumping | £88,180 |
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 Wellington Cup prize money?
£176,360, for the 2026 running. The race announces it as NZ$400,000.
Where does the Wellington Cup rank among the richest races in the world?
364th of 997. 363 races pay more, the nearest of them Australia Stakes. In New Zealand it is 20th of 35.
Which horse has won the Wellington Cup most often?
Castletown, 3 times, in 1991, 1992, 1994.
Which jockey has won the Wellington Cup most often?
Bob Skelton, with 5 wins between 1959 and 1969.
When was the Wellington Cup first run?
1874. This page holds 74 runnings, from 1953 to 2026.
How far is the Wellington Cup?
3200 metres, on turf, at Trentham Racecourse.
Where to next
The rest of the racing money