HRNZ releases feature race calendar

Harness Racing New Zealand is pleased to release the proposed 2025/26 Feature Race Calendar, designed to support better seasonal flow and reduce overlap of major races across the North and South Islands.

While this calendar will help trainers with early planning, stake levels are still being finalised and will be confirmed following the July Board meeting.

Smarter Scheduling Across Islands

This year’s planning focused on improving the timing of carnivals to ensure they complement rather than compete. The goal: more targeted racing opportunities, better progression between features, and reduced travel strain on participants.

Canterbury Realignments: Derby & Oaks Night Anchors New Flow

To improve the flow and alignment of the Spring Canterbury features, and to accommodate the introduction of the new Derby and Oaks Night on November 21, a number of changes have been implemented, including:

• Johnny Globe Classic – Moves to 5 September 2025, becoming the region’s first 3YO feature
• Hilarious Guest Classic – Runs alongside the Flying Stakes, 10 October 2025
• Canterbury Classic – Rescheduled for 17 October 2025, improving lead-in to Ashburton
• Canterbury Park Trotting Cup – Also on 17 October 2025
• Worthy Queen Handicap – Returns on 10 October 2025, targeting open-class trotters

Other Key Changes

• Sophomore Classic – Moves to 17 October 2025 at Addington (was Labour Day);
• a new Open 3YO race will now run at Ashburton, 27 October
• Waikato Trotting Breeders Stakes – Rescheduled for Show Day (14 November) at Cambridge
• Addington’s Summer Trot Features – Start 30 January, two weeks earlier, to separate from Auckland’s Autumn Carnival

New Races Added

• 3YO Open – Ashburton, 27 October 2025
• 2YO Pacing Fillies Open – NZMTC, 21 November 2025
• 2YO Trotting Fillies Open – NZMTC, 21 November 2025
• 3YO Sires Stakes Trotters Prelude – Waikato BOP, 10 April 2026

Aces Series Discontinued

After industry feedback, the four “Aces” races (Diamonds, Clubs, Spades, Hearts) for 2YOs have been removed from the calendar. Drivers cited:

• Declining participation (especially among colts and geldings)
• Lack of strategic placement in the season
• North Island preparation challenges for southern spring

Replacement races have been added for fillies on 21 November 2025.

Young Guns Upgraded to Group 1

In line with HRNZ’s 2YO racing strategy, all three Young Guns Finals are now Group 1 events:

• Cardigan Bay Final (C&G) – 20 March 2026
• Delightful Lady Classic (Fillies) – 20 March 2026
• NI 2YO Trotters Final – 8 May 2026

What’s Next?

Final stake levels will be announced next month. In the meantime, this calendar gives trainers and owners key dates to start planning their season.

For questions or feedback, contact matthew.peden@hrnz.co.nz.

Download the full calendar PDF here

From Harness Racing New Zealand