New Zealand’s standout thoroughbreds and racing participants will take centre stage at the 2025–26 New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards, with this season’s finalists now confirmed ahead of the ceremony in Auckland on Sunday 6 September.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Chief Executive Officer Matt Ballesty said the finalists reflected an exceptional season of racing and achievement.
“This year’s finalists represent the very best of New Zealand thoroughbred racing and the outstanding performances we have witnessed throughout the season,” Mr Ballesty said.
“We have seen some genuine stars emerge, established champions reach new heights and performances that have captured the imagination of racing fans both here and overseas.
“The Awards also provide an important opportunity to acknowledge the jockeys, trainers, owners, stable staff, media and many others whose skill, commitment and hard work underpin those achievements.”
NZTR is excited to unveil a new home for this year’s Awards, with the event moving to the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in the heart of Auckland’s CBD.
Champion Stayer Finalists include:
- Paradise Storm (FR) (Masked Marvel)
- Manzor Blue (NZ) (Almanzor)
- Ohope Wins (NZ) (Ocean Park)
- Road To Paris (NZ) (Circus Maximus)
Paradise Storm Wins the G2 Auckland Cup
Paradise Storm produced a dominant staying performance to win the Group 2 Trackside Auckland Cup (3200m).
Australian-trained horses are now eligible for the New Zealand Awards on the same basis as New Zealand-trained horses competing in Australia, reflecting their growing presence in New Zealand’s richest races.
All finalists in the equine categories are eligible for the 2025-26 Horse of the Year title, which will be decided by this year’s Awards Voting Panel.
The winners will be announced at the 2025–26 New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards at the New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland on Sunday 6 September.
The above information was adapted from New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s announcement which can be found here.