The review of Pattern races run in the 2022/23 season has been completed by the New Zealand Pattern Committee (NZPC) and the schedule for the 2023/24 season has been finalised. A number of changes have resulted.

A significant decline in the number of races run in recent seasons has seen the New Zealand Pattern race percentage increase to over 6%. This was generating international concern and affecting the perceived quality of the New Zealand Pattern.

The NZPC formed a sub-committee to review the Pattern with the aim of reducing the percentage of Pattern Race towards international norms of 5% or less. Following consultation with affected Clubs, the total number of Pattern flat races scheduled in 2023/24 will decline by eight races to 142 races. The races below move to unlisted.

• Rotorua RC, Rotorua Challenge Plate
• Feilding JC, Feilding Cup
• Levin RC, Levin Stakes
• Auckland TR, Newmarket Handicap
• Timaru RC, Timaru Cup
• Wellington RC, NZ St Leger
• Riverton JC, Riverton Cup
• Canterbury JC, George Adams Handicap

The NZPC strongly endorses the “Heritage” race concept for these races as continuing to support races which are major regional targets, have considerable historic importance and wide public appeal. With the exception of the Newmarket Handicap, this will see prizemoney remain as though each race had its former status.

To further ensure future quality control of the New Zealand Pattern, the tolerance threshold of three points has been removed from all Listed races.

Further status changes for the 2023/24 season are:

• Auckland TR, Soliloquy Stakes upgraded from G3 to G2
• Auckland TR, Mufhasa Stakes upgraded from L to G3
• Canterbury JC, Stewards Stakes downgraded from G3 to L

Notable race movements for the 2023/24 season are:

• Wellington RC, Levin Classic (G1) – the Asian Pattern Committee unanimously agreed with the NZPC request that it be given one last chance at G1 level on condition it returns to its former mid-January date.
• Wellington RC, Wellington Guineas (G2) – returns to its March date.
• Auckland TR, Uncle Remus Stakes (L) – from Boxing Day to Avondale Cup Day on Saturday, 17 February and reducing the distance from 1400 metres to 1200 metres. This will lead into the newly promoted Mufhasa Stakes.
• Auckland TR, Great Northern Guineas (G2) – from New Year’s Day to Boxing Day, with the distance lowered from 1600m to 1400m.
• Canterbury JC, Welcome Stakes (L) – retains its Listed status for one last opportunity on condition of moving to the Autumn to lead into the CJC Champagne Stakes.

The NZPC also approved changes to improve the flow of 2YO races in the northern region:

• Waikato Racing, Star Way-Wentworth Stakes (L) – to Sat 20 April, 1200m – Ellerslie
• Auckland TR, Great Northern Foal Stakes (L) – to Sat 4 May, 1400m – Te Rapa.
• Auckland TR, Great Northern Champagne Stakes (L) – to Sat 25 May, 1600m – Ellerslie.

A copy of the comprehensive report from the meeting of the Pattern Committee can be found here.