NZTR is pleased to announce the official Jumps Racing Calendar for the 2025 season that includes
several key initiatives to deliver on recommendations from the Jumps Racing Review Panel, ensuring an enhanced experience for both participants and fans.Key Highlights of the 2025 Jumps Racing Calendar:
- Shortened Season: The 2025 jumps season will feature 18 jump racing days, running from 11 May to 21 September. The season will conclude with two exciting days of jumps racing at Te Aroha.
- Non-Saturday Racing: A gradual shift to non-Saturday racing will take place, with 9 of the 18 scheduled jump days falling on Sundays as well as King’s Birthday Monday and a feature Friday meeting on 19 September for the prestigious Great Northern Hurdle.
- Venue Reduction: In a move to streamline jumps racing and improve infrastructure, the number of venues hosting jump races has been reduced to 7 venues, this season no jumps racing is scheduled at Rotorua or Waverley.
- Prize Money: Stake money for the 2025 season is expected to be around $2.5 million, consistent with the previous jumps season. Final distribution of this will be confirmed shortly.
- Season Finale at Te Aroha: The season finale will take place over two days at Te Aroha, featuring the Great Northern Hurdles on Friday, followed by the Great Northern Steeplechase on Sunday, to provide a carnival end to the season.
- Amateur Series: The 2025 season will incorporate the Amateur Series, primarily at jumps meets, culminating in the Duke of Gloucester Cup on Friday 19 September at Te Aroha.
These changes reflect NZTR’s commitment to refining and enhancing the jumps racing programme, providing a sustainable future for the sport. Race dates post 31 July are subject to final approval. Further initiatives will be announced prior to the Jumps Season.
The full 2025 Jumps Racing Calendar can be viewed here.