The three races were reviewed after falling below their required race ratings for three consecutive seasons. Following submissions from New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, the APC agreed each would retain its Group One status for at least the coming season.

New Zealand’s representative on the APC and NZTR Senior Handicapper, Bruce Sherwin, said a strong case had been presented for retaining each race at the highest level.

“We demonstrated why each race, on its individual merits, continues to warrant Group One status,” Sherwin said.

“The Committee considered those submissions carefully and supported our position. This is an excellent result for New Zealand racing and breeding.”

The New Zealand Oaks and New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes were recognised as particularly important to New Zealand’s breeding industry, which continues to produce elite horses that perform throughout Asia and internationally. These include Hong Kong champion Ka Ying Rising, currently the world’s highest-rated racehorse.

The Telegraph required additional consideration, with the APC acknowledging measures introduced to strengthen the race. These include moving it to Trentham’s triple Group One programme in late March and maintaining its prizemoney despite reductions to several other New Zealand Group One races.

“The depth of the Telegraph field was affected by the Railway’s move to the Karaka Millions raceday, which was required for World Pool participation. The Telegraph remains one of New Zealand’s premier sprint contests, and its new position in the calendar has helped secure its Group One status for another year,” Sherwin said.

The status of New Zealand’s 18 Group One races is now locked in for the season. The first Group One of the season, the $400,000 Proisir Plate, was won brilliantly by undefeated star mare Well Written, with the next Group one race coming up on 26 September in Hastings - the Howden Insurance Mile.