Run in partnership with NZTR, the competition will once again see jockeys accumulate points across both days of the Carnival, with the overall winner receiving a $1,000 cash prize, proudly sponsored by long-standing Te Aroha community supporter, The Grand Tavern.
NZTR will also support the competition with $300 for the second-placed jockey and $200 for third.
The inaugural competition went down to the wire in 2025, with Mathew Gillies ultimately securing top honours with 19 points. Gillies’ performance was headlined by victory aboard Taika in the J Swap Contractors Great New Zealand Hurdle before he added further valuable points aboard Justice on the Sunday.
Emily Farr finished runner-up on 15 points, with Shaun Fannin taking third on 12 points following his victory aboard Jesko in the Ben & Ryan Foote Racing Great New Zealand Steeplechase.
Racing Te Aroha President Raewyn Armstrong said the Club was delighted to have the competition return for the Carnival’s second year.
“‘A Grand from The Grand’ was a really positive addition to the inaugural Carnival and created another interesting storyline to follow across the two racedays,” Armstrong said.
“We saw just how competitive it became last year, with every placing and every point potentially making a difference to the final standings.
“Most importantly, it gives us another opportunity to recognise the jockeys and the skill, courage and consistency they demonstrate throughout the weekend. They are such an important part of the spectacle of jumps racing and we’re pleased to be able to reward that again this year.
“We’re also grateful to The Grand Tavern for getting behind the competition for a second year. Having a local Te Aroha business supporting an initiative like this is a great reflection of the community involvement that helps make the Carnival what it is.”
NZTR General Manager - Racing Mitch Lamb said the competition was a fitting addition to one of the key weekends on the New Zealand jumps racing calendar.
“The inaugural competition added another dimension to the Carnival last year and it was great to see the jockeys recognised for their performances across the two days,” Lamb said.
“Jumps racing showcases a lot of skill and commitment from both horse and rider, and the Great New Zealand Jumps Carnival brings together some of the best in the country. We’re pleased to support the initiative again in 2026 and provide another incentive for the jockeys across the Carnival.”
The Great New Zealand Jumps Carnival returns to Te Aroha on Friday 18 and Sunday 20 September, headlined by the J Swap Contractors Great New Zealand Hurdle on Friday and the Ben & Ryan Foote Racing Great New Zealand Steeplechase on Sunday.
General admission is free across both days of the Carnival, while tickets to the Great New Zealand Lunch are available for $100 per person.
For more information, visit www.racingtearoha.co.nz.
Follow the Grand from The Grand scoring: A Grand from The Grand - NZTR
Read more about the Great New Zealand Jumps Carnival 2026: Racing Te Aroha’s Great New Zealand Jumps Festival 2026 - NZTR
A Grand from The Grand Scoring System
Highweights: 1st = 4 points, 2nd = 2 points, 3rd = 1 point
Jumps Races: 1st = 6 points, 2nd = 3 points, 3rd = 1 point
Feature Races: 1st = 12 points, 2nd = 6 points, 3rd = 2 points