Waikato Thoroughbred Racing (WTR) is pleased to announce Howden Insurance as the new sponsor of the prestigious Group One Mile, taking place on Saturday 27 September 2025, joining the Te Rapa Racecourse line-up from Hawke’s Bay.
The race, which will now be known as the Howden Insurance Mile, carries a proud legacy of elite-level competition and has long been a key fixture on the New Zealand racing calendar. Notable previous winners include 10-time Group 1 winner Mufhasa, New Zealand Derby winner Gingernuts, and 14-time Group 1 winner, and three-time winner of this race, Melody Belle.
The 2025 edition will mark a new chapter as it is hosted for the first time at Te Rapa Racecourse.
Waikato Thoroughbred Racing Chief Executive Officer Andrew Castles said the partnership is an exciting development for the club and for New Zealand racing.
“Waikato Thoroughbred Racing are delighted to be partnering with Howden Insurance in bringing the relocated Group One Mile on Saturday 27 September at Te Rapa to life. Howden have a real passion for the racing industry and as they look to ramp up their presence in New Zealand, we are privileged they have chosen this race to sponsor.
“The race, to be known as the Howden Insurance Mile, has a long history of excellence and we are all looking forward to the 2025 renewal in just eight weeks’ time.”
Howden Insurance, a leading global insurance broker, has been operating in New Zealand since 2021 and is committed to delivering distinctive solutions and exceptional service, underpinned
by data and analytics.
The company’s sponsorship of the race reinforces its growing presence in the Thoroughbred racing world, building on partnerships with Ascot in the UK and the Victoria Racing Club in Australia.
“Howden is delighted to be partnering with Waikato Thoroughbred Racing to sponsor the Group One Mile, to be known as the Howden Insurance Mile at Te Rapa Racecourse in September,”
said Ben Hand, Howden Pacific Head of Sport & Entertainment.
“We are a leading global insurance broker who have been helping clients in New Zealand since 2021 by using insurance as a tool to increase resilience for individuals, businesses, and communities. Our keen focus on Thoroughbred racing, along with partnerships with Ascot in the UK and the Victoria Racing Club across the Tasman, shows our passion for this industry.
“We look forward to meeting the members of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing fraternity on September 27 and getting to know everyone.”
The Howden Insurance Mile is expected to attract a top-quality field as connections begin to target this iconic race, with first nominations to be released on the afternoon of Wednesday 30 July 2025.
Please contact Andrew Castles (Andrew@waikatoracing.co.nz) for more information.