Racing Te Aroha, in partnership with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), will launch a new Jockeys’ competition at the inaugural Great New Zealand Jumps Carnival on Friday 19 and Sunday 21 September. 

The “A Grand from The Grand” initiative will see Jockeys accumulate points across both days of the Carnival, with the overall winner receiving a $1,000 cash prize, proudly sponsored by The Grand Tavern, a long-standing Te Aroha community hub.

In addition to the $1,000 winner’s prize, Racing Te Aroha and NZTR have confirmed $700 will be awarded to the second-highest placed Jockey and $300 for the third placegetter. 

Racing Te Aroha President Raewyn Armstrong says the competition is a great reflection of local support for the event.

“It’s fantastic to see the local business community getting behind the inaugural Great New Zealand Jumps Carnival, and we’re especially grateful to have the support of The Grand Tavern, an institution here in Te Aroha, for this competition,” Armstrong said.

“‘A Grand from The Grand’ is a great way to recognise the skill and consistency of our Jockeys, who, together with their equine partners, provide the excitement and entertainment across the weekend that we all get to enjoy. 

“We’re thrilled to offer this added incentive in conjunction with NZTR and celebrate their contribution to the carnival,” Armstrong added.

NZTR Chief Operating Officer, Darin Balcombe, said the initiative recognises the people who bring the sport to life on raceday. 

“The Great New Zealand Jumps Carnival is a milestone for the Club, and this competition provides another layer of excitement. It’s a fitting way to recognise the talent and commitment of our Jockeys, who play such a vital role in the spectacle of Jumps racing,” he said. 

General Admission is free across the carnival, making it an accessible event for all racing fans. For those wanting to experience the racing spectacle in style, tickets to the Club’s hospitality offering are on sale now for $75 per person, including premium views, food, and refreshments.

Tickets and more information are available at www.racingtearoha.co.nz. 

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