New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has announced several enhancements to the prizemoney for Jumps Racing, including immediate increases covering the remainder of the current season (May to July 2025), as well as the full 2025-26 racing calendar.

NZTR’s total investment across 18 meetings and 57 Jumps races over this period will reach approximately $2.57 million. 

The increases highlight NZTR's ongoing commitment to the development and promotion of Jumps racing throughout the country. 

Highlights of the revised stakes include:

• Uplift in stakes for Feature Steeplechases across the season, with increases ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 per race. 
• Restricted Open Jump Races will see stakes boosted from $30,000 to $40,000. In cases where these races are split into separate events for winners and maidens, winners will compete for $40,000, while maidens will race for $20,000.
• The Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge 150th Grand National Steeplechase at Riccarton Park on Saturday 9 August celebrates its 150th renewal this year, with the Canterbury Jockey Club set to announce a further stakes increase to this race in the coming weeks.

These new stakes enhancements complement previously announced strategic initiatives, which include:

• A shortened jump racing season comprising 18 racing days, running from 11 May to 21 September 2025, concluding with an exciting two-day event at Te Aroha.
• A strategic shift towards non-Saturday racing days, with nine of the 18 jump racing days scheduled for Sundays, along with King's Birthday Monday and a feature Friday meeting on 19 September for the Great Northern Hurdle.
• Streamlining of venues to improve infrastructure, reducing host venues from previous seasons to seven locations. Notably, Jumps racing will no longer be held at Rotorua or Waverley this season.
• Introduction of the Amateur Series, primarily held at Jumps meetings, concluding with the prestigious Duke of Gloucester Cup on 19 September at Te Aroha.

NZTR Chief Operating Officer Darin Balcombe commented, “These enhancements deliver immediate benefits for participants this season while supporting the ongoing development of Jumps racing.”

“Following our strategic review last year, we’re focused on improving the experience for participants and fans as we head into next season,” he said. 

Full details of NZTR’s 2025-26 Jumps Race Stakes are available to view here.