A total of $485,000 in stakes and bonuses, including a $50,000 winner-takes-all prize, will be on the line in the inaugural Prezzy Card Northern Country Cups Bonus Series this Spring.

The new initiative from New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and the Taupō Racing Club will see seven Country Cups staged across the North Island from October to December, with horses earning points for top four finishes and required to contest at least three races, including the $100,000 Harcourts Taupō Cup (2000m).

Sponsored by leading prepaid gift provider Prezzy Card, the Series is designed to encourage participation, create a competitive narrative between regional racedays, and culminate in a high-stakes finale at Harcourts Taupō Cup Day on Sunday 28 December. The Harcourts Taupō Cup itself has received a $15,000 stakes uplift from last season. 

The launch coincides with the completion of significant upgrade works at Taupō Racecourse, including the successful widening of previously narrow areas and general track renovations ahead of a busy Spring and Summer calendar. 

In a further move to enhance visibility and attendance, the 28 December meeting has shifted to a Sunday slot, creating a marquee event timed to capture increased Summer visitor traffic.

Taupō Racing Club President Terry Campbell (KSM) said the initiative highlights the value of collaboration between Clubs and NZTR.

“This is a major boost for Taupō and our fellow Country Clubs.”

“We’re proud to help deliver a Series that recognises the contribution of grassroots racing to the wider industry, and the Bonus element adds real excitement for trainers, owners, and fans,” Campbell said. 

NZTR CEO Matt Ballesty said the Series aligns with NZTR’s strategic priorities and its ongoing investment in regional racing.

“Country racing is the heart of the industry, and this Series is about acknowledging that while also creating a compelling and competitive season narrative.”

“We’re pleased to support Taupō Racing Club in bringing this concept to life, and we look forward to strong participation and engagement across the Series,” Ballesty added. 

The Prezzy Card Northern Country Cups Bonus Series builds on the success of the Southern Cups Series Bonus model and forms part of NZTR’s wider efforts to strengthen the regional racing landscape.

2025-26 Prezzy Card Northern Country Cups Bonus Series Schedule:

• Saturday 4 October: $80,000 Team Wealleans Matamata Cup (1600m) at Matamata Racecourse.
• Friday 10 October: $60,000 Poverty Bay Turf Club Cup (2600m) at Taupō Racecourse 
• Sunday 19 October: $50,000 Wanganui Steelformers Waverley Cup (2200m) at Waverley Racecourse
• Saturday 1 November: $80,000 Mode Technology Feilding Cup (2100m) at RACE Awapuni
• Sunday 16 November: $35,000 DMAK Electrical Waipukurau Cup (2100m) at Waipukurau Racecourse
• Friday 12 December: $30,000 Duncan Dental Tauranga Twilight Cup (2100m) at Tauranga Racecourse
• Sunday 28 Dec: $100,000 Harcourts Taupō Cup (2000m) at Taupō Racecourse 

Points Structure: