Full Race Conditions
About the $350,000 Southern Alps Challenge (1600m)
Date: Saturday 11 April 2026
Meeting: Riccarton Park
Distance: 1600m
Weights: HCP conditions max weight of 62kg
Conditions: Three ‘Golden Ticket’ event winners are exempt from the Ballot. The first three eligible placegetters in the Southern Mile Final are also exempt from the ballot
Eligibility: Open to all horses trained by a trainer operating a Trainer’s Premises (as defined in the Rules) located in the South Island as of 1 August 2025. Horses must be stabled or trained at the Trainer’s Premises in the South Island as at 31 December 2025. Horses must start in a minimum of two races conducted at racecourses in the South Island after 31 December 2025
2025 Winner: Third Decree
Trainer: Michael & Matthew Pitman
Jockey: Kylie Williams
Owner(s): R J Allan, Mrs A M & J F Bruford, L J Green, P R Harrison, S M K Hay, B & K Simpson, W J Storm, Mrs H M Sutherland, Mrs C & Est late R B Tennant
Breeder: Mrs A M Bruford
Golden Ticket Races:
| Club | Track | Date | Race | Winner | Trainer |
| Banks Peninsula Racing Club | Riccarton Park | Wednesday 4 February 2026 |
Rating 75 Benchmark* 1400m |
Contemplation Bay | Terri Rae |
| Otago Racing Club* | Wingatui Racecourse | Saturday 28 February 2026 | Rating 82 Benchmark 1600m | Aladdins Jem | Vicky Rahmit |
| Canterbury Jockey Club | Riccarton Park | Saturday 21 March 2026 | Rating 65 Benchmark* 1600m | Perlino | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson |
| Otago Racing Club | Wingatui Racecourse | Friday 27 March 2026 | Rating 75 Benchmark* 1600m | Maybe Diva | Andrew Carston |
*The first three placegetters in the 2026 Southern Mile run at Wingatui on Saturday 28 February will (if eligible) also be exempt from the ballot