Great New Zealand Hurdle

Great New Zealand Hurdle
formerly the Great Northern Hurdles
ClassPrestige jumping
LocationTe Aroha
formerly Ellerslie Racecourse
Race typeThoroughbred - Jump Racing
Race information
Distance4200m
SurfaceTurf
TrackRight-handed
QualificationOpen
WeightHandicap
PurseNZ$150,000 (2025)

The Great New Zealand Hurdle formerly known as the Great Northern Hurdles is one of New Zealand's feature jumping races.

History

In June 1971 Brian (Baggy) Hillis rode Brockton to win both the Great Northern Hurdles and the Great Northern Steeplechase.

In June 2001 Smart Hunter, trained by Anne Browne, won the Great Northern Hurdles on the Saturday and on the Monday dead-heated the Great Northern Steeplechase with the Kevin O'Connor trained Sir Avion, who was ridden by Wayne Hillis, the son of Brian Hillis. Smart Hunter's rider, Michelle Hopkins became the first woman to win the Great Northern Hurdles and the jumps double.[1][2]

From 2002 until 2024 the Great Northern Hurdles was raced on the same day as the Great Northern Steeplechase. In 2005 both races were moved from June to September.

For most of its life the race was run over 4190m at Ellerslie Racecourse in Auckland. However, the race was moved to Te Aroha in:

  • 2018, raced over 4200m, due to a track upgrade at Ellerslie
  • 2021, raced over 4200m on October 3, due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The 2020 race was held on October 17.

The race is no longer held at Ellerslie after the Auckland Racing Club sold land for housing development.[3] From 2022 to 2024 the race was held at Te Rapa over 4200m.

In 2025 a "Great Northern" carnival was scheduled with the Hurdles and Steeplechase to be raced at Te Aroha on separate days again, in September.[4]

In July 2025 the Great Northern Hurdles and Great Northern Steeplechase were renamed as the Great New Zealand Hurdle and Great New Zealand Steeplechase respectively.[5][6]

Paul Nelson has won the three race times as a sole trainer and four times in partnership with Corrina McDougal:

  • Chibuli (2002)
  • Just Not Cricket (2006 and 2007)
  • The Cossack (2020 and 2021)
  • Nedwin (2023)
  • Taika (2025).

No other trainer has won the race more than four times.[7]

Race results

Year
 Winner
 Jockey
 Trainer(s)
 Sire
 Dam
 Damsire
 Time
 Second
 Third
2025 (Te Aroha)[8][7]Taika 66Mathew GilliesPaul Nelson & Corrina McDougalMettre En Jeu (NZ)Isabella Soraya (NZ)Al Akbar (Aus)5:07.70 (4200m)The Bambino 66Lord Spencer 66
2024 (Te Rapa)[9]Lord Spencer 66Lemmy Douglas (A)J J Rayner, WanganuiZedLa Vilente (NZ)Al Akbar (Aus)5:03.92Mount Ventoux 66Taika 66
2023 (Te Rapa)[10]Nedwin 71.5Aaron KuruPaul Nelson & Corrina McDougalNiagaraEdwinaDon Eduardo4:53.21Tahuroa Height 66Ima Wonder 66
2022 (Te Rapa)[11]Abu Dhabi 65 [12][13]Hamish McNeillShaun & Emma ClotworthyHaradasun (Aus)TunziMcGinty5:08.67Kajino 68.5Banks Road 65
2021 (Te Aroha)[14][15]The Cossack 70.5[16]Shaun PhelanPaul Nelson & Corrina McDougalMastercraftsman (Ire)StellardelmarGalileo (Ire)4:51.91Dr Hank 65Aigne 66.5
2020 (Ellerslie)[17]The Cossack 65 [18]Aaron KuruPaul Nelson & Corrina McDougalMastercraftsman (Ire)StellardelmarGalileo (Ire)5:11.09Lake Superior 65Aigne 69
2019 (Ellerslie)[19]Bad Boy Brown 65.5 [20]Isaac LuptonHarvey WilsonSt ReimsPay 'N' DisplayCentaine (Aus)5:27.73Laekeeper 68.5No Tip 67
2018 (Te Aroha)[21]Jackfrost 67.5 [22][23]Buddy LammasBrian & Shane AndertonGallant Guru (Aus)Vital NoteYamanin Vital5:05.53Second Innings 65Laekeeper 66
2017 (Ellerslie)[24]Zedeedudadeeko 65.5 [25]Charlie StubbsJames PhillipsZedCheeko BeekoStraussbrook (Aus)6:12.45Storming Norman 65Kipkeino 67
2016 [26]D'Llaro 65Brad McLeanGraeme LordD'Cash (Aus)Random QuestRandom Chance4:45.44Raisafuasho 65Ngatiro Gold 65
2015 [27]Gagarin 66.5Mathew GilliesKevin MyersPentire (GB)Flying ChanceCentaine (Aus)5:43.59Mahanadi 65.5Wee Biskit 68.5
2014 [28]Wee Biskit 65Isaac LuptonKen DuncanZedNancy HopeLord Ballina (Aus)5:35.38Gagarin 65Real Treasure 65.5
2013 [29]Harvest The Gold 68.5Kayla VeenendaalMark OulaghanStart South (USA)BallindaLord Ballina (Aus)4:52.18King's Deep 66.5Arose 66
2012 [30]Waitoki Ahi 65.5Shelley HoustonKevin CullenGenerous (Ire)My Fair StarWaikiki Star (USA)4:59.36Southern Countess 69.5Waitaha Toa 67.5
2011 [31]Southern Countess 65Mathew GilliesPeter BrosnanStark South (USA)Marji's CountessPeymour (Fra)5:14.68Seeking The Silver 64Solid Steal 66
2010 [32]Mount Sinai 63Shelley HoustonAnn BrowneKilimanjaro (GB)Kessem's JewelKessem5:22.61Solid StealSouthern Countess
2009 [33]Kidunot 64.5Daniel BothamleyEllis WinsloeGaius (Ire)Red AlarmAlarm Call (GB)4:47.86Ho Down 63Western Line 63
2008 [34]Montezuma 63Tom HazlettPeter & Casey LockGenerous (Ire)Classic ShotZabeel5:08.41The Shoe 63Mario 64.5
2007 [35]Just Not Cricket 66Jonathan RiddellPaul NelsonCorrupt (USA)KoruDiplomatic Agent (USA)5:02.50Pasco 63Counter Punch 66
2006[36]Just Not Cricket 63.5Jonathan RiddellPaul NelsonCorrupt (USA)KoruDiplomatic Agent (USA)5:03.26Yourtheman 63.5Poacher 63

Previous results

The following are previous winning horses, weight carried and jockeys.[37]

  • 2005 [38] Starbo 64 (Laura Noel)
  • 2004 [39] Cuchulainn 62 (Finbarr Leahy)
  • 2003 [40] Narousa 63.5 (Tom Hazlett)
  • 2002 [41] Chibuli 61 (Jonathon Riddell)
  • 2001 [42] Smart Hunter 62 (Michelle Strawbridge)[43]
  • 2000 [44] Gold Story 60 (Finbarr Leahy)
  • 1999 [45] Adipose David 60 (Joe Douglas)
  • 1998 [46] Sir Avion 61 (Ross Elliot)
  • 1997 [47] Clem (Chris Johnson)
  • 1996 [48] Salezaar 60.5 (Chad Northcott)
  • 1995 [49] Lord Zirito (Peter Tims)
  • 1994 [50] Tawhiti Road 63.5 (Brett Scott)
  • 1991 [51] After Noon 60 (Stephen Stacey)
  • 1990 [52] Star Count 61 (Wayne Thomas)
  • 1987 [53] Vincere 65 (Graeme Lord)
  • 1986 [54] Sutters Gold 61.5 (Paul Hillis)
  • 1985 [55] Gogong 61 (Paul Hillis)
  • 1984 [56] Outright 60 (Stephen Jenkins)
  • 1983 [57] Jean Rapier 57.5 (Laurie Cavanagh), also won the 1983 Grand National Hurdles
  • 1982 [58] Mr Hickey 67.5 (Stephen Jenkins)
  • 1981 Mark's Gold 60.5 (T R Gillies)
  • 1980 Mr Hickey 62.5 (R L Rokeia)
  • 1979 Odland 58 (R A Johnson)
  • 1978 Leyland 61 (L B Cavanagh)
  • 1977 Owhata Chief 67 (A T Hounsell)
  • 1976 Thun 63.5 (M J Gillies)
  • 1975 Execute 68 (T Fallon)
  • 1974 Cobland 60 (G A Walters)
  • 1973 Beau Rouge 9st3 (G R Bell)
  • 1972 Transall 9st3 (R J Fergus)
  • 1971 Brockton 9st1 (Brian "Baggy" Hillis)
  • 1970 Matanuku Blue 9st (H Green)
  • 1969 Foxonewa 10st4 (K A Old)
  • 1968 Lordtuckey 9st7 (Brian "Baggy" Hillis), also won the 1968 Grand National Hurdles
  • 1967 Beyond 9st4 (G Jenkins)
  • 1966 Macdonald 9st4 (G A Walters)
  • 1965 Smoke Ring 11st5 (R J Leggett)
  • 1964 Smoke Ring 9st4 (Brian "Baggy" Hillis), also won the 1964 Grand National Hurdles
  • 1963 Elrey 9st8 (J R Potter)
  • 1962 Elrey 9st1 (C R Cooksley)
  • 1961 Lord Oman 9st (G O Mudgway)
  • 1960 Fend 9st7 (J R Potter)
  • 1959 Nupla 9st10 (J H Hely)
  • 1958 Lochgair 9st13 (R J Turnwald)
  • 1957 Meresun 9st (R D Samson), also won the 1958 Grand National Hurdles
  • 1956 Hit Parade 9st9 (T Reynolds)
  • 1955 Solar Mist 10st13 (J P Carter)
  • 1954 Solar Mist 9st11 (J P Carter), also won the 1955 Grand National Hurdles
  • 1953 Coppice 9st13 (J P Carter), also won the 1953 Grand National Hurdles
  • 1952 Royalcille 9st (W K Caddy)
  • 1951 Cornishman 10st3 (W Reid)
  • 1950 Paul 9st6 (D Mackinnon)
  • 1949 Kauri Pine 10st8 (W D Ensor)
  • 1948 South Riding 9st1 (R Gibbs)
  • 1947 Hunting Mac 10st1 (D Mackinnon), also won the 1949 Grand National Hurdles
  • 1946 Bramble Song 9st4 (J W Winder), also won the 1946 Grand National Hurdles
  • 1945 Good Armour 9st (F J Hain)
  • 1944 Hunto 10st10 (J W Winder)
  • 1943 Town Survey 9st1 (L C Brown), also won the 1943 Grand National Hurdles
  • 1942 Erndale 10st2 (M N Caddy)
  • 1941 Esperance Bay 9st8 (R J Hawes)
  • 1940 Streamline 10st (G Ridgway)
  • 1939 Charade
  • 1938 Erination
  • 1937 Sandy Dix
  • 1936 Prince Of Orange
  • 1935 Stanchion
  • 1934 Wee Pat
  • 1933 Makeup
  • 1932 Landmark
  • 1931 Prince Lu
  • 1930 Kings Jest

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Racing: Great Northern the stuff of dreams". NZ Herald. March 19, 2025.
  2. ↑ "Famous Browne colours again to fore". loveracing.nz.
  3. ↑ "$100m worth of land for housing: Six hectares at Auckland Racing Club's Ellerslie to be sold".
  4. ↑ "2025 Jumps Racing Calendar Announced". NZTR.
  5. ↑ "NEWS | Iconic Jumps Races Renamed to Reflect New Era at Te Aroha". Racing Te Aroha.
  6. ↑ "Iconic Jumps Races Renamed to Reflect New Era at Te Aroha | NZ Racing News". July 18, 2025.
  7. 1 2 "Taika claims first running of Great NZ Hurdle". NZ Herald. September 4, 2020.
  8. ↑ "Race 4 J SWAP GREAT NEW ZEALAND HURDLE at RACING TE AROHA on 19 SEP 2025 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  9. ↑ "Race 4 PETER KELLY - BAYLEYS GREAT NORTHERN HURDLE at WAIKATO THOROUGHBRED RACING on 15 SEP 2024 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  10. ↑ "Race 4 PETER KELLY- BAYLEYS GREAT NORTHERN HURDLE at WAIKATO THOROUGHBRED RACING on 17 SEP 2023 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  11. ↑ "Race 4 PETER KELLY - BAYLEYS GREAT NORTHERN HURDLE at WAIKATO RC on 18 SEP 2022 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  12. ↑ "Great Northern Hurdles - Abu Dhabi and Hamish McNeill". loveracing.nz.
  13. ↑ "Famous colours in upset Great Northern Hurdle victory". loveracing.nz.
  14. ↑ "Race 4 PAUL BIBBY MEMORIAL GREAT NORTHERN HURDLE at RACING TE AROHA on 3 OCT 2021 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  15. ↑ "2021 Great Northern Hurdle - The Cossack". loveracing.nz.
  16. ↑ "| New Zealand Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners Federation". www.racehorseowner.co.nz.
  17. ↑ "Race 4 ARC GREAT NORTHERN HURDLE at AUCKLAND RC on 17 OCT 2020 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  18. ↑ "Great Northern win a huge thrill for Hawke's Bay owner". NZ Herald.
  19. ↑ "Race 6 BOUTIQUE BODY CORPORATES GREAT NORTHERN HURDLE at AUCKLAND RC on 7 SEP 2019 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  20. ↑ "Sweet revenge for Bad Boy Brown in Ellerslie jumping feature | NZ Racing News". Racingnews.co.nz. Retrieved 2023-01-21.
  21. ↑ "Race 4 SCHWEPPES GREAT NORTHERN HURDLE at AUCKLAND RC on 9 SEP 2018 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  22. ↑ "Racing: Chocolate Fish for job well done". NZ Herald. 2018-09-09. Retrieved 2023-01-21.
  23. ↑ "Chocolate Fish swims to Great Northern Steeplechase success". Stuff. September 9, 2018.
  24. ↑ "Race 5 SCHWEPPES GREAT NORTHERN HURDLE at AUCKLAND RC on 9 SEP 2017 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  25. ↑ Ryan, Tim (September 9, 2017). "Zedeedudadeeko revels in tough Great Northern Hurdle conditions". Stuff.
  26. ↑ "Race 4 SCHWEPPES GREAT NORTHERN HURDLE at AUCKLAND RC on 3 SEP 2016 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  27. ↑ "Race 5 SCHWEPPES GREAT NORTHERN HURDLE at AUCKLAND RC on 5 SEP 2015 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  28. ↑ "Race 6 SCHWEPPES GREAT NORTHERN HURDLE at AUCKLAND RC on 6 SEP 2014 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  29. ↑ "Race 5 MEADOW FRESH GREAT NORTHERN HURDLE at AUCKLAND RC on 7 SEP 2013 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  30. ↑ "Race 5 MEADOW FRESH GREAT NORTHERN HURDLE at AUCKLAND RC on 8 SEP 2012 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  31. ↑ "Race 5 MEADOW FRESH GREAT NORTHERN HURDLE at AUCKLAND RC on 3 SEP 2011 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  32. ↑ "Race 5 GREAT NORTHERN HURDLE at AUCKLAND RC on 4 SEP 2010 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  33. ↑ "Race 5 FULLY FLEDGED @ FAIRDALE GREAT NORTHERN HURDLE at AUCKLAND RC on 5 SEP 2009 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  34. ↑ "Race 5 SKYCITY AUCKLAND GREAT NORTHERN HURDLE at AUCKLAND RC on 6 SEP 2008 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  35. ↑ "Race 5 FIRST SOVEREIGN TRUST GREAT NORTHERN HURDLE at AUCKLAND RC on 8 SEP 2007 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  36. ↑ "Race 5 LINDAUER GREAT NORTHERN HURDLES at AUCKLAND RC on 9 SEP 2006 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  37. ↑ The DB Racing Annual 1974. Bradford, David, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland.
  38. ↑ "Starbo (NZ) 1997 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  39. ↑ "Cuchulainn (NZ) 1992 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  40. ↑ "Narousa (NZ) 1994 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  41. ↑ "Chibuli (NZ) 1992 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  42. ↑ "Smart Hunter (NZ) 1991 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  43. ↑ "Racing: Great Northern the stuff of dreams". NZ Herald. March 19, 2025.
  44. ↑ "Gold Story (NZ) 1993 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  45. ↑ "Adipose David (NZ) 1990 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  46. ↑ "Sir Avion (NZ) 1992 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  47. ↑ "Clem (NZ) 1989 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  48. ↑ "Salezaar (NZ) 1986 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  49. ↑ "Lord Zirito (NZ) 1982 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  50. ↑ "Tawhiti Road (NZ) 1985 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  51. ↑ "After Noon (NZ) 1984 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  52. ↑ "Star Count (NZ) 1983 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  53. ↑ "Vincere (NZ) 1977 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  54. ↑ "Sutters Gold (NZ) 1978 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  55. ↑ "Gogong (NZ) 1978 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  56. ↑ "Outright (NZ) 1977 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  57. ↑ "Jean Rapier (NZ) 1977 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  58. ↑ "Mr Hickey (NZ) 1974 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
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