$500,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Classique Remains Richest Juvenile Race

After a successful five year association with the Mercedes Super Bonus Series, New Zealand Bloodstock has confirmed that it will be offering a new New Zealand Bloodstock $500,000 2YO Classique in place of the $500,000 race that has previously formed part of the Mercedes Super Bonus Series.

The New Zealand Bloodstock $500,000 2YO Classique will be the richest juvenile race in the country, and this year is open to all horses sold through the National Yearling Sales Series in 2004. There will be no entry fee beyond race day nomination fees, giving buyers a huge incentive to buy at Karaka. The race will be held at Te Rapa on the Saturday 5th February - the Saturday between the Select and Festival sessions of the National Yearling Sales Series at Karaka.

Waikato Racing Club General Manager Tony Enting said, "The Club is naturally delighted that New Zealand Bloodstock have once again chosen Te Rapa racecourse to schedule the NZB Classique on Saturday, 5 February 2005.

After the unfortunate "downpour" that spoilt last year's running of the event, we hope the country's weather patterns are more settled during the summer period next year and the two year olds have a chance to show their paces on genuinely firm ground. With the irrigation system applicable at Te Rapa the club is conscious of providing the best footing possible and in the advent of a dry spell, we can implement a watering programme to ensure a fast track, but one with the jar out.

In conjunction with New Zealand Bloodstock the Waikato Racing Club is again proud to co-host the running of this prestigious event and we sincerely appreciate NZB selecting this venue."

In excess of $6 million has been paid out in bonuses since the inception of the Mercedes Super Bonus Series in 1999. However with the introduction of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Bonus Scheme this year, it will not be continued in the new season. New Zealand Bloodstock Marketing & PR Manager Petrea Vela commented, "There was certainly an element of disappointment that the Mercedes Super Bonus Series had to come to an end, particularly as it had served such an important need in the industry over the past few years. However, we are now looking forward to the new TBS Scheme which we hope will be a great success. Due to the popularity of the Mercedes $500,000 2YO Classique in the past, we think that keeping the big two year old race will be a welcome complement to the new scheme."

The usual race selection procedures will apply. For more information please contact Julian Phillips, julianp@nzb.co.nz, Phone:09 298 0055 Fax:09 298 0506.