NZB Memsie Stakes Elevated to Group 1 Level

The New Zealand Bloodstock Memsie Stakes (1400m), the second leg of New Zealand Bloodstock’s Spring Weight-for-Age Championship at Caulfield, has been upgraded to Group 1 level from next season. 

New Zealand Bloodstock has sponsored the Memsie Stakes for the last three years and during that time the race has been amongst the highest rated Group 2 events in Australia.

“The Memsie Stakes is New Zealand Bloodstock’s headline sponsorship in Australia so we are thrilled to see it upgraded to Group 1 level,” said New Zealand Bloodstock’s Co-Managing Director Petrea Vela.

“Australian owners and trainers are huge supporters of New Zealand’s thoroughbred industry and New Zealand Bloodstock and we are delighted to be able to contribute to their spring carnival with such a well-regarded race.”

In total, three races have been elevated to Group 1 status for next season, including the A J Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley. The Chairman of the Australian Pattern Committee Alan Brown commented:

“These three races all clearly exceeded the benchmarks set for Group 1 races and thoroughly deserve elevation. The Memsie has been on average the highest rated Group 2 race in Australia and the Moir the second.

“The Australian Pattern Committee congratulates the race clubs concerned with these races. They have done an excellent job promoting them over a considerable period of time and have now been rewarded for that effort.”

First established in 1899, the Memsie Stakes has been won by some of the all-time greats of the turf including Phar Lap (NZ), Rising Fast (NZ), Galilee (NZ), Manikato and more recently Sunline (NZ), Makybe Diva, El Segundo (NZ), So You Think (NZ) and Sincero this year.

The Memsie Stakes saw a prize money increase this year, taking the race to A$220,000. With the upgrade to Group 1 level it will carry a minimum stake of A$350,000 in 2013.

For more information on the 2013 New Zealand Bloodstock Weight-for-Age Championship, click here.