Stake Increase for St Leger
4 March 2005
A sizeable stake increase has been announced today for one of New Zealand's time-honoured races.
The New Zealand Bloodstock St Leger (2500m) at Trentham on March 19 will have an increased stake of $50,000.
Wellington Racing Club chief executive officer Eddie Jansen stated that this is a joint initiative between the Club and New Zealand Bloodstock.
"The race has received considerable media coverage over past weeks which has precipitated a review of the stake on offer for this prestigious race", says Jansen:
"New Zealand Bloodstock as an industry stakeholder and sponsor of the NZ St Leger last year has agreed, in partnership with the Club, to increase individual contributions by a total of $15,000,' he said.
"It would be fair to say that given two consecutive years of stake increases to $50,000 we would like to see trainers support this race thereby ensuring future stake levels and the prestige of the St Leger".
The Wellington Racing Club has identified considerable depth amongst current staying three and four-year-olds and believes that a number of quality horses will be present for the Listed race.
Other features on the day include the $40,000 Desert Gold Stakes (Group III, 1500m) and the listed Melbourne Racing Club $35,000 Lightning Handicap (Listed, 1000m).