Tarzino Trophy (Challenge Stakes)
Group I race
LocationHastings Racecourse
Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Inaugurated1976
Race typeThoroughbred - Flat racing
Websitewww.hawkesbayracing.co.nz
Race information
Distance1400m (7 furlongs)
SurfaceTurf
TrackLeft-handed
QualificationThree-year-olds and up
WeightWeight for Age
PurseNZ$400,000 (2023)

The Tarzino Trophy also known as the Challenge Stakes is a Thoroughbred horse race run at Hastings Racecourse in Hawke's Bay and is New Zealand's first Group One race of the season. It is run over a distance of 1400m in September.

The race is the first of the Hawkes Bay Triple Crown events and is followed by:

The race's timing, weight-for-age conditions and the reliably dry weather of the region at that time of the year combine to ensure that the race sees one of the strongest fields assembled in any race all season as a number of horses heading towards a campaign in Australia choose it as a starting point.

History

The Hawkes Bay Challenge Stakes was first run in April 1976 as a new Weight for age sprint to take place during the Hawkes Bay autumn carnival. The inaugural running of the event was won by New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame inductee Grey Way, ridden by Bob Skelton.[1]

When the group grading system was introduced in New Zealand in the 1978/79 season the Challenge Stakes was given group 3 status.[2] In 1985 the race was moved from autumn to spring and was downgraded to listed status for a time, it would regain its group status in the 1991/92 racing season.

It was renamed the Tarzino Trophy in 2017.[3] named after Tarzino, winner of the 2015 Victoria Derby and 2016 Rosehill Guineas and an active sire at Westbury Stud.

Name

Group status

Notable winners

Seachange, Kawi, Melody Belle and Callsign Mav are all back-to-back winners of the race.

Race results

Year
 Winner
 Jockey
 Trainer(s)
 Time
 2nd
 3rd
2023[4] Skew Wiff 56.5[5] Opie Bosson Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson[6] 1:23.15 (soft) Dragon Leap 59 Legarto 56.5
2022[7] Dark Destroyer 58.5 Lisa Allpress Lance O'Sullivan & Andrew Scott 1:32.49 (heavy) Spring Tide 59 La Crique 56.5
2021[8] Callsign Mav 59 Jonathan Riddell John Bary, Hastings 1:25.98 (heavy) Spring Tide 59 Masetto 59
2020[9] Callsign Mav 58.5 Jonathan Riddell John Bary, Hastings 1:22.12 (dead) Supera 57 Avantage 57
2019 [10] Melody Belle 57[11] Michael McNab Jamie Richards, Matamata 1:22.12 (good) Wyndspelle 59 Helena Baby 59
2018 [12] Melody Belle 56.5[13] Shafiq Rusof Jamie Richards, Matamata 1:24.59 (soft) Hiflyer 59 Our Abbadean 57
2017 [14] Close Up 59[15] Grant Cooksley Shelley Hale, Cambridge 1:27.89 (heavy) Aide Memoire 57 Underthemoonlight 57
2016 [16] Kawi 59 Leith Innes Alan Sharrock, New Plymouth 1:24.87 (soft) El Pescado 59 Farm Boy 59
2015 [17] Kawi 59 Leith Innes Alan Sharrock, New Plymouth 1:22.25 (soft) Ryan Mark 59 Ginner Hart 59
2014 [18] I Do 57 Opie Bosson Alan Sharrock, New Plymouth 1:24.08 (soft) Pussy O’Reilly 57 Pure Champion 59
2013 [19] Survived 58.5 Opie Bosson John Bary, Hastings 1:32.78 (heavy) Full Of Spirit 57 Final Touch 57
2012 [20] Ocean Park 58.5 Lisa Allpress Gary Hennessy, Matamata 1:23.79 (soft) Xanadu 56.5 Justanexcuse 59
2011[21] Mufhasa 59 Samantha Spratt Stephen McKee 1:23.12 (soft) Jimmy Choux 58.5 Fleur de Lune 56.5
2010 [22] Keep The Peace 56.5 James McDonald Shaune Ritchie, Cambridge 1:26.69 (heavy) Wall Street 59 Fritzy Boy 59
2009 [23] Tavistock 58.5 Jason Waddell Andrew Campbell, Opaki 1:22.09 (good) Mufhasa 59 Sterling Prince 59
2008 [24] Fritzy Boy 58.5 Noel Harris Alby MacGregor, Opaki 1:24.16 (soft) Bulginbaah 59 Prince Kaapstad 58.5
2007 [25] Seachange 56.5 Gavin McKeon Ralph Manning, Cambridge 1:23.30 (soft) Cog Hill 59 J'Adane 56.5
2006 [26] Seachange 56 Gavin McKeon Ralph Manning, Cambridge 1:21.13 (soft) Darci Brahma 58.5 Kristov 59
2005 Xcellent 57 [27] Michael Coleman Michael Moroney & Andrew Scott, Matamata 1:22.51 (good) Miss Potential 56 Shinzig 57
2004 Starcraft 57 [28] Leith Innes Garry Newham, Queensland 1:22.59 (soft) Miss Potential 56 Kalamata (Aus) 54.5
2003 (at Wanganui) Miss Potential 56 Reese Jones Bill Borrie 1:18.02 (1340m) Tit For Taat 56 Rosina Lad 58
2002 Sunline 56 Greg Childs Stephen McKee 1:22.98 Tit For Taat 56 Cent Home 58
2001 Fritz 58.5 Noel Harris Neil Coulbeck, Leithfield 1:21.19 Cinder Bella 58 Figurante 56
2000 Cent Home 58.5 David Walker Jim Wallace, Opaki 1:22.14 Cheiron 58 Buster Brookfield 58
1999 Hero 58.5 Mark Hills Jim Campin & John Gudopp, Cambridge 1:21.47 Rebel 58.5 Surface 58.5
1998 Batavian 58.5 Peter Johnson Graeme Rogerson & Keith Hawtin, Tuhikaramea 1:28.42 Tycoon Lil 58 Covered n’ Grey 54
1997 Pakaraka Star 58.5 Jim Collett S W Gulliver, Hawera 1:28.37 (heavy) Moss Downs 58 Adonia 58
1996 Vialli (Ire) 58.5 Michael Coleman Dave & Paul O'Sullivan, Matamata 1:24.44 Marconee 58.5 Tripta 58.5
1995 Marconee 58.5 Damon Smith Gary Barlow & Jeff Lynds, Newbury, Palmerston North 1:24.03 Snap 58 Solvit 56
1994 Snap 54.5 Lance O'Sullivan Dave & Paul O'Sullivan, Matamata 1:20.32 Solvit 58.5 Veandercross 58.5
1993 Calm Harbour 58.5 Lance O'Sullivan Noel Eales, Awapuni 1:23.68 Veandercross 58.5 Solvit 58.5
1992 Surfers Paradise 58.5 Lance O'Sullivan Dave & Paul O'Sullivan, Matamata 1:24.11 Plume 58 Nassa Rocket 56
1991 Rough Habit 58.5 Michael Boyce John Wheeler, New Plymouth 1:24.72 Surfers Paradise 58 Status 57
1990 Flying Luskin 58 Peter Johnson Stephen & Trevor McKee, Takanini 1:21.03 Horlicks 56 Catering King 58.5
1989 Catering King 58.5 Lance O'Sullivan Jim Gibbs 1:25.23 Regal City 58 Silver Mask 58
1988 Poetic Prince 57 Noel Harris John Wheeler, New Plymouth 1:24.63 Plume d’Or Veille 58.5 Kairau Lad 58.5
1987 Field Dancer 58.5 Michael Coleman Jim Gibbs & Roger James 1:23.4 Tipit 56 Crimesta 58.5
1986 Catering King 57 Brett McDonald Dave Stenning 1:22.99 Kinmoss 56 Chance For Gold 58.5
1985 Shagolvin 56 E R Harrison 1:23.16 Clear Gold 58.5 Abit Leica 58.5
1984 (September) Fothers 50 Debbie Taylor 1:24.85 Pinson 58.5 Glenside 58.5
1983 Burletta 44 Maree Lyndon Felix Patrick Campbell, Hastings 1:25.76 Olene 56 Gee Jay 54.5
1982 Volare 54.5 Noel Harris Malcolm Smith, Awapuni 1:26.4 Anderil 57.5 Diploma 57.5
1981 Gold Hope 53.5 Bruce Compton Ray Verner, Takanini 1:20.9 Anderil 57.5 Hai Tai 57
1980 Coobers Queen 53.5 K Robinson P Melville, Kaponga 1:27.13 Disraeli 57.5 Orchidra 56.5
1979 Vice Regal 57.5 Bill Skelton Jim Campin, Cambridge 1:24.5 La Mer 56.5 Fraxy 57.5
1978 Silver Liner 56 Chris McNab Eric Ropiha, Woodville 1:23.4 Milo 56.5 Nurioopta 57.5
1977 Copper Belt 57.5 Gary Phillips Brian Deacon, Hawera 1:30.8 Battle Eve 56.5 Blue Blood 57.5
1976 (April) Grey Way 57.5 Bob Skelton E P Corby, Washdyke 1:23.4 Chrisarda 57 Syndrome 57.5

See also

References

  1. ^ Costello, John (1976). 1976 New Zealand Racing Annual. New Zealand: Moa. p. 105. ISBN 0-908570-04-X.
  2. ^ Costello, John (1979). 1979 New Zealand Racing Annual. New Zealand: Moa. p. 155. ISBN 0-908570-29-5.
  3. ^ "New Name for New Zealand Group One « Breeding Racing". www.breedingracing.com.
  4. ^ "Race 9 WESTBURY STUD TARZINO TROPHY at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 9 SEP 2023 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  5. ^ "Gr.1 Westbury Stud Tarzino Trophy - Skew Wiff". loveracing.nz.
  6. ^ "Skew Wiff caps terrific day for Te Akau". www.sen.com.au.
  7. ^ "Race 9 TARZINO TROPHY at HAWke's BAY RI on 10 SEP 2022 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  8. ^ "Race 9 TARZINO TROPHY at HAWke's BAY RI on 18 SEP 2021 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  9. ^ "Race 10 TARZINO TROPHY at HAWke's BAY RI on 19 SEP 2020 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  10. ^ "Race 9 TARZINO TROPHY at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 31 AUG 2019 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  11. ^ "Racing: Melody Belle blows away veteran breeder Marie Leicester with win".
  12. ^ "Race 7 TARZINO TROPHY at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 1 SEP 2018 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  13. ^ "Racing: Melody Belle brave lass in Tarzino win".
  14. ^ "Race 7 TARZINO TROPHY at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 2 SEP 2017 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  15. ^ "'Close' Call in Tarzino Trophy". 2 September 2017.
  16. ^ "Race 7 MAKFI CHALLENGE STAKES at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 27 AUG 2016 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  17. ^ "Race 7 MAKFI CHALLENGE STAKES at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 29 AUG 2015 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  18. ^ "Race 8 MAKFI CHALLENGE STAKES at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 30 AUG 2014 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  19. ^ "Race 8 MAKFI CHALLENGE STAKES at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 31 AUG 2013 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  20. ^ "Race 8 MAKFI CHALLENGE STAKES at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 1 SEP 2012 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  21. ^ "Race 9 MAKFI CHALLENGE STAKES at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 27 AUG 2011 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  22. ^ "Race 9 MUDGWAY PARTSWORLD STAKES at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 28 AUG 2010 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  23. ^ "Race 9 MUDGWAY PARTSWORLD STAKES at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 29 AUG 2009 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  24. ^ "Race 8 MUDGWAY PARTSWORLD STAKES at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 30 AUG 2008 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  25. ^ "Race 9 MUDGWAY PARTSWORLD STAKES at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 1 SEP 2007 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  26. ^ "Race 8 MUDGWAY STAKES at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 2 SEP 2006 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  27. ^ "Xcellent (NZ) 2001 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  28. ^ "Starcraft (NZ) 2000 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
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