The second leg of the triple crown is off to Te Rapa on Saturday, with a blockbuster edition of the Gr.1 Howden Insurance Mile (1600m) headlining the St John’s Foundation Raceday.

New Zealand’s Group One season got off to a flyer earlier in the month at Ellerslie, with Te Akau Racing mare Quintessa making a stunning return to form when taking out the Gr.1 Proisir Plate (1400m) ahead of perennial bridesmaid La Crique and rising star Tomodachi, completing a trifecta for the mares.

Much of the Proisir Plate field will head to the Waikato for the $400,000 mile, with the extra distance bringing the likes of El Vencedor, Ladies Man, One Bold Cat, Legarto and Waitak, all elite-level winners in their own right, into the mix.

The undercard carries fantastic stakes for MAAT, Rating 65, Rating 75 and Open contests, all worth $65,000, while the $175,000 Gr.2 Timberspan Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) a key lead-up event for the three-year-old Guineas races later in the spring.

With Hawke’s Bay out of action this year, Waikato Thoroughbred Racing are incorporating all of the traditional hospitality and camaraderie into the meeting, with the Colours Lounge Package providing the ultimate way to soak up the spring atmosphere. For $150 per person, patrons will be treated to a delicious buffet lunch, beer and wine package, and a reserved seat at one of the prime viewing spots on course.

If you’re just wanting to head down and enjoy some top tier racing action, general admission is free with access to the Flemington Lounge, and gates will open from 11am right through to the final race.

Join Waikato Thoroughbred Racing for a fantastic afternoon of racing action this Saturday, 27th of September, you won’t want to miss it!
 
 
What:  St John's Foundation Raceday
Where:  Te Rapa Racecourse, Ken Browne Drive, Hamilton
When:  Saturday 27 September 2025, gates open 11:00am
Find out more here