If you love the jumps, head down to Te Rapa this Saturday, 14th of June, to witness a number of New Zealand’s biggest names assemble at the Waikato venue for Signature Homes Jumps Day.

Our country’s jumping scene has made a welcome resurgence this season, reflected in the quality on display at Manawatu’s feature meeting last Saturday, held at Trentham. Billy Boy and Jesko, winners of the Manawatu Hurdles and Steeplechase, will not back-up at Te Rapa, but that doesn’t mean the competition won’t be equally as fierce.

In pursuit of his third Signature Homes Waikato Steeplechase (3900m) crown is The Cossack, a phenomenal jumper that fans were delighted to see back on track this season after he was ruled out of last year’s Grand National Steeplechase through injury.

Arguably the biggest threat to The Cossack will be his own stablemate Nedwin, a former Waikato Hurdles and Great Northern Hurdles winner at the venue, while Jakama Krystal and Renegade Fighter were big improvers last season.

The pair are both trained by Hastings conditioners Paul Nelson and Corrina McDougal, who also hold a very strong hand in the Fairview Motors Waikato Hurdle (3200m).

Their imposing galloper, Taika, landed the first blow against a number of these rivals at Te Rapa last month, proving too strong for stablemate and rising star Dictation. An interesting runner in the mix is Abu Dhabi, a former Great Northern Hurdles winner in his own right returning to the jumping caper for the first time since July 2023.

A number of fresh faces will step out in the undercard jumping events, including four-win geldings Brian Lamont and Hayate.

A handy field, including Group One winner Mercurial and emerging talent Twain, have entered the Mike Stent Decorators Sprint (1200m), while the likes of Uderzo, Harlech and Knights Realm are in the fray in a competitive SkyCity Hamilton Mile (1600m).

A spectacle not to be missed, entry into Te Rapa on Saturday will be free, with the opportunity to upgrade your experience with a Lodge Lounge Hospitality Package for $175pp. Held in the third floor of the main stand, this option will include a buffet lunch and afternoon tea, a beer and wine package, and a panoramic view of the magnificent live fences around the course, all while keeping warm in the winter chill!

Be a part of this time-honoured meeting by heading down to Ken Browne Drive on Saturday, with the first race kicking off early at 11.08am.
 
What: Signature Homes Jumps Day
Where: Te Rapa Racecourse
When: Saturday, 14 June. Gates open at 10.30am
 
Find out more here.
 
Discover more about Jumps Racing at jumps.loveracing.nz.