In addition to our own Group 1 races, the BCD Group Sprint and the Herbie Dyke Stakes that take place on Legends Day, Waikato Thoroughbred Racing has just received the Group 1 Livamol Classic (normally run by the Hawkes Bay Racing team – more about that here).

So to fill you in on the background of this elite race now gracing the mighty Waikato, we’ve rounded up a few facts so you can track talk with the best of them come Saturday, 12 October.

Psst – it’s free GA or there is a hospitality option for all of you who like your racing with a side of comfort! Click here for more.

Without further ado, we give you ten need-to-know facts:

1. The Livamol Classic is a Group 1 race run under Weight for Age (WFA) conditions and is run over 2040m
    
2. It was first run in 1955 and won by Redcraze – a champion NZ racehorse who can also claim the Cox Plate, Caulfield Cup and VRC Queen Elizabeth Stakes amongst many more
    
   
    
3. It is the third leg of what’s normally known as the Triple Crown (with the Tarzino Trophy and Arrowfield Stud Plate making up the other two legs)
    
4. It’s regarded as New Zealand’s feature WFA race and caters for both the WFA horse and staying types (fields out soon and check back to hear Butch’s tips)
    
5. The honour roll of the race is looooong and includes names like Melody Belle, Jimmy Choux, Xcellent, Solvit, Balmerino and Castletown.  The race was won last year by Ladies Man
    
6. Melody Belle became the first horse to win all three legs of the Triple Crown when she took out the Livamol Classic in 2019
    
7. Jockeys David Walsh, Michael Coleman and Opie Bosson can claim the most wins in the race with 4 apiece
    
8. It received its Group 1 status in 1996
    
9. And in 2019 it was rated one of the top 100 Group 1 races in the world
    
10. It’s also New Zealand’s third richest WFA race with prize money of $550,000
     

Supported by the G3 Valley D’Vine Spring Sprint and 8 other races on the card, kick off your spring celebrations by joining us trackside for what’s sure to be a great day of racing, family fun and a chance to enjoy some of this sunshine.  Go on, you know you want to!