Monday, 27 October, sees the running of the time-honoured Group 2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial.

The race, won last year by Savaglee (the race took place at Te Aroha), often sets the scene for New Zealand racing’s up-and-coming talents and we expect to see the runners from Monday pop up in a number of  features in the coming months – potentially even the $4.5m NZB Kiwi!

But why is it called the James and Annie Sarten Memorial?  Who are James and Annie you might ask?

Well, James and Annie were farmers in northern Taranaki.  They kindly provided grazing for a friend’s mare and were later gifted the mare as a thank you.  The mare in question?  Belle Star.

Belle Star is the matriarch of a long line of ‘belles’ including Belle Fox, Supreme Court, Belle Rosa and Star Belle.  Star Belle is still the only filly to win the Ellerslie Triple Crown (The Great Northern Derby, Oaks and St Leger).

The dynasty founded by Belle Star has won over 100 races (and counting) for James and Annie, and now their daughter, Marie Leicester.  Their contribution to the thoroughbred breed and racing is remembered every Labour Weekend with the running of the Group 2 feature named in their honour.

This year’s race has an added layer of excitement as it also acts as one of the legs of the NZB Kiwi Bonus Challenge.  Would-be NZB Kiwi runners can accumulate points by placing in the top 3 of this race (and others) with an additional $1 million in bonuses available each year to the winners of the races. So expect to see some potential NZB Kiwi runners on display too!

It's a day with a special place in the hearts of us here at WTR and we look forward to crowning 2025's winner next Monday.