The New Zealand Derby is a set-weights Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-olds, run over a distance of 2,400 metres (12 furlongs) at Ellerslie Racecourse in Auckland, New Zealand. It is held in March each year.
History The New Zealand Derby is an amalgamation of two races – the New Zealand Derby, run since 1860 at Riccarton, Christchurch; and the Great Northern Derby, run since 1875 at Ellerslie Racecourse in Auckland. The races were combined in 1973. Riccarton was awarded two 1,600 m races for three-year-olds in place of its Derby – the New Zealand 2000 Guineas and New Zealand 1000 Guineas.
After its May debut, the New Zealand Derby was soon moved to New Year's Day, and then to Boxing Day. It continued to be run on this day for many years and became a popular traditional social occasion for Aucklanders until it was moved to the first day of the new Auckland Cup Week in March. The first March running of the Derby in 2006 was won by Wahid, from the stable of Allan Sharrock in New Plymouth.
The 2023 edition - won by Sharp 'N' Smart - was held at Te Rapa Racecourse, due to renovation of the track at Ellerslie Racecourse.
Notable winners
Many of New Zealand's most famous racehorses feature on the list of New Zealand Derby winners, including: Desert Gold, Gloaming, Nightmarch, Kindergarten, Mainbrace, Balmerino, Bonecrusher, Xcellent, Jimmy Choux, Silent Achiever, Mongolian Khan.
Multiple winning trainers and jockeys
Roger James has won the New Zealand Derby seven times, including once in partnership with Jim Gibbs and once in partnership with Robert Wellwood. Colin Jillings won the post-1973 New Zealand Derby three times but also twice won the Great Northern Derby with Lawful and Stipulate.
Vinnie Colgan holds the record for the most Derby wins by a jockey. He scored his fifth Derby win aboard Habibi in 2013, breaking Robert Vance's previous record of four, and added a sixth victory with Rangipo in 2016.
Winning fillies
Only a small number of fillies have ever won the Derby against the male horses. This list includes:
the great Desert Gold winning the 1915 New Zealand Derby at Riccarton and the 1916 Great Northern Derby Our Flight in 1983 Tidal Light in 1986 Popsy in 1994 Silent Achiever in 2012 Habibi in 2013 Orchestral in 2024.
On two of those occasions, fillies have also finished second – Cure in 1986 and Fix in 2013.
New Zealand Derby results Year Winner Breeding Jockey Trainer Owner Time Second Third 2026Road To ParisCircus Maximus – Spirit Of Heaven George Rooke Roger James & Robert Wellwood Ron & Judi Wanless 2:31.25 (soft)Autumn GloryGeneva2025WillydoitTarzino – Willamette (Aus) Michael Dee Shaun & Emma Clotworthy, Byerley ParkB G Black, Mrs E L Clotworthy & MyRacehorse Pty Ltd 2:30.08 (soft) ThedoctorofloveGolden Century2024OrchestralSavabeel – SymphonicCraig GryllsRoger James & Robert Wellwood Colin & Helen Litt2:26.79 (good)Antrim CoastAscend The Throne2023Sharp 'N' Smart Redwood – Queen Margaret Ryan ElliotTeam Rogerson Graeme Rogerson, Todd Bawden, C A Leishman, NZ Thoroughbred Holdings Ltd, M & M Butterworth & M B Wadd 2:29.47 (Te Rapa, good) AndalusFull of Sincerity2022AsterixTavistock – Mourasana (GB) by ShiroccoJohnathan ParkesLance O'Sullivan & Andrew ScottD & B Kelt, A & L Scott & Mark Greatbatch 2:27.24 (good)La CriqueRegal Lion2021Rocket SpadeFastnet Rock – Affairoftheheart (by Fusaichi Pegasus)Craig Grylls Lance O'Sullivan & Andrew ScottHermitage Thoroughbreds Pty Limited2:35.51 (soft)MilfordFrontman2020Sherwood ForestFastnet Rock- Chasing Mammom (by Giant's Causeway)Michael WalkerTony PikeGoodson & Perron Family Trust, Calder Bloodstock Ltd & Deborah Martin2:26.77Two IllicitScorpz2019Crown ProsecutorMedaglia d'Oro – Riptide (by Exceed and Excel)Craig GryllsStephen MarshHuntingdale Lodge 2012 Ltd (Mgr: Harvey Green) & Jml Bloodstock Ltd (Mgr: L Petagna)2:28.17In A TwinklingPlatinum Invador2018New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2018 (47th edition). Dennis Ryan, Editor, Racing Media NZ Limited, Auckland, New ZealandVin De DanceRoc de Cambes – Explosive Dancer (by San Luis) Jason WaddellMurray Baker & Andrew ForsmanOTI Racing (Mgr: T Henderson), L Muollo & Kilted Taniwha Syndicate2:28.44MongolianconquerorDanzdanzdance2017New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2017 (46th edition). Dennis Ryan, Editor, Racing Media NZ Limited, Auckland, New ZealandGingernutsIffraaj – Double Elle (by Generous)Opie BossonStephen Autridge & Jamie RichardsTe Akau Gingernuts Syndicate2:28.27Rising RedJon Snow2016RangipoStryker – Holloway (by Zabeel)Vincent ColganTony PikeJohn & Margaret Thompson 2:28.89What's The StoryRaghu2015Mongolian KhanHoly Roman Emperor – Centafit (by Centaine)Opie BossonMurray Baker & Andrew Forsman Inner Mongolia Rider Horse Industry2:28.40Volkstok'n'barrellSound Proposition2014PucciniEncosta De Lago – Miss Opera (by Paris Opera)Michael WalkerPeter & Jacob McKayMonovale Holdings Ltd2:28.39Rising RomanceGlorious Lad2013HabibiEkraar – Danny Holiday (by Danasinga)Vincent ColganDonna & Dean Logan Mrs Heather & Peter Crofskey & Mrs P A McIntyre2:27.58FixCastlzeberg2012Silent AchieverO'Reilly – Winning Spree (by Zabeel)James McDonaldRoger JamesK J Hickman2:33.55Rock 'n' PopCarrick