The Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes is a Group One horse race held for Thoroughbred two-year-olds at Awapuni Racecourse in Palmerston North, New Zealand run over 1400 metres in late March or early April.
The race was first run in 1908 over 1200 metres with the current distance being adopted in 1926.
It and the Ellerslie Sires Produce Stakes currently known as the Sistema Stakes (1200m), are regarded as New Zealand's best two-year-old races.
It is currently raced on the same day as the:
Group 2 Awapuni Gold Cup over 2000m for open class horses. Group 3 Manawatu Classic over 2000m for 3YO horses. Listed Flying Handicap over 1400m for Open Handicap runners.
Notable winners include:
Avantage (2018), winner of 9 Group 1 races. Daryl's Joy (1969), winner of the 1969 Victoria Derby and Cox Plate as well as 6 races in the United States including the Del Mar Handicap. Desert Gold (1915), winner of 36 races. La Mer (1976), winner of 24 races. Melody Belle (2017), winner of 14 Group 1 races.
Desert Gold and La Mer both won the Awapuni Gold Cup.
Results Since 1969 There was no race in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. In 2024 to 2026 the race was held at Trentham Racecourse due to track issues at Awapuni.
Year Winner Sex Sire Dam Jockey Trainer(s) Owner(s) Time Second Third2026 (Trentham)Seize The Day 57 C I Am Invincible (Aus)Zimaretto (Aus)Opie Bosson Mark Walker & Sam BergersonTe Akau 2025 Magic Colts Breeding Syndicate1:24.09 (soft)Sweetest Thing 55Speed Demon 572025 (Trentham)La Dorada 55FSuper Seth (Aus)Gold FeverMichael McNabMark Walker & Sam Bergerson, MatamataTe Akau Solid Gold Racing Partnership 1:22.64 (soft)Hostility 57Tajana 552024 (Trentham)Move To Strike 57 C I Am Invincible (Aus) No Evidence Needed Wiremu Pinn Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson, Matamata Te Akau 2023 Stallion Breeding Syndicate 1:23.69 (soft) Red Sea 57 Captured By Love 552023 Pignan 55FStaphanos (Jap)HirondelleJoe Doyle Lisa Latta, Awapuni Andy Rennie, Christian Cullen, David Monnery 1:23.93 (soft) Aprilia 55To Catch A Thief 572022Maven Belle 55.5FBurgundy (NZ) Doyenne, by Kilimanjaro (GB) Sam WeatherleyMark Walker, MatamataTe Akau Maven Belle Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM) 1:23.27 (good) Wolverine 55.5 Waitak 57.5 2021 On The Bubbles 56.5 GBrazen Beau (Aus) More Bubbles (Aus) Johnathan ParkesJamie Richards, Matamata Te Akau Splash of Dom Racing Partnership 1:25.98 (heavy) I Wish I Win 56.5 Bonny Lass 54.5 2019 Yourdeel 56.5 G Dundeel Miss Zapper Opie BossonJamie Richards, Matamata C A Rutten, C J B Norwood & R N Preston 1:22.98 (good) Aretha 54.5 Bella Mente 54.5 2018 Avantage 54.5 F Fastnet Rock (Aus) Asavant Danielle Johnson Stephen Autridge & Jamie Richards, Matamata Te Akau Avantage Syndicate 1:23.43 (soft) Melt 54.5 Sir Nate 56.5 2017 Melody Belle 54.5 F Commands (Aus) Meleka Belle Michael McNab Stephen Autridge & Jamie Richards, Matamata Fortuna Melody Belle Syndicate 1:25.54 (heavy) Belle du Nord, 54.5 Joyfilly 54.5 2016 Luna Rossa 54.5 F Written Tycoon (Aus) Wild Promises (Aus) Lisa Allpress Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman, Cambridge Jomara Bloodstock Ltd 1:29.13 (heavy) Sicario 57.0 Saracino 56.5 2015 Marky Mark 56.5 G Makfi (GB) My My Maree (Aus) Leith Innes Moira Murdoch B J & J E A Lindsay 1:22.74 Rocanto 56.5 Reminisce 54.5 2014 O'Marilyn 54.5 F O’Reilly Monroe Magic Samantha Spratt Stephen McKee, Ardmore T J McKee & B E Rissetto 1:24.46 Prince Mambo 56.5 Artic Wolf 56.5 2013 Recite 54.5 F Darci Brahma Chant Mark Du Plessis John Bary, Hastings The Oaks Stud 1:23.25 Al Strada 56.5 Constellation 54.5 2012 Choice Bro 56.5 G Choisir (Aus) Ladidi (Aus) Jonathan Riddell John Sargent G T Burgess, R W Edwards et al. 1:22.87 Magic Shaft (Aus) 56.5 Warhorse 56.5 2011 Anabandana 54.5 F Anabaa (USA) Great Notice (USA) Opie Bosson Don Sellwood, Cambridge C J Grace 1:22.80 Antonio Lombardo 56 Dowager Queen 54.5 2010 Nacho Man 56 G Mr. Nancho (ARG) El Coriero Craig Grylls Michael & Paul Moroney, Matamata M J Clements, C J Grace et al. 1:23.00 Cellarmaster, 56 Jimmy Choux 56 2009 The Heckler 56 G Lucky Owners Comedy Cafe (Aus) Michael Coleman Murray & Bjorn Baker, Cambridge Patrick Hogan, A J Sutherland et al. 1:22.53 St Fevre St Germaine 2008 Il Quello Veloce 54.5 F Captain Rio (GB) Nishaani Noel Harris John Sargent Flying Fillies Syndicate 1:22.88 Captain Fantastic San Bernardino 2007 Nightlign 56 C Align (Aus) Indian Squaw Michael Coleman Keith Hawtin C H Lo 1:23.05 Fleur De’Here Alamosa 2006 Jokers Wild 55.5 C Black Minnaloushe (USA) Miss Rory (Aus) Jim Collett Michael Moroney & Andrew Scott, Matamata N Cater et al. 1:22.77 Never Look Back Habana 2005 Kindacross 55.5 G Capecross (Ire) Kindness Hayden Tinsley Mark Walker, Matamata S Alexander et al. 1:23.98 Wahid Howmuchyacharging 2004 Keeninsky 55.5 C Stravinsky (USA) So Keen Allan Peard Graeme Rogerson & Stephen Autridge D & J Carter, Hall & Rogerson 1:23.37 Manten Egyptian Ra 2003 Maroofity 55.5 G Maroof (US) Howkudai Lance O'Sullivan Mark Walker, Matamata Tauranga Racing Syndicate 1:24.37 Katana Quite Astute 2002 Grout 55.5 G Gold Brose (Aus) Kaapstad Glamour Michael Walker Allan Sharrock, New Plymouth Ron & Noel Stanley 1:24.81 Danroad Pulitzer 2001 San Luis 55 C Flying Spur (Aus) Star Style Girl (Aus) Noel Harris Chris McNab, Cambridge November Syndicate 1:22.42 Vinaka Kapiston 2000 Little Jamie 55G St. Jude (Aus) Little Carey Lance O'Sullivan Paul O'Sullivan, Matamata Watson Bloodstock Ltd et al. 1:24.83 Trinity College Spring Rain 1999 One Under 54 F Volksraad (GB) Reg's Lady Vincent Colgan Roger James, Cambridge D F & Mrs P D & Mrs Bodle, CJ & Mrs Davison 1:24.63 Tristachine High Grove 1998 Happyanunoit 53.5 F Yachtie (Aus) Easter Queen (Aus) Reece Jones Michael Moroney, Matamata Mrs A & P A Moroney 1:23.54 So Casual Seasquill 1997 Kilmore Quay 53.5 F Yachtie (Aus) Startrix Tony Allan John Wheeler, New Plymouth J G & Mrs T A Donovan, J R & Mrs L J Wheeler 1:28.74 Dandy Dancer Petrov 1996 Love To Dance 53.5 F Citidancer (IRE) Peerage Phillip Mercer Richard Bothwell, Stratford P L McKenzie, T Shahabuddin, Mrs J & R E T Teo 1:28.19 Genuine Strike The Red Express 1995 Ballroom Babe 54 F Citidancer (IRE) Taimian Noel Harris Graeme Sanders, Te Awamutu B D Old, K W Pennell & G K Sanders 1:27.54 Robin's Law Captive 1994 Moonshine 53.5 F Sound Reason (CAN) Sister Moonshine Shane Udy Trevor & Stephen McKee, Takanini T J McKee 1:25.54 Asahi Critical Point 1993 Snap 53.5 F Kingdom Bay Crackle Jim Collett Dave & Paul O'Sullivan, Matamata Mrs L M A O’Sullivan & Lord Tavistock 1:23.09 Seascay Romar 1992 Roy's Boy 55 G Blue Eyed Boy (IRE) Gammon Eddie Wilkinson David Eagar, Stratford D W, E J & R J Eagar 1:24.07 Hulastrike Show Prince 1991 Konig 55 G Truly Vain (Aus) Janice Matthew Enright David Enright, Foxton L H N & Y M Wilson 1:23.83 Rua Rukuna Grand Jette 1990 Lycra 53.5 F Tights (USA) Katie Louise (Aus) Ross Elliot John Wheeler, New Plymouth A L Gallagher & G Rutherford 1:24.91 Indian Kingdom Milton Magic 1989 Cordero 55 G Centaine (Aus) Neon Lass Linda Ballantyne Robert & Bruce Priscott, Te Awamutu Karaka Heights Partnership Syndicate 1:23.94 Centime Super Fiesta 1988 Pompeii Pearl 53.5 F Pompeii Court (USA) Pearl Harbour David Walsh Nigel Auret, Wanganui J H, Mrs DA Auret 1:23.83 Straight Order Come Racing 1987 Satisfy 55 C Top Quality Gold Flake Jim Walker Nicola Nicoloff N & P Nicoloff 1:25.23 Glorious Way (Aus) Open Terrain 1986 Precocious Lad 55 C Otehi Bay (Aus) Javan's (Aus) Earl Harrison Alan Jones, Cambridge D E David 1:23.62 Pace Setter Rieker 1985 Star board 55 C Star Way (USA) Lieder Jim Walker B Peatley, Waikanae B Petley & A D P Williams 1:23.5 Honour Bright Lisa Bay 1984 Vin d’Amour 56 F Adios II (GB) Gliterem Jim Cassidy Jeff Lynds J A Higg 1:24.6 Kingdom Bay Shumanshu 1983 Nordic Seal 51.5 F Imperial Seal (GB) Nordia Garry Phillips John Wheeler, New Plymouth J R & J L Wheeler 1:24.3 Tangent Tanalyse 1982 Andretti 55.5 C Shifnal (Aus) Hi Fujin Earl Harrison John Thurston, Cambridge R F Marsh & J L Thurston 1:23 Romantic Bay Long Range 1981 Scotch Reel 55.5 C Blarney Kiss (USA) Floral Show Bruce Compton Colin Stuart, Cambridge C R & Mrs R K Stuart 1:28.8 Loughanure Shylock 1980 Summer Haze 56 F Princely Note (GB) Karinda Greg Childs Richard Bothwell, Stratford Mrs G M Bryant 1:30.8 Yir Tiz Glamour Bay 1979 Young Shaun 53.5 C Kirrama Double Game S G Royal S Munro, Matamata Mrs M J Wilson 1:31.3 Judena Tiger Jones 1978 Teddy Doon 52.5 C Rapier II (GB) Smokey City Wawrick Robinson Graeme Rogerson, Te Rapa I W Allan 1:24.2 Avenger Tang 1977 Lunar Probe 55.5 C Ring Round The Moon Major Effort Chris McNab Bill & Graeme Sanders, Te Awamutu K M & Mrs Davis 1:25 Sly Wink Heidelberg 1976 La Mer 50 F Copenhagen II (GB) La Balsa Des Harris Malcolm Smith, New Plymouth Est L A Alexander 1:23 Elton Vice Regal 1975 March Legend 55.5 C Idomeneo (GB) Gretel John Riordan Bill & Graeme Sanders, Te Awamutu D R Nash 1:24.8 Shy Princess Dive Bomber 1974 Black Willow 51 F Sobig Kathleigh Bill Skelton Eric Temperton, Awapuni P G Aldridge, G D Finlay & R Newmans 1:28.4 Jealous Lover Drawn n Show 1973 Prince Shifnal 8.4 G Shifnal (Aus) Our Vixen Bob Skelton Bill Winder, Cambridge G R Martin 1:23.2 1972 Longfella 8.10 C Shy Boy (GB) Longhill Roger Lang Miss Margaret Bull Miss MJ Bull & Mrs H Stokes 1:24.2 1971 Gold Braid 8.3 C Battle-Waggon (GB) Bonny Fair, by Fair's Fair (GB) Keith Opie Rory McGovern, Matamata A S & D S Allen 1:24.4 1970 Rich Return 8.9 F Rich Gift (GB) Grand Return Bruce Marsh Brian Hayter, Hawera B Hayter 1:28.2 1969 Daryl's Joy 8.12 C Stunning (GB) Rutha Bruce Marsh Syd Brown, Woodville R K C Goh 1:24.8
Earlier Winners
1968 - Mayo Gold 1967 - Mannix 1966 - Raidan 1965 - Jetmate 1964 - Rio 1963 - Gold Chat 1962 - Blyton 1961 - Cabriere 1960 - Marengo 1959 - Gayfair 1958 - Up and Coming 1957 - Miss Able 1956 - Passive 1955 - Romanos 1954 - Royal Applause 1953 - Timanah 1952 - Flying Queen 1951 - Taringaroa 1950 - The Unicorn 1949 - Gold Script 1948 - Joyful Lady 1947 - Great Trek 1946 - Robin's Reward 1945 - Royal Raider 1944 - Subdued 1943 - Virtuoso 1942 - Nizam 1941 - Premature 1940 - Phaleron 1939 - Submission 1938 - Defaulter 1937 - Smoke Screen 1936 - Custos 1935 - Legatee 1934 - Burnish 1933 - Golden Hair 1932 - Midinette 1931 - High Comedy 1930 - Gesture 1929 - Gay Ballerina 1928 - Episode 1927 - Thaw 1926 - Limerick 1925 - Lady Cavendish 1924 - Motley 1923 - Tukia 1922 - The Dunce 1921 - Absurdum 1920 - Little River 1919 - Warplane 1918 - Finmark 1917 - Estland 1916 - Hyttus 1915 - Desert Gold 1914 - Charmilla 1913 - Rinaldo 1912 - Ermengarde 1911 - Peirene 1910 - no race 1909 - Polymorphous 1908 - Maori King
See also
Thoroughbred racing in New Zealand Awapuni Gold Cup Karaka Million New Zealand Derby
References