Note:  The following guidelines are provided for information only, courtesy Harness Racing New Zealand, as at 29.08.06.  For the most up to date information regarding NZ Group Racing Criteria, please contact Harness Racing New Zealand.

At the time when applications for Group Race Status are considered, the following guidelines are adopted by the Review committee in assessing what is an appropriate feature event that qualifies for group status.  

Group races or “black type’ events as they are otherwise known, were initially devised to sort out and distinguish for the purpose of sale catalogues, the difference in quality of races. The black type system was and still is primarily intended to produce a listing of superior races which reflect the best product that harness racing  provides. 

The Group Race List defines those races, which have most reliably provided a measure of the merit of horses competing, and to rate the races accordingly. The end users of this information include breeders and purchasers of standardbreds, auctioneer, bloodstock agents, owners, trainers, the media and the racing public at large.  

It is essential that a structured feature race programme is established encompassing the various age group sectors. The aim is to provide a sensible sequence of major events that cater for the better performed horses and in turn also provides the ideal platform for promotional purposes and maximises benefits to the industry. 

1.    The object is to produce a listing of superior races, that reflect the present day character of New Zealand racing with regard to providing for horses of different ages and sexes. 

2.      Primary considerations in assessing the standing of races include:
(a)          Class of horse racing
(b)          Historical importance and place on the calendar
(c)           Prize money
(d)          Conducted where possible at “Premier” and bigger meetings.

3.       In respect of historical importance, a race must have no fewer than two previous editions before consideration is given to inclusion as a Group Race. 

4.       Maintaining continuity of races on the Group Schedule is regarded as desirable so long as the continuity is credible.  

5.       Races with “restricted entry” conditions are not considered appropriate for Group Status. 

In principle Group races should attract the very best horses available therefore the winner of the event has to be a cut above the average to earn “black type” recognition.


The following General Criteria applies for each respective group race category: 

Group I
A handicap, Free-For-All, Discretionary or Classic Race being a race of national importance, with a superior stake and that has consistently attracted the best eligible horses from all parts of New Zealand 

Group II
A Handicap, Free-For-All, Discretionary or Classic Race being a race of national importance that consistently attracts the better performed horses in the appropriate class or age group. 

Group III
A Handicap, Free-For-All, Discretionary or Classic Race being a race of national and/or regional importance, which consistently attracts the better performed horses in the appropriate class or age group.  

Listed
A Listed race should be a feature race of suitable profile and importance, one step below recognition as a Group III race. This would mean a handicap, free-for-all, or classic event of national/regional importance. Total stakes for race are to be a minimum of $20,000. 

GROUP RACE STRUCTURE FOR 2006/07 SEASON

Group I events   =     25
Group II events  =     17
Group III events =     24
Listed Races       =     32

Total Group & Listed Races  =  98
(4.8% of approximately 2,350 races to be run this season)

In terms of Group Race policy in 2006/2007, following is the stake subsidy ALLOCATION AND MINIMUM STAKES REQUIREMENTS: 

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