The 2026 BCD Group Sprint (Waikato Sprint) ran on Saturday February 7 at Te Rapa, Hamilton, and was won by the Telegraph Handicap winning First Five ($7.40)!
| 3. First Five (4) J: Wiremu Pinn59kg X4211T: David Greene | ||
| 7. Sterling Express (10) J: Matthew Cameron59kg 144X6T: Mark Brosnan | ||
| 11. Tomodachi (2) J: Joe Doyle57kg 1X3X4T: Lance O'Sullivan & Andrew Scott | ||
| 1. Here To Shock (1) J: Logan Bates59kg 79610T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | ||
| 4. Pier (3) J: Sam Weatherley59kg 3534XT: Darryn & Briar Weatherley | ||
| 8. Platinum Attack (8) J: Craig Grylls59kg X1265T: Lisa Latta | ||
| 2. Arkansaw Kid (7) J: Opie Bosson59kg 10232T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | ||
| 5. Savaglee (5) J: Daniel Stackhouse59kg 1132XT: Pam Gerard | ||
| 10. Provence (6) J: George Rooke57kg X7218T: Stephen Marsh | ||
| 9. Tardelli (9) J: Jonathan Riddell59kg 37374T: Stephen Marsh |
BCD Group Sprint Info
- 2026 BCD Group Sprint Date: Saturday the 7th of February 2026
- Former Race Name: Waikato Sprint
- Track Location: Te Rapa Racecourse, Hamilton, New Zealand
- Distance: 1,400m
- Conditions: Weight-for-age; 3YOs & Upwards
- Status: Group 1
- Prize Money (NZ): $500,000
- First Run: 1974
- Reigning BCD Group Sprint Winner: First Five (2026)
Looking for the latest BCD Group Sprint betting odds, insider racing tips and form for the Te Rapa Group 1 race formerly known as the Waikato Sprint this February? The TAB NZ have all the best betting guides and statistics to make informed bets on the BCD Group Sprint race this summer!
The Group 1 Waikato Sprint – currently known as the BCD Group Sprint for sponsorship purposes – is a crucial middle-distance sprint test for New Zealand’s top racehorses. It is one of the more important Kiwi races held each summer and is run at Hamilton’s Te Rapa Racecourse on a Saturday in early February on Herbie Dyke Stakes Day known as Legends Day conducted by the Waikato Racing Club.
It, along with the Telegraph Handicap and the Railway Stakes in January, are some of the most popular New Zealand thoroughbred sprint races.
To improve your chances of predicting the next BCD Group Sprint winner, access the latest BCD Group Sprint odds and tips online at the TAB NZ.
TAB NZ provides in-depth analysis, form guides, and betting insights to help you navigate the competitive field of summer contenders.
Whether you’re a seasoned punter or new to betting on the horse races in New Zealand, our comprehensive BCD Group Sprint (Waikato Sprint) coverage has everything you need.
Back the next BCD Group Sprint winner at the right price this summer with TAB NZ!
BCD Group Waikato Sprint Fast Facts
- Last mare to win the BCD Group Waikato Sprint: Bonny Lass (2024)
- Last multiple BCD Group Waikato Sprint winner: Start Wondering (2017 & 2018)
- Notable Fact: Xtravagant (2016) won this race as a three-year-old by a record eight lengths!
Bet on the next BCD Group Sprint race now!
BCD Group Sprint Betting Info
BCD Group Sprint betting is open months ahead of the Group 1 Hamilton, summer sprint race at the TAB NZ.
We offer pre-nomination BCD Group Sprint betting odds throughout the year that are known as futures BCD Group Sprint odds online.
All-In BCD Group Sprint betting markets are then available following the official BCD Group Sprint nominations.
Betting on the BCD Group Sprint field is available following final acceptances.
Betting on the BCD Group Sprint favours the locally trained champions from the best New Zealand horse racing stables.
BCD Group Sprint race betting traditionally focuses on the proven Group 1 winning horses who have an outstanding record in the event and those proven over the shorter distance feature races in New Zealand.
Expert Tips on the 2026 BCD Group Sprint
Stay tuned for our expert tips and BCD Group Sprint betting predictions ahead of this year’s Group 1 feature in Hamilton.
BCD Group / Waikato Sprint Tips
BCD Group Sprint tips on which horse will win the next edition of the former Waikato Sprint flood in as the countdown to the important Hamilton 1400m race heats up.
BCD Group Sprint race tips on what horse will win the event this year are highly sought after by smart punters and racing fans every season.
When looking at BCD Group Sprint / Waikato Sprint race tips it is important to consider factors including:
- What horses in the BCD Group Sprint field are proven over the distance?
- Who the key BCD Group Sprint trainers and jockeys are and what horses they have in the BCD Group Sprint field this year?
- BCD Group Sprint barrier statistics and where your BCD Group Sprint betting selections are drawn.
- BCD Group Sprint horses that have a good past record at the track.
BCD Group Sprint race tips centre on proven stars that have good lead-up form in similar grade spring/summer events, horses with previous experience at the Te Rapa track and the runners aged four to six who have dominated recent BCD Group Sprint race results.
The BCD Group Sprint is a weight-for-age event for horses aged three-years-old and above.
Waikato Sprint betting takes place on the popular race – currently run as the BCD Group Sprint – which is held at Hamilton’s Te Rapa Racecourse on a Saturday in early February annually.
BCD Group Sprint odds are offered on the esteemed Waikato Sprint Group 1 event, and the field attracts a host of quality thoroughbreds many of which may be eyeing a trip across the Tasman to Australia for the autumn majors down under.
The Group 1 BCD Group Sprint is one of New Zealand’s most popular horse races and has been run and won since 1974 when Kings Romance became the inaugural champion of the event.
The race was formerly known and still officially registered as the Waikato Sprint and is a weight-for-age race.
It has been a key event in New Zealand’s racing calendar for over half a century and attracts some of the best horses, jockeys and trainers from across the country and Australia.
The race has seen many notable winners including brilliant mare Imperatriz who won a total of ten Group 1 races across New Zealand and Australia as well as the mighty dual champion Sunline whose career also included two victories in the Cox Plate.
Winning the Waikato Sprint is a significant achievement in the racing community, and the event attracts lots of attention from punters both locally and internationally in Australia.
Taking place at Hamilton’s Te Rapa Racecourse, the BCD Group Sprint is a 1400m event.
The Waikato Sprint (BCD Group Sprint) was elevated to Group 1 status in 1987.
Several recent winners of the Waikato Sprint / BCD Group Sprint have also found success in Australian horse races including Imperatriz (2023) whose elite level wins down under included winning the William Reid, Moir Stakes, Manikato Stakes Group 1 treble at The Valley as well as Flemington’s Champions Sprint during the iconic Melbourne Cup Carnival.
The Waikato Sprint / BCG Roup Sprint has also been won by a number of reigning or subsequent Cox Plate winners including Sunline and Poetic Prince.
The BCD Group Sprint in New Zealand is held on the same date Australia hosts the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield to kick off elite level racing for the new year down under.
Legends Day at Te Rapa
Legends Day at Te Rapa is a highlight of the New Zealand racing calendar, held annually in February. This event celebrates the rich history of horse racing at Te Rapa Racecourse in Hamilton and features some of the country’s top races.
The leading races at the meeting include:
- Herbie Dyke Stakes: This is a prestigious Group 1 race over 2000 metre. It attracts some of the best middle-distance horses in New Zealand and offers a substantial prize pool of NZ$700,000.
- BCD Group Sprint: The second richest race on the card, this 1400-metre sprint is one of the premier weight-for-age sprints in the country. It showcases top sprinters competing for significant stakes of NZ $500,000.
In addition to these headline races, Legends Day also features appearances by legendary horses and jockeys, adding to the event’s festive and nostalgic atmosphere.
Get the best Legends Day at Te Rapa odds, racing stats, previews, form and insider tips on races like the BCD Group Sprint now at the TAB NZ!
How long does it take to know if you placed a winning BCD Group Sprint race tip? The event itself takes around 1 minute and 20 seconds for the competing horses to run the 1,400m trip depending on track conditions.
The official BCD Group Sprint winner and winning BCD Group Sprint trifecta are known shortly after unless there is a protest or a photo-finish BCD Group Sprint result.
Who holds the BCD Group Sprint race record? The race record for the Waikato Sprint, currently known as the BCD Group Sprint, is 1:20.60. This record was set by Mrs Selleck in 1992.
What are the best BCD Group Sprint lead-up races to look at when placing a BCD Group Sprint bet?
When considering a bet on the BCD Group Sprint, it’s helpful to look at several key lead-up races that often feature horses who perform well in this prestigious event.
Some of the best lead-up races include:
- Railway Stakes: This iconic Group 1 NZ sprint is now run two weeks before over 1200 metres at Ellerslie and is a direct lead-in to the BCD Group Sprint and often features many of the same horses. Imperatriz (2023) was the last horse to complete the Railway – BCD Group Sprint double when the former took place on New Year’s Day.
- Westbury Classic: A popular Group 2 race held at Ellerslie over 1400m on the same date as the Railway. Imperatriz (2023) was the last horse to complete the Westbury Classic – BCD Group Sprint double.
- Telegraph Handicap: This Group 1 race over 1200 metres is held at Trentham Racecourse in either December or January. It attracts top sprinters and can be a good indicator of form leading into the BCD Group Sprint.
- Thorndon Mile: Although this is a mile race (1600 metres), it can still provide insights into the form of horses stepping down in distance. It’s also held at Trentham in January.
- Concorde Handicap: Held in December, this Group 3 race over 1200 meters is held at Ellerslie Racecourse and often features sprinters who are targeting the BCD Group Sprint later in the summer.
By analysing the performances of horses in these races, you can get a better sense of their form and potential for success in the BCD Group Sprint.
First Five (2025/26) was the last horse to complete the Telegraph Handicap – BCD Group Sprint double.
Australian-Bred Horses in the BCD Group Sprint
Betting on the Australian-bred horses in the field is popular with the race results showing the Aussie foaled sprinters have a solid recent record in the event against the locally foaled horses.
Looking back over the BCD Group Sprint history and statistics shows that recent winners to be bred in Australia and not New Zealand include Sacred Star (2015), Avantage (2021), and Imperatriz (2023).
The 2025 BCD Group Sprint winner Here To Shock was New Zealand bred but trained in Australia by Ben, Will & JD Hayes.
BCD Group Sprint Tips for a Trifecta
BCD Group Sprint tips for a trifecta cover the first three horses to officially go past the finishing post in the BCD Group Sprint / Waikato Sprint results.
The horse to finish on top of the BCD Group Sprint trifecta is your BCD Group Sprint winner, the runner who outlasted all their rivals and finished in the fastest time.
Placing a BCD Group Sprint trifecta exotic bet on the race is a great way to add to the thrill and potentially be rewarded with a generous pay-out.
A BCD Group Sprint trifecta is only successful if the three horses in your bet finish in the exact order you predict. Punters may choose instead to box their trifecta bets on the BCD Group Sprint to cover more finishing options and increase the chances of winning.
Adding the favourite into your BCD Group Sprint trifecta bet is a top tip as the favourites have a strong recent strike-rate running in the money.
Key BCD Group Sprint Statistics and Insights
Place an informed bet on this year’s BCD Group Sprint by considering the following key statistics and insights:
- Win Rates: Horses with high win rates in similar races are strong contenders for the BCD Group Sprint. Our BCD Sprint Group betting tips available at the TAB NZ Punters Lounge provide detailed win rate statistics.
- Place Percentages: Evaluate horses with consistent place percentages, indicating reliability and competitiveness. BCD Sprint Group race tips offer comprehensive data on place percentages.
- Barrier Success Rates: Horses starting from barriers 1-4 have historically shown a higher success rate in the BCD Group Sprint.
2026 BCD Group Sprint Field
Nominations: 03 Feb 2026 12:00PM.
Withdrawals: 04 Feb 2026 10:00AM.
Riders: 04 Feb 2026 1:00PM.
Where can you bet on the BCD Group Sprint?
The best place to bet on this year’s BCD Group Sprint race is through the TAB NZ online.
BCD Group Sprint Odds
BCD Group Sprint odds and online betting tips on the BCD Group Sprint horse race in New Zealand are dominated by proven Group 1 horses, the locally trained runners in the race and horses aged four and five years old who have a great record in the event.
Where can I find the latest BCD Group Sprint odds?
For the latest odds and updates on the BCD Group Sprint, TAB NZ is your go-to source. They provide real-time odds fluctuations, ensuring you have the most current information to make informed betting decisions. It’s crucial to monitor these odds closely, as they reflect the market’s perception of each horse’s chances, influenced by factors like form, barrier draw, and track conditions.
How to Place a Bet on the BCD Group Sprint Race
Want to know how to make a bet on the BCD Group Sprint? Visit the TAB NZ racing page to access the latest BCD Group Sprint betting odds and options.
It is simple to learn how to place a bet on the BCD Group Sprint online.
You can place a BCD Group Sprint bet online anytime markets are live.
There are more ways than ever to get involved in betting on the BCD Group Sprint.
From seasoned punters analysing form guides to casual racing fans drawn to the excitement, the BCD Group Sprint is a race for everyone.
Whether you’re diving deep into the latest BCD Group Sprint race field, joining a sweepstake with friends, or simply enjoying the atmosphere of the summer Hamilton racing, the BCD Group Sprint has it all!
This important summer race showcases New Zealand’s finest thoroughbreds and attracts attention from all over the country as one of the biggest races of the year!
How to Bet on the BCD Group Sprint this year?
1. Log in or sign-up with TAB NZ.
2. Make a secure online deposit using one of the TAB NZ safe deposit methods.
3. Check out the BCD Group Sprint betting guide, BCD Group Sprint form guide and our expert BCD Group Sprint tips.
4. Choose a BCD Group Sprint bet to place such as Win, Place, Each-Way or the BCD Group Sprint Trifecta. There are many more BCD Group Sprint betting options available so make sure to check out our BCD Group Sprint betting markets.
5. Select the BCD Group Sprint horse you want to bet on from the early markets, BCD Group Sprint nominations or BCD Group Sprint field.
What makes betting on the BCD Group Sprint so popular?
The fact that the BCD Group Sprint is one of the leading Group 1 races run during the Waikato Summer Racing Carnival and one of the key February horse races in Australasia make it a must watch and must bet on racing event.
The BCD Group Sprint is a popular sprint race that has produced a host of subsequent Group 1 winning horses both locally and across the Tasman.
The BCD Group Sprint is one of the most prestigious and lucrative thoroughbred horse races in New Zealand.
For the best online betting on the BCD Group Sprint, consider tipping a horse to win both the BCD Group Sprint and another Group 1 race over the carnival in a summer race double!
What makes the BCD Group Sprint so special?
The BCD Group Sprint serves as a great guide historically to other important New Zealand Group 1 races as well as upcoming autumn races in Australia so using the BCD Group Sprint winners’ list for upcoming Group events is popular with punters.
It is a highly competitive and prestigious race that grows in popularity each summer.
New Zealand and international racing fans, including those in Australia, tune into the thrilling 1400m summer sprint event every season to see if their bets on the BCD Group Sprint race won!
The BCD Group Sprint currently offers NZD$500,000 in prize money plus bragging rights with jockeys, trainers and owners from across the country and further abroad keen to add their names to the list of BCD Group Sprint champions.
What are the popular betting markets for the BCD Group Sprint?
When it comes to betting on the BCD Group Sprint, there are a number of more popular betting options with punters including:
Exotics: These include Quinella, Trifecta, and First Four, where you predict the specific order of finishers, offering potentially higher payouts but requiring more precise predictions.
Win & Place: Bet on a horse to win or finish in the top places. This is one of the most straightforward and popular betting options.
Each-Way: A combination of win and place bets, providing a safety net if your chosen horse doesn’t win but finishes in the top positions.
How many mares have won the BCD Group Sprint in recent years?
Since the year 2000 there have been 11 BCD Group Sprint / Waikato Sprint winning mares including four consecutively from 2021 to 2024 with Avantage (2021), Levante (2022), Imperatriz (2023), and most recently Bonny Lass (2024).
Brilliant New Zealand mare Melody Belle also won in 2019 giving the female gallopers five wins in six years. Her victory kicked off an incredible Group 1 winning streak that included victories in the Otaki Maori and the Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes after taking the Waikato Sprint before plenty of success in Australia.
What age group has the best BCD Group Sprint record?
Five-year-olds have dominated the BCD Group Sprint / Waikato Sprint results in recent years with 12 saluting between 2000 and 2026, most recently First Five (2026).
The oldest recent BCD Group Sprint winner was Here To Shock who won as a seven-year-old from Australia in 2025.
The youngest recent BCD Group Sprint winner was Xtravagant who won as a three-year-old in 2016 by a record eight lengths!
Between 2000 and 2026 the breakdown of BCD Group Sprint winners by age is as follows:
3YOs – 1 (latest Xtravagant in 2016)
4YOs – 5 (latest Imperatriz in 2023)
5YOs – 12 (latest First Five in 2026)
6YOs – 7 (latest Start Wondering in 2017)
7YOs – 2 (latest Here To Shock in 2025)
What races will runners out of the BCD Group Sprint target next?
Following a run in the BCD Group Sprint many horses will target upcoming summer features including the Group 1 Otaki Maori WFA Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie later in the month.
Avantage (2021) was the last horse to complete the BCD Group Sprint – Otaki Maori WFA Classic double in the same year.
Looking further ahead, graduates out of the BCD Group Sprint in New Zealand may head down under for the lucrative Group 1 sprint races in Sydney and Melbourne including the Newmarket Handicap (1200m) which is a premier Melbourne sprint race held in March at Flemington Racecourse and the TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) run in April at Randwick Racecourse during ‘The Championships’.
Moonee Valley’s Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) is another popular Australian Group 1 target for BCD Group Sprint graduates and Imperatriz (2023) was the last to do the double.
BCD Group Sprint Barriers
The BCD Group Sprint barrier draw and allocated BCD Group Sprint starting gates play a key role for many punters when deciding on what horses to bet on in the big race.
What is the most successful recent BCD Group Sprint barrier draw?
Barriers 1, 4 and 7 have all produced 4 BCD Group Sprint winners between 2000 and 2026 most recently Imperatriz (barrier 1 in 2023), First Five (barrier 4 in 2026) and Viadana (barrier 7 in 2014).
Barrier 13 is the widest gate to produce a BCD Group Sprint winner between 2000 and 2026 with Mufhasa (2009) and Sunline (2001).
Barrier 2 was the last gate to produce back-to-back BCD Group Sprint winners with Start Wondering (2018) and Melody Belle (2019).
Barrier 4 is the latest BCD Group Sprint winning barrier with First Five in 2026.
Breakdown of winning BCD Group Sprint barriers between 2000-26:
Barrier 1 – 4 (latest Imperatriz in 2023)
Barrier 2 – 3 (latest Melody Belle in 2019)
Barrier 3 – 2 (latest Veyron in 2012)
Barrier 4 – 4 (latest First Five in 2026)
Barrier 5 – 2 (latest Levante in 2022)
Barrier 6 – 0
Barrier 7 – 4 (latest Viadana in 2014)
Barrier 8 – 1 (latest Here To Shock in 2025)
Barrier 9 – 1 (latest Mufhasa in 2011)
Barrier 10 – 1 (latest Sacred Star in 2015)
Barrier 11 – 2 (latest Avantage in 2021)
Barrier 12 – 1 (latest Bonny Lass in 2024)
Barrier 13 – 2 (latest Mufhasa in 2009)
BCD Group Sprint Form
We offer a complete BCD Group Sprint form guide and expert analysis on every horse in the BCD Group Sprint field in addition to insider BCD Group Sprint racing tips and betting odds.
Our BCD Group Sprint form guides include:
- BCD Group Sprint race preview and predictions
- Racing analysis on the event and runners
- Previous runs, barrier trials and lead-up statistics
- Key information on all horses in the race like trainer and jockey form
- Runner commentary
Whether you are just starting out tipping horses in the BCD Group Sprint or you are an expert BCD Group Sprint tipster, our form guide gives you all the statistics and information you need to make a smart bet on the BCD Group Sprint.
How to Read the BCD Group Sprint Form Guide
Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how to interpret a horse’s form and performance indicators when looking at this year’s BCD Group Sprint form guide:
- Recent Performances: Review the horse’s last few races, focusing on finish positions and the quality of competition faced.
- Track and Distance Records: Check the horse’s performance on similar track conditions and distances to gauge suitability.
- Jockey and Trainer Stats: Consider the success rates of the jockey and trainer combination, particularly in the BCD Group Sprint race.
- Weight Carried: Analyse how the weight carried in previous races compares to the BCD Group Sprint, as this can impact performance.
- Barrier Position: Evaluate the horse’s barrier draw and its historical performance from similar starting positions.
BCD Group Sprint Results
The BCD Group Sprint results are known when the event takes place in February annually.
You can bet on the BCD Group Sprint race results weeks ahead of race day with our futures BCD Group Sprint markets here at the TAB NZ.
Betting on the BCD Group Sprint results entails picking the BCD Group Sprint winning horse and we can help you place an informed bet on the BCD Group Sprint field with our BCD Group Sprint tips and form guide.
Other BCD Group Sprint race results include the winning jockeys, trainers, successful barrier and finishing time.
The complete BCD Group Sprint finishing order shows what position every horse in the field ran.
Some punters even like to place bets on what horse will finish last in the BCD Group Sprint results!
BCD Group Sprint exotic results show how all the exotic BCD Group Sprint bet types resulted like the BCD Group Sprint Quinella, BCD Group Sprint Exacta, BCD Group Sprint Trifecta, and BCD Group Sprint First Four.
BCD Group Sprint Jockeys
Securing a ride in the BCD Group Sprint field is a highly sought-after achievement for jockeys around New Zealand and Australia. Winning this important summer race is a nice campaign goal for many of Australasia’s top riders looking to secure a Group 1 trophy during the carnival.
What jockeys are riding in the BCD Group Sprint field is determined by the owners and trainers of the horses, and official BCD Group Sprint jockey announcements are made in the weeks and days leading up to the race.
Wiremu Pinn is the latest BCD Group Sprint winning jockey having ridden First Five to victory in 2026.
The most successful jockey in recent BCD Group Sprint / Waikato Sprint history with four victories since 2006 is Opie Bosson with Darci Brahma (2007), Te Akau Shark (2020), Avantage (2021), and Imperatriz (2023).
Opie Bosson is also the last back-to-back BCD Group Sprint winning jockey having ridden Te Akau Shark (2020) and Avantage (2021) on successive years.
Samantha Spratt, known for her wins with Mufhasa in 2009 and 2011, was the last female BCD Group Sprint winning jockey.
Stay tuned to the TAB NZ racing blog to see what jockeys lock in a confirmed ride on one of the BCD Group Sprint horses this summer.
BCD Group Sprint Trainers
The most successful trainer in recent BCD Group Sprint / Waikato Sprint history is Jamie Richards with four victories with Xtravagant (2016) in partnership with Stephen Autridge, before three straight as a solo trainer with Melody Belle (2019), Te Akau Shark (2020), and Avantage (2021).
David Greene is the latest BCD Group Sprint winning trainer having prepared First Five in 2026.
BCD Group Sprint / Waikato Sprint Winners
Notable BCD Group Sprint / Waikato Sprint winners throughout history include:
Sunline (2001 & 2002): Sunline was a legendary New Zealand-bred Thoroughbred racehorse, widely regarded as one of the greatest mares in racing history. She began her racing career with a string of victories in New Zealand, quickly making a name for herself by winning her first eight races. Sunline’s notable victories include two W.S. Cox Plates (1999, 2000), two Doncaster Handicaps (1999, 2002), and the Hong Kong Mile in 2000. She also won the Waikato Sprint (2001, 2002) and the Coolmore Classic (2000, 2002). She was named New Zealand Horse of the Year four times and Australian Horse of the Year three times. Sunline was also the world’s highest-earning race mare of her time, with career earnings of NZ$14,200,000. Sunline was inducted into both the Australian and New Zealand Racing Halls of Fame. She has a statue at Ellerslie Racecourse and races named in her honor, such as the Sunline Stakes at Moonee Valley.
Mufhasa (2009 & 2011): Mufhasa, also known as King Mufhasa in Australia, was a remarkable New Zealand-bred Thoroughbred racehorse. Mufhasa had an impressive career with multiple Group 1 victories. Some of his notable wins included the Telegraph Handicap (2009, 2011), Waikato Sprint (2009, 2011), Otaki-Maori Weight for Age (2010), Makfi Challenge Stakes (2011), Toorak Handicap (2011), Captain Cook Stakes (2011), Futurity Stakes (2012), and Windsor Park Plate (2012). Mufhasa was named New Zealand Horse of the Year twice, in 2009 and 2012. He was inducted into the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame in 2021. He earned over NZ$3.6 million during his racing career.
Melody Belle (2019): Melody Belle is a champion New Zealand Thoroughbred racehorse, celebrated for her remarkable achievements on the track. Foaled on September 26, 2014, she became the only horse to win the New Zealand Triple Crown and holds the record for the most Group 1 wins by a New Zealand-trained horse, with 14 victories. Trained by Jamie Richards and often ridden by Opie Bosson, Melody Belle’s notable wins include the Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes, Tarzino Trophy, Windsor Park Plate, BCD Group Sprint, and the Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes. She was named New Zealand Horse of the Year twice and earned over NZ$4.2 million in her career. Melody Belle’s legacy is marked by her consistency, versatility, and dominance across various distances and conditions.
Te Akau Shark (2020): Te Akau Shark was a highly talented New Zealand-bred Thoroughbred racehorse known for his impressive performances on the track. Trained by Jamie Richards, he achieved significant success, including victories in the Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes (now Verry Elleegant Stakes) and the Group 1 BCD Group Sprint. Te Akau Shark was renowned for his powerful finishing bursts and versatility across different distances. His career highlights also include a strong third-place finish in the prestigious Cox Plate. Despite facing some challenges with injuries, Te Akau Shark left a lasting legacy in the racing world with his remarkable achievements and memorable races.
Avantage (2021): Avantage is a distinguished Australian-bred, New Zealand-trained Thoroughbred racehorse, known for her exceptional performances and versatility. Foaled on September 27, 2015, she was trained by Jamie Richards and raced by the Te Akau Avantage Syndicate. Avantage boasts an impressive record of nine Group 1 victories, including wins in the Telegraph Handicap, BCD Group Sprint, Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes, and New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes. She was renowned for her consistency and ability to excel over various distances. Avantage was retired in 2021 after suffering a tendon injury and was later sold for a record price of $4.1 million to Coolmore Stud. Her legacy continues to be celebrated in the racing community.
Imperatriz (2023): Imperatriz is an exceptional Australian-bred, New Zealand-trained Thoroughbred racehorse, known for her impressive speed and versatility. Foaled on August 16, 2018, she has achieved significant success with nine Group 1 victories, including the Levin Classic, New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes, Railway Stakes, BCD Group Sprint, William Reid Stakes (twice), Moir Stakes, Manikato Stakes, and Lightning Stakes. Trained initially by Jamie Richards and later by Mark Walker, Imperatriz has set track records and earned over AU$5.9 million. Her powerful performances and consistent excellence have made her a standout in both New Zealand and Australian racing.
Bet on the next BCD Group Sprint winner with our comprehensive BCD Group Sprint form guide and expert BCD Group Sprint tips at the TAB NZ!
Past BCD Group Sprint / Waikato Sprint Results
Recent BCD Group Sprint / Waikato Sprint winners, jockeys, trainers, barriers, and weights carried to victory dating back to the year 2005 are detailed in the below table.
| Year | Winner – Age/Gender Breeding | Jockey | Weight (kgs) | Trainer/s | Barrier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | FIRST FIVE (NZ) 5G ALMANZOR (FR) – PAYETTE (AUS) VOLKSRAAD (GB) | W PINN | 59.0 | DAVID GREENE | 4 |
| 2025 | HERE TO SHOCK (NZ) 7G SHOCKING (AUS) – FRESCOES (AUS) LONHRO (AUS) | N RAWILLER | 59.0 | BEN, WILL & JD HAYES | 8 |
| 2024 | BONNY LASS (NZ) 5M SUPER EASY (NZ) – POSH BEC (NZ) LE BEC FIN (NZ) | C J GRYLLS | 57.0 | GRAHAM RICHARDSON & ROGAN NORVALL | 12 |
| 2023 | IMPERATRIZ (AUS) 4M I AM INVINCIBLE (AUS) – BERIMBAU (AUS) SHAMARDAL (USA) | O P BOSSON | 57.0 | MARK WALKER | 1 |
| 2022 | LEVANTE (NZ) 5M PROISIR (AUS) – ISLAND DOY (GB) DOYOUN (IRE) | RYAN ELLIOT | 57.0 | KEN & BEV KELSO | 5 |
| 2021 | AVANTAGE (AUS) 5M FASTNET ROCK (AUS) – ASAVANT (NZ) ZABEEL (NZ) | O P BOSSON | 57.5 | JAMIE RICHARDS | 11 |
| 2020 | TE AKAU SHARK (NZ) 5G RIP VAN WINKLE (IRE) – BAK DA CHIEF (NZ) CHIEF BEARHART (CAN) | O P BOSSON | 59.0 | JAMIE RICHARDS | 4 |
| 2019 | MELODY BELLE (NZ) 4M COMMANDS (AUS) – MELEKA BELLE (NZ) IFFRAAJ (GB) | T N HARRIS | 57.0 | JAMIE RICHARDS | 2 |
| 2018 | START WONDERING (NZ) 7G EIGHTH WONDER (NZ) – ROSEANBAR (NZ) AL AKBAR (AUS) | J PARKES | 59.0 | J J & E RAYNER | 2 |
| 2017 | START WONDERING (NZ) 6G EIGHTH WONDER (NZ) – ROSEANBAR (NZ) AL AKBAR (AUS) | J PARKES | 59.0 | J J & E RAYNER | 1 |
| 2016 | XTRAVAGANT (NZ) 3C PENTIRE (GB) – AXIOM (NZ) ZABEEL (NZ) | M CAMERON | 55.5 | STEPHEN AUTRIDGE | 4 |
| 2015 | SACRED STAR (AUS) 5G FLYING SPUR (AUS) – IRISH NOVA (NZ) O’REILLY (NZ) | V A COLGAN | 59.0 | TONY PIKE | 10 |
| 2014 | VIADANA (NZ) 6M TOWKAY (AUS) – YEAH NAH (NZ) KINJITE (NZ) | C J GRYLLS | 57.0 | L NOBLE | 7 |
| 2013 | FINAL TOUCH (NZ) 5M KASHANI (USA) – MY LYDIA (AUS) UMATILLA (NZ) | C W JOHNSON | 57.0 | J F PARSONS | 2 |
| 2012 | VEYRON (NZ) 6G THORN PARK (AUS) – OVER THE LIMIT (NZ) CENTRO (NZ) | L G INNES | 59.0 | LINDA LAING | 3 |
| 2011 | MUFHASA (NZ) 6G PENTIRE (GB) – SHEILA CHEVAL (NZ) MI PREFERIDO (USA) | S C SPRATT | 59.0 | STEPHEN MCKEE | 9 |
| 2010 | LORD TAVISTOCK (NZ) 4H MONTJEU (IRE) – UPSTAGE (GB) QUEST FOR FAME (GB) | J L WADDELL | 59.0 | ANDREW R CAMPBELL | 11 |
| 2009 | MUFHASA (NZ) 4G PENTIRE (GB) – SHEILA CHEVAL (NZ) MI PREFERIDO (USA) | S C SPRATT | 59.0 | STEPHEN MCKEE | 13 |
| 2008 | SEACHANGE (NZ) 5M CAPE CROSS (IRE) – JUST CRUISING (AUS) BROAD REACH (NZ) | G MCKEON | 56.5 | R R MANNING | 4 |
| 2007 | DARCI BRAHMA (NZ) 4H DANEHILL (USA) – GRAND ECHEZEAUX (NZ) ZAFONIC (USA) | O P BOSSON | 59.0 | MARK WALKER | 1 |
| 2006 | KRISTOV (NZ) 6G SLAVIC (USA) – SANTA BARBRA (NZ) PIPERHILL (IRE) | J L WADDELL | 57.5 | PHILLIP STEVENS | 7 |
| 2005 | SEDECREM (NZ) 6G FALTAAT (USA) – REAL TRIER (AUS) TURF RULER (NZ) | A CALDER | 57.5 | COLIN & RICHARD YUILL | 5 |
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