The 2025 Mufhasa TAB Classic ran on Saturday, December 6, at Trentham Racecourse and was won in a thrilling three-way photo finish by Stephen Marsh's class mare Provence ($8.70)!
| 8. Provence (5) J: George Rooke57kg 01X72T: Stephen Marsh | ||
| 1. Waitak (4) J: Craig Grylls59kg 1X011T: Lance O'Sullivan & Andrew Scott | ||
| 7. La Crique (8) J: Masa Hashizume57kg 22X22T: Simon & Katrina Alexander | ||
| 6. Legarto (1) J: Vinnie Colgan57kg 13X65T: Ken & Bev Kelso | ||
| 4. One Bold Cat (2) J: Jonathan Riddell59kg 08X84T: Robbie Patterson | ||
| 3. Agera (9) J: Opie Bosson59kg 14111T: Tony Pike | ||
| 5. Khafre (3) J: Jasmine Fawcett59kg X9053T: Ralph Manning | ||
| 11. Bedtime Story (10) J: Kelly Myers57kg 2X442T: Guy Lowry & Leah Zydenbos | ||
| 9. Ears Back (6) J: Kate Hercock57kg X6180T: John Blackadder | ||
| 2. Ladies Man (7) J: Rory Hutchings59kg 35394T: Allan Sharrock |
Mufhasa TAB Classic Info
- 2025 Mufhasa TAB Classic Date: Saturday the 6th of December 2025
- Former Race Name: Captain Cook Stakes
- Track Location: Trentham Racecourse, Wellington Racing Club, New Zealand
- Distance: 1,600m
- Conditions : Weight-For-Age; 3YOs & Upwards
- Status: Group 1
- Prize Money (NZ) : $400,000
- First Run: 1977
- Reigning Mufhasa TAB Classic Winner: Provence (2025)
Looking for the latest Mufhasa TAB Classic betting odds, insider racing tips and form for the Trentham Group 1 race this December? The TAB NZ have all the best betting guides and statistics to make informed bets on the Mufhasa Classic race this summer!
The Mufhasa TAB Classic (formerly the Captain Cook Stakes) is a prestigious Group 1 race held at Trentham Racecourse over 1600m, and it often attracts elite weight-for-age performers coming off a big spring campaign.
It is the one of the highlight events run by the Wellington Racing Club in New Zealand. It is the second last Group 1 race of the calendar year in NZ and typically runs on a Saturday at the start of December.
It is considered one of New Zealand’s leading weight-for-age races and attracts some of the best gallopers in the country with NZ$400,000 in prize money.
To improve your chances of predicting the next Mufhasa TAB Classic winner, access the latest Mufhasa TAB Classic 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 contenders.
Whether you’re a seasoned punter or new to betting on the horse races in New Zealand and Australia, our comprehensive Mufhasa TAB Classic coverage has everything you need.
Finish off the spring racing in New Zealand with a bang! Bet on your Mufhasa TAB Classic favourite this season with TAB NZ!
Mufhasa TAB Classic Fast Facts
- Last mare to win the Mufhasa Classic: Provence (2025)
- Last favourite to win the Mufhasa Classic: Two Illicit ($4 in 2021)
- Last dual Mufhasa Classic winner: Shuka (2013-14)
- Notable Fact: Prise De Fer finally broke through for a Group 1 win in the 2022 event at his 13th attempt!
Bet on the next Mufhasa TAB Classic now!
Mufhasa TAB Classic Betting Info
Mufhasa TAB Classic betting is open months ahead of the Group 1 Trentham, spring weight-for-age race at the TAB NZ.
We offer pre-nomination Mufhasa TAB Classic betting odds throughout the year that are known as futures Mufhasa TAB Classic odds online.
All-In Mufhasa TAB Classic betting markets are then available following the official Mufhasa TAB Classic nominations.
Betting on the Mufhasa TAB Classic field is available following final acceptances on the Wednesday of race week.
Betting on the Mufhasa TAB Classic favours the locally trained champion gallopers from the best New Zealand horse racing stables.
Mufhasa TAB Classic race betting traditionally focuses on any past Group 1 winners who have an outstanding record in the event and the older horses in the race who have a dominant recent record in the spring showdown over their younger counterparts.
Mufhasa TAB Classic race tips centre on the standout WFA champion thoroughbreds in New Zealand and Australia that have good lead-up form in similar grade events from the winter or early spring, horses with previous experience at the Trentham track and the runners from the key stables who have dominated Mufhasa TAB Classic race results.
The Mufhasa TAB Classic is a weight-for-age event open to runners three and above.
Expert Tips on the 2025 Mufhasa TAB Classic
Stay tuned for our expert tips and Mufhasa TAB Classic betting predictions ahead of this year’s Group 1 summer racing feature at Trentham.
WAITAK (1) comes into this race in outstanding form, having secured consecutive Group 1 victories, the most recent being the Livamol Classic over 2040m at Ellerslie seven weeks ago. There, the Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott trained six-year-old beat home El Vencedor by over five lengths and impressed. He has been kept sharp with a recent trial at Taupo, and despite stepping back in distance to a mile, his class and consistency suggest he will once again prove very difficult to beat. Craig Grylls continues associations from a nice gate six draw, and with a predicted Heavy rated track his form in the mud is another tick. Favourite but hard to go past.
Mufhasa TAB Classic Tips
Mufhasa TAB Classic tips on which horse will win the next edition of Trentham’s 1600m feature flood in as the countdown to the important Wellington Racing Club race heats up.
Mufhasa TAB Classic 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 the Mufhasa TAB Classic race tips it is important to consider factors including:
- What horses in the Mufhasa TAB Classic field are proven over the 1,600m distance?
- Who the key Mufhasa TAB Classic trainers and jockeys are and what horses they have in the field this year?
- Mufhasa TAB Classic barrier statistics and where your betting selections are drawn.
- Mufhasa TAB Classic horses that have a good past record at the track.
How long does it take to know if you placed a winning Mufhasa TAB Classic race tip? The event itself takes around one and a half minutes for the competing horses to run the 1,600m trip depending on track conditions.
The official Mufhasa TAB Classic winner and winning Mufhasa TAB Classic trifecta are known shortly after unless there is a protest or a photo-finish result.
Who holds the Mufhasa TAB Classic race record? Foxwood holds the 1600m race record for the event winning in 1998 in a time of 1 minute 33.75 seconds.
What are the best Mufhasa TAB Classic lead-up races to look at when placing a Mufhasa Classic bet?
Some of the best Mufhasa TAB Classic lead-up races held over the spring include September’s Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) which runs in 2025 as the Howden Insurance Mile at Te Rapa, the Group 3 The TAB Mile (1600m) in mid-November, the Group 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) later that month
Julinsky Prince (2015) was the last horse to complete the Arrowfield Stud Plate – Mufhasa TAB Classic double.
Provence (2nd in 2025) was the last Arrowfield Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes graduate to go on to win the Mufhasa TAB Classic.
New Zealand Bred Horses in the Mufhasa TAB Classic
Betting on the New Zealand-bred horses in the field is popular with Kiwi punters, and the race results show an absolutely dominant record of New Zealand foaled Mufhasa TAB Classic winners in recent history.
Since 2000 there has been just two Mufhasa TAB Classic winners foaled outside of New Zealand with the latest being Danzdanzdance (AUS) in 2018.
Mufhasa TAB Classic Tips for a Trifecta
Mufhasa TAB Classic tips for a trifecta cover the first three horses to officially go past the finishing post in the Mufhasa TAB Classic results.
The horse to finish on top of the Mufhasa TAB Classic trifecta is your Mufhasa TAB Classic winner, the runner who outlasted all their rivals and finished in the fastest time.
Placing a Mufhasa TAB Classic 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 Mufhasa TAB Classic 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 Mufhasa TAB Classic to cover more finishing options and increase the chances of winning.
Avoiding the favourite in your Mufhasa TAB Classic trifecta bets is a top tip as the favourites have a poor recent strike-rate.
Key Mufhasa TAB Classic Statistics and Insights
Place an informed bet on this year’s Mufhasa TAB Classic by considering the following key statistics and insights:
- Win Rates: Horses with high win rates in similar races are strong contenders for the Mufhasa TAB Classic. Our Mufhasa TAB Classic 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. Mufhasa TAB Classic race tips offer comprehensive data on place percentages.
- Barrier Success Rates: Horses starting from a midfield barriers have historically shown a higher strike-rate in the Mufhasa TAB Classic results.
Mufhasa TAB Classic betting takes place on the popular New Zealand race which is held at Trentham Racecourse hosted by the Wellington Racing Club on a Saturday in early December annually.
Mufhasa TAB Classic odds are offered on the esteemed Group 1 WFA event, and the field attracts a host of quality gallopers many of which are coming off earlier Group 1 spring majors both in New Zealand and across the Tasman in Sydney and Melbourne.
The Mufhasa TAB Classic – also known as the Captain Cook Stakes – is one of Wellington’s most popular horse races and has been run and won since 1977 in March when Copper Belt won.
It has been a key event on New Zealand’s racing calendar for nearly half a century and continues to attract the best horses, jockeys and trainers from across the country and Australia.
The race has crowned many of the country’s most iconic gallopers. Among the most famous winners is the event’s now namesake Mufhasa (2011), a dual New Zealand Horse of the Year who amassed 10 Group 1 victories across Australasia.
Rough Habit (1992), a New Zealand racing legend, also claimed this title during his illustrious career that included multiple Group 1 wins in both New Zealand and Australia. Solveig (1986) and Cinder Bella (2000) were standout mares of their eras, while Shuka achieved back-to-back wins in 2013 and 2014.
More recent champions include Ladies Man (2024), Desert Lightning (2023), and Prise De Fer (2022), each adding their names to the race’s rich legacy.
The race continues to be a key feature of New Zealand’s summer racing calendar, attracting top-class milers and serving as a proving ground for future stars.
Winning the Mufhasa TAB Classic is a significant achievement in the racing community, and the event attracts lots of attention from punters both locally and internationally in Australia.
The event was elevated to Group 1 status in 1986, the year Solveig won.
It began in 1977 as the Marlboro Mile and held in the autumn. It took place in March from its inauguration through until 1997. From (1998-2008) it was run in October before moving to its current December timeslot in 2009 when the Wellington Racing Club strategically shifted the then Captain Cook Stakes to early December.
This move was designed to avoid clashes with the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival, particularly races like the Spring Classic. The new placement positioned the race three to four weeks after Riccarton’s Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (formerly Churchill Stakes) in November, and three weeks before the Zabeel Classic (formerly Galaxy Stakes) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day, creating a more cohesive and impactful summer racing pattern.
The event has gone through a number of race name changes throughout its rich history including being known as the:
- Marlboro Mile (1977-1979)
- Penfolds-Chardon Mile (1980-1981)
- DB Mile (1982-1983)
- Double Brown 1600 (1984-1985)
- Double Brown Mile (1986-1988)
- DB Draught 1600 (1989)
- Captain Cook Stakes (1990-2000)
- Fayette Park Prized Stakes (2001)
- Captain Cook Stakes (2002–2022)
- TAB Classic (2023)
- Mufhasa TAB Classic (2024 onwards)
Mufhasa TAB Classic Day
Mufhasa TAB Classic Day 2025 will be held on Saturday, 6 December at Trentham Racecourse in Wellington, New Zealand.
This festive raceday is a highlight of the summer racing calendar, combining elite Group 1 racing with the vibrant atmosphere of Christmas at the Races. The feature event, the $400,000 Mufhasa TAB Classic (formerly the Captain Cook Stakes), is a 1600m weight-for-age race that honors the legendary Kiwi galloper Mufhasa, who won the race in 2011 as part of his 10 Group 1 victories.
The day includes nine races, with the first starting around 11:57 AM and the last at 5:12 PM, though final times will be confirmed closer to the event.
General admission is free, and hospitality options range from casual lawn experiences to premium lounges with food, drinks, and betting vouchers.
The raceday promises thrilling competition from top-class milers like, alongside festive entertainment, making it a perfect outing for racing fans and holiday revelers alike.
Get the best Mufhasa TAB Classic Day racing odds for Trentham, racing stats, previews, form and insider tips on races like the meeting’s feature Group 1 race now at the TAB NZ!
Mufhasa TAB Classic Field
The Mufhasa TAB Classic field attracts a line-up of top-line horses each season with runners coming from mainly local stables.
Mufhasa TAB Classic Acceptance Dates
It is crucial to take note of when the Mufhasa TAB Classic field is out, what time Mufhasa TAB Classic nominations close and the official Mufhasa TAB Classic acceptance dates when placing a Mufhasa TAB Classic bet online as horses may drop out of the race and bets may be cancelled.
See below for the official Mufhasa TAB Classic field dates for 2025.
2025 Mufhasa TAB Classic Field
Nominations: 02 December 2025 12:00PM.
Withdrawals: 03 December 2025 10:00AM.
Riders: 03 December 2025 1:00PM.
Where can you bet on the Mufhasa TAB Classic?
The best place to bet on this year’s Mufhasa TAB Classic race is through the TAB NZ online.
Mufhasa TAB Classic Odds
Mufhasa TAB Classic odds and online betting tips on the Mufhasa TAB Classic are dominated by proven Group winning horses, the four-to-six-year-old runners in the race and gallopers with a past run at the track who have a great record in the event.
Where can I find the Mufhasa TAB Classic odds?
For the latest odds and updates on the Mufhasa TAB Classic, 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 Mufhasa TAB Classic
Want to know how to make a bet on the Mufhasa TAB Classic? Visit the TAB NZ racing page to access the latest Mufhasa TAB Classic betting odds and options.
It is simple to learn how to place a bet on the Mufhasa TAB Classic online.
You can place a Mufhasa TAB Classic bet online anytime markets are live.
There are more ways than ever to get involved in betting on the Mufhasa TAB Classic.
From seasoned punters analysing form guides to casual racing fans drawn to the excitement, the Mufhasa TAB Classic is a race for everyone.
Whether you’re diving deep into the latest Mufhasa TAB Classic race field, joining a sweepstake with friends, or simply enjoying the atmosphere of the summer carnival at Trentham, the Mufhasa TAB Classic race has it all!
This important early summer race showcases New Zealand’s finest thoroughbreds and attracts attention from all over the country as it makes a nice target for not only the locals but also any visiting Australian gallopers chasing a Group 1 after the spring.
How to Bet on the Mufhasa TAB Classic in 2025?
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 our Mufhasa TAB Classic betting guide, Mufhasa TAB Classic form guide and our expert Mufhasa TAB Classic racing tips.
4. Choose a Mufhasa TAB Classic bet to place such as Win, Place, Each-Way or Mufhasa TAB Classic Trifecta. There are many more Mufhasa TAB Classic betting options available so make sure to check out our Mufhasa TAB Classic betting markets.
5. Select the Mufhasa TAB Classic horse you want to bet on from the early markets, Mufhasa TAB Classic nominations or Mufhasa TAB Classic field.
5. Select the Mufhasa TAB Classic horse you want to bet on from the early markets, Mufhasa TAB Classic nominations or Mufhasa TAB Classic field.
What makes betting on the Mufhasa TAB Classic so popular?
Betting on the Mufhasa TAB Classic is popular because it’s a prestigious Group 1 mile at Trentham, attracts the country’s best middle‑distance horses, offers rich prize money, and has a long history of producing memorable winners.
Group 1 status & prestige: The race (registered as the Captain Cook Stakes, now run as the TAB Mufhasa Classic) is a Group 1 weight‑for‑age event over 1600m at Trentham, making it one of New Zealand’s premier mile contests.
Rich prize pool: With NZ$400,000 in prize money, it’s one of the most lucrative races on the NZ calendar, ensuring strong fields and plenty of betting interest.
Timing in the racing calendar The race was shifted from October to early December to avoid clashing with the Hawke’s Bay Carnival. This move attracts top milers in peak condition, often en route to the Levin Classic in January.
Star‑studded honour roll: Past winners include legendary names like Rough Habit (1992), Solveig (1986), and Copper Belt (1977), giving the race a rich heritage that punters respect.
Consistent betting angles: Because it’s run under weight‑for‑age conditions, punters can more easily line up form without the complexity of handicaps. This makes betting strategies clearer and more appealing.
Local and national interest: Being staged at Trentham Racecourse in Wellington, the race draws strong local crowds while also commanding national attention, boosting turnover for TAB NZ.
For TAB NZ punters, the Mufhasa TAB Classic is popular because it combines prestige, history, and betting value. It’s a race where proven milers clash, the form lines are strong, and the chance of an upset keeps roughie hunters engaged.
In short, big prize money, elite fields, and a winners’ list featuring many past turf greats make the Mufhasa TAB Classic one of New Zealand’s most bet‑on races each summer.
How many mares have won the Mufhasa TAB Classic?
Since the year 2000, 11 mares have won the Mufhasa TAB Classic most recently Provence (2025).
What age group has the best recent Mufhasa TAB Classic record?
Five-year-olds have dominated the Mufhasa TAB Classic results in recent years with seven saluting between 2000 and 2025, most recently Two Illicit in 2021.
The oldest recent Mufhasa TAB Classic winner was Dezigna (2008) who saluted as a nine-year-old.
The youngest recent Mufhasa TAB Classic winner was the filly We Can Say It Now (2010) who was the last three-year-old to win.
Between 2000 and 2025 the breakdown of Mufhasa TAB Classic winners by age is as follows:
- 3YOS – 1 (latest We Can Say It Now in 2010)
- 4YOs – 6 (latest Desert Lightning in 2023)
- 5YOs – 7 (latest Two Illicit in 2021)
- 6YOs – 6 (latest Provence in 2025)
- 7YOs – 6 (latest Ladies Man in 2024)
- 8YOs – 0
- 9YOs – 1 (latest Dezinga in 2008)
Mufhasa TAB Classic Prize Money
Mufhasa TAB Classic prize money may not compare to the stakes on offer in events like the A$20 million The Everest and A$10 million The Golden Eagle which are both held in Sydney over the spring in Australia, but it remains a highlight of the New Zealand racing calendar as one of Wellington’s richest horse races.
Mufhasa TAB Classic prize money is set at NZ$400,000 in total stakes allocated between first to tenth place.
How much does the Mufhasa TAB Classic winner get? The winning Mufhasa TAB Classic horse receives a total of NZ$230,000 in prize money.
See below for the official breakdown of Mufhasa TAB Classic prizes on offer from the Mufhasa TAB Classic winner to the tenth horse to cross the finish line in the official Mufhasa TAB Classic results.
- First: NZ$230,000
- Second: NZ$74,000
- Third: NZ$36,000
- Fourth: NZ$20,000
- Fifth: NZ$10,000
- Sixth – Tenth: NZ$6,000
How many international horses have won the Mufhasa TAB Classic?
No internationally trained horses have won the Mufhasa TAB Classic to date — all winners have been New Zealand‑based.
How many horses have won the Mufhasa TAB Classic more than once?
To date, just one horse has won the Mufhasa TAB Classic more than once, with Shuka (2013-14).
Multiple Mufhasa TAB Classic winners: Shuka (2013-14).
What races will runners out of the Mufhasa TAB Classic target next?
Horses out of the Mufhasa TAB Classic race in Wellington often continue on in the summer targeting other Group 1 New Zealand races including the Zabeel Classic (2000m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day.
Danzdanzdance (2018) was the last horse to complete the Mufhasa TAB Classic – Zabeel Classic double.
Other Summer Group 1 Miles: Horses often progress to races like the Thorndon Mile (1600m, Trentham, late January), which is another prestigious weight‑for‑age mile.
Karaka Million Night (Ellerslie, late January): While primarily for juveniles and 3YOs, some older horses from the Mufhasa TAB Classic may be aimed at supporting features on this card.
Auckland Cup Carnival (March): Depending on stamina, some runners stretch out to longer trips later in the season, targeting races like the Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m).
Mufhasa TAB Classic Barriers
The Mufhasa TAB Classic barrier draw and allocated Mufhasa TAB Classic starting gates play a key role for many punters when deciding on what horses to bet on in the big race.
When is the Mufhasa TAB Classic barrier draw?
The Mufhasa TAB Classic barrier draw is conducted on the same day as final acceptances close which is the Wednesday of race week.
What is the most successful recent Mufhasa TAB Classic barrier draw?
Barriers 7 and 5 have both produced four Mufhasa TAB Classic winners between 2000 and 2024, most recently Rock On Wood (barrier 7 in 2020) and Provence (barrier 5 in 2025).
Barrier 16 is the widest gate to produce a Mufhasa TAB Classic winner between 2000 and 2024, most recently Desert Lightning (2023).
Barrier 5 is the last gate to produce back-to-back Mufhasa TAB Classic winners with Ladies Man (2024) and Provence (2025).
Barrier 5 is the latest Mufhasa TAB Classic winning barrier with Provence in 2025.
Breakdown of winning Mufhasa TAB Classic barriers between 2000-25:
- Barrier 1 – 1 (latest Hello Dolly in 2001)
- Barrier 2 – 2 (latest Mufhasa in 2011)
- Barrier 3 – 1 (latest Shuka in 2013)
- Barrier 4 – 2 (latest Kawi in 2017)
- Barrier 5 – 4 (latest Provence in 2025)
- Barrier 6 – 2 (latest Wyndspelle in 2019)
- Barrier 7 – 4 (latest Rock On Wood in 2020)
- Barrier 8 – 2 (latest Shuka in 2014)
- Barrier 9 – 2 (latest Aide Memoire in 2016)
- Barrier 10 – 2 (latest Prise De Fer in 2022)
- Barrier 11 – 1 (latest Elevenses in 2002)
- Barrier 12 – 1 (latest Two Illicit in 2021)
- Barrier 13 – 1 (latest Penny Gem in 2003)
- Barrier 14 – 0
- Barrier 15 – 1 (latest We Can Say It Now in 2010)
- Barrier 16 – 1 (latest Desert Lightning in 2023)
Mufhasa TAB Classic Form
We offer a complete Mufhasa TAB Classic form guide and expert analysis on every horse in the Mufhasa TAB Classic field in addition to insider Mufhasa TAB Classic racing tips and betting odds.
Our Mufhasa TAB Classic form guides include:
- Mufhasa TAB Classic 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 Mufhasa TAB Classic or you are an expert Mufhasa TAB Classic tipster, our form guide gives you all the statistics and information you need to make a smart bet on the Mufhasa TAB Classic this summer.
How to Read the Mufhasa TAB Classic 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 Mufhasa TAB Classic form guide:
Barrier Position: Evaluate the horse’s barrier draw and its historical performance from similar starting positions.
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 Mufhasa TAB Classic race.
Weight Carried: Analyse how the weight carried in previous races compares to the Mufhasa TAB Classic as this can impact performance.
Mufhasa TAB Classic Results
The Mufhasa TAB Classic results are known when the event takes place on a Saturday in mid to late December.
You can bet on the Mufhasa TAB Classic race results weeks ahead of race day with our futures Mufhasa TAB Classic markets here at the TAB NZ.
Betting on the Mufhasa TAB Classic results entails picking the Mufhasa TAB Classic winning horse and we can help you place an informed bet on the Mufhasa TAB Classic field with our Mufhasa TAB Classic tips and form guide.
Other Mufhasa TAB Classic race results include the winning jockeys, trainers, successful barrier and finishing time.
The complete Mufhasa TAB Classic 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 Mufhasa TAB Classic results!
Mufhasa TAB Classic exotic results show how all the exotic Mufhasa TAB Classic bet types resulted like the Mufhasa TAB Classic Quinella, Mufhasa TAB Classic Exacta, Mufhasa TAB Classic Trifecta, and Mufhasa TAB Classic First Four.
Mufhasa TAB Classic Jockeys
Securing a ride in the Mufhasa TAB Classic field is a highly sought-after achievement for jockeys around New Zealand. Winning this important early 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 Mufhasa TAB Classic field is determined by the owners and trainers of the horses, and official Mufhasa TAB Classic jockey announcements are made in the weeks and days leading up to the race.
George Rooke is the latest Mufhasa TAB Classic winning jockey having ridden Provence to victory in 2025.
Who is the most successful recent Mufhasa TAB Classic jockey? Gary Grylls is the most successful jockey in the race’s history with four wins aboard Hikotere (1982), Lord Tridan (1994), Allegro (1995), and Ballroom Babe (1997).
Four jockeys have then won the Mufhasa TAB Classic three times with Opie Bosson, Danielle Johnson, Michael Coleman, and Lance O’Sullivan.
Danielle Johnson aboard Two Illicit (2021) was the last female jockey to win the Mufhasa TAB Classic.
Danielle Johnson is also the last back-to-back Mufhasa TAB Classic winning jockey aboard the race’s sole two-time champion Shuka (2013-14).
Stay tuned to the TAB NZ racing blog to see what jockeys lock in a confirmed ride on one of the Mufhasa TAB Classic horses this spring.
Mufhasa TAB Classic Trainers
Who is the most successful Mufhasa TAB Classic trainer? Peter & Dawn Williams are the most successful trainers in the race’s history with three wins with Shuka (2013 & 2014) and Desert Lightning (2023).
Stephen Marsh is the latest Mufhasa TAB Classic winning trainer having prepared Provence to victory in 2025.
Mufhasa TAB Classic / Captain Cook Stakes Winners
Notable Captain Cook Stakes / Mufhasa TAB Classic winners throughout history include:
Copper Belt (1977): Copper Belt was one of the earliest stars of the race, winning when it was known as the Marlboro Mile. A consistent performer, he helped establish the race’s reputation as a proving ground for elite milers in New Zealand.
Solveig (1986): Solveig was a top-class mare who won the race during its Double Brown Mile era. Her victory was part of a stellar career that included multiple Group wins and solidified her place among New Zealand’s best fillies of the 1980s.
Rough Habit (1992): Rough Habit, a New Zealand racing icon, won the Captain Cook Stakes during his peak. With 11 Group 1 wins across Australasia, including the Stradbroke Handicap and Doomben Cup, his Trentham triumph added to his legendary status.
Mufhasa (2011): Mufhasa, the race’s namesake in its current form, won the Captain Cook Stakes in 2011. A two-time New Zealand Horse of the Year, he claimed 10 Group 1 victories, including the Telegraph Handicap and Waikato Sprint, and was known for his front-running brilliance.
Kawi (2017): Kawi’s win in 2017 was his seventh Group 1 victory, placing him among the elite in New Zealand racing. Trained by Allan Sharrock, he was a dominant force over middle distances and a fan favourite for his consistency and power.
Danzdanzdance (2018): Danzdanzdance was a rising star who won the Captain Cook Stakes after graduating from three-year-old features. Her win was part of a breakout season that included multiple Group 1 victories and strong performances in Australia.
Rock On Wood (2020): Rock On Wood’s win was a family affair, trained by Leanne Elliot and ridden by her son Ryan. Owned by their extended family, his victory was a heartwarming story and a testament to grassroots racing success.
Prise De Fer (2022): After 13 attempts at Group 1 level, Prise De Fer finally broke through in the Captain Cook Stakes. Trained by Mark Walker for Te Akau Racing, his perseverance and consistency made the win especially rewarding.
Desert Lightning (2023): Desert Lightning overcame a dramatic false start to win the 2023 edition. Trained by Peter and Dawn Williams, his victory was a testament to resilience and focus under pressure, adding a unique chapter to the race’s history.
Ladies Man (2024): Ladies Man, trained by Allan Sharrock and ridden by Opie Bosson, won the 2024 TAB Mufhasa Classic with a powerful late surge. Already a Livamol Classic winner, this victory confirmed his status as one of New Zealand’s top middle-distance horses.
Bet on the next Mufhasa Classic winner with our comprehensive Mufhasa Classic form guide and expert tips at the TAB NZ!
Past Captain Cook Stakes / Mufhasa TAB Classic Results
Recent Captain Cook Stakes / Mufhasa TAB Classic 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | PROVENCE (NZ) 6M SAVABEEL (AUS) – SOMBREUIL (AUS) FLYING SPUR (AUS) | G ROOKE | 57.0 | STEPHEN MARSH | 5 |
| 2024 | LADIES MAN (NZ) 7G ZED (NZ) – JUST POLITE (AUS) DEHERE (USA) | O P BOSSON | 59.0 | A SHARROCK | 5 |
| 2023 | DESERT LIGHTNING (NZ) 4G PRIDE OF DUBAI (AUS) – ISSTOORA (AUS) HIGH CHAPARRAL (IRE) | V A COLGAN | 59.0 | PETER & DAWN WILLIAMS | 16 |
| 2022 | PRISE DE FER (NZ) 7G SAVABEEL (AUS) – FOIL (AUS) SNIPPETS (AUS) | M MCNAB | 59.0 | MARK WALKER | 10 |
| 2021 | TWO ILLICIT (NZ) 5M JIMMY CHOUX (NZ) – GEMINI (NZ) TALE OF THE CAT (USA) | DANIELLE JOHNSON | 57.0 | ROGER JAMES & ROBERT WELLWOOD | 12 |
| 2020 | ROCK ON WOOD (NZ) 6G REDWOOD (GB) – ROCK ON RYE (AUS) CATCHER IN THE RYE (IRE) | RYAN ELLIOT | 59.0 | LEANNE ELLIOT | 7 |
| 2019 | WYNDSPELLE (NZ) 6H IFFRAAJ (GB) – WESTERN STAR (NZ) HIGH CHAPARRAL (IRE) | J L WADDELL | 59.0 | JOHNO BENNER & HOLLIE WYNYARD | 6 |
| 2018 | DANZDANZDANCE (AUS) 4M MASTERCRAFTSMAN (IRE) – NIGHT DANZA (AUS) DANZERO (AUS) | O P BOSSON | 57.0 | CHRISTOPHER GIBBS & MICHELLE BRADLEY | 7 |
| 2017 | KAWI (NZ) 7G SAVABEEL (AUS) – MAGIC TIME (NZ) VOLKSRAAD (GB) | J L WADDELL | 59.0 | A SHARROCK | 4 |
| 2016 | AIDE MEMOIRE (NZ) 5M REMIND (USA) – EXPLAIN (NZ) SUCCESS EXPRESS (USA) | R J HANNAM | 57.0 | FRASER AURET | 9 |
| 2015 | JULINSKY PRINCE (NZ) 6G DARCI BRAHMA (NZ) – JULINSKY PRINCESS (NZ) STRAVINSKY (USA) | J PARKES | 59.0 | FRASER AURET | 4 |
| 2014 | SHUKA (NZ) 6G BACHELOR DUKE (USA) – ALABAMA ROSE (NZ) CAPE CROSS (IRE) | DANIELLE JOHNSON | 59.0 | PETER & DAWN WILLIAMS | 8 |
| 2013 | SHUKA (NZ) 5G BACHELOR DUKE (USA) – ALABAMA ROSE (NZ) CAPE CROSS (IRE) | DANIELLE JOHNSON | 59.0 | PETER & DAWN WILLIAMS | 3 |
| 2012 | FINAL TOUCH (NZ) 5M KASHANI (USA) – MY LYDIA (AUS) UMATILLA (NZ) | C W JOHNSON | 57.0 | J F PARSONS | 7 |
| 2011 | MUFHASA (NZ) 7G PENTIRE (GB) – SHEILA CHEVAL (NZ) MI PREFERIDO (USA) | S C SPRATT | 59.0 | STEPHEN MCKEE | 2 |
| 2010 | WE CAN SAY IT NOW (AUS) 3F STARCRAFT (NZ) – WE CAN’T SAY THAT (NZ) GENEROUS (IRE) | L J ALLPRESS | 51.0 | MURRAY & BJORN BAKER | 15 |
| 2009 | EKSTREME (NZ) 4M EKRAAR (USA) – CASHCADE (NZ) ANZIYAN (USA) | O P BOSSON | 57.0 | BRYCE REVELL | 9 |
| 2008 | DEZIGNA (NZ) 9G VOLKSRAAD (GB) – LABEL BASHER (NZ) CONQUISTAROSE (USA) | T N HARRIS | 59.0 | VANESSA HILLIS | 7 |
| 2007 | DORABELLA (NZ) 4M POSTPONED (USA) – CASERIO (NZ) KAAPSTAD (NZ) | H S TINSLEY | 56.0 | HOWIE & LORRAINE MATHEWS | 5 |
| 2006 | JURYS OUT (NZ) 7G FALTAAT (USA) – TARANTIA (NZ) KAAPSTAD (NZ) | M T COLEMAN | 59.0 | D & S HAWORTH | 10 |
| 2005 | HURRAH (NZ) 4G BAHHARE (USA) – SHOCK ATTACK (NZ) INVITING (IRE) | H S TINSLEY | 57.0 | SHANE KENNEDY & RICKY CARSTON | 5 |
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