The 2026 Otaki Maori WFA Classic ran on Saturday February 21 at Ellerslie, Auckland, and was won in a narrow upset by the Lance Noble-trained mare Jaarffi ($21.30)!
Otaki Maori Classic 2026 Results
| 8. Jaarffi (9) 57kg23327 | ||
| 4. Pier (11) 59kg534X5 | ||
| 7. Provence (5) 57kg72189 | ||
| 3. Sterling Express (6) 59kg44X62 | ||
| 5. Tuxedo (8) 59kg76251 | ||
| 9. Qali Al Farrasha (4) 57kg89145 | ||
| 6. Belles Beau (1) 59kgX1533 | ||
| 2. El Vencedor (7) 59kg12684 | ||
| 1. Waitak (10) 59kg01127 | ||
| 10. Queen Zou (2) 57kg21215 | ||
| 11. Electron (3) 57kg01667 |
Otaki Maori WFA Classic Info
- 2026 Otaki Maori WFA Classic Date: Saturday the 21st of February 2026
- Track Location: Ellerslie Racecourse, Auckland, New Zealand (as of 2025)
- Distance: 1,600m
- Conditions: Weight-For-Age; 3YOs & Upwards
- Status: Group 1
- Prize Money (NZ): $500,000
- First Run: 1986
- Reigning Otaki Maori WFA Classic Winner: Jaarffi (2026)
Looking for the latest Otaki Maori Classic betting odds, insider racing tips and form for the Ellerslie Group 1 race this February? The TAB NZ have all the best betting guides and statistics to make informed bets on the Otaki Maori WFA Classic race this summer!
The Group 1 Otaki Maori WFA Classic – often referred to as the Otaki-Maori Classic – is a crucial middle-distance test for New Zealand’s top weight-for-age racehorses. It is one of the more important Kiwi races held each summer and is run at Auckland’s Ellerslie Racecourse on a Saturday in late February as the highlight of Otaki Maori WFA Classic Day.
It was previously run at Otaki Racecourse before being moved to Ellerslie ahead of the 2025 edition.
It is one of the richest weight-for-age races in the country and runs in New Zealand on the same date Australia hosts the Blue Diamond Stakes card in Melbourne.
To improve your chances of predicting the next Otaki Maori WFA Classic winner, access the latest Otaki Maori WFA 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 summer contenders.
Whether you’re a seasoned punter or new to betting on the horse races in New Zealand, our comprehensive Otaki Maori WFA Classic coverage has everything you need.
Get behind this season’s top Kiwi milers and back your Otaki Maori WFA Classic best bets at the right price with TAB NZ!
Otaki Maori WFA Classic Fast Facts
- Last favourite to win the Otaki Maori Classic: El Vencedor ($2.40 in 2025)
- Last mare to win the Otaki Maori Classic: Jaarffi (2026)
- Last multiple Otaki Maori Classic winner: Avantage (2020 & 2021)
- Last three-year-old Otaki Maori Classic winner: Alamosa (2008)
- Notable Fact: 2019 champion Melody Belle would eventually win a total of 14 Group 1 races over her career!
Bet on the next Otaki Maori Classic now!
Otaki Maori WFA Classic Betting Info
Otaki Maori WFA Classic betting is open months ahead of the Group 1 summer race now contested at Ellerslie at the TAB NZ.
We offer pre-nomination Otaki Maori Classic betting odds throughout the year that are known as futures Otaki Maori WFA Classic odds online.
All-In Otaki Maori WFA Classic betting markets are then available following the official Otaki Maori WFA Classic nominations.
Betting on the Otaki Maori WFA Classic field is available following final acceptances.
Betting on the Otaki Maori WFA Classic favours the locally trained champions from the best New Zealand horse racing stables.
Otaki Maori WFA Classic race betting traditionally focuses on the proven Group 1 winning horses who have an outstanding record in the event and those proven over the middle-distance feature races in New Zealand.
Otaki Maori WFA Classic race tips centre on proven stars that have good lead-up form in similar grade spring/summer events, and horses with previous experience at the track who have dominated recent Otaki Maori WFA Classic race results.
The Otaki Maori WFA Classic is a weight-for-age event for horses aged three-years-old and above.
Otaki Maori WFA Classic betting takes place on the popular race which is held at Auckland’s Ellerslie Racecourse on a Saturday in late February annually.
Otaki Maori WFA Classic odds are offered on the esteemed Group 1 WFA 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 Otaki Maori WFA Classic is one of New Zealand’s most popular horse races and has been run and won since 1986 when Peat became the inaugural champion of the event.
The race has been known under a variety of different names throughout its history including:
- Family Hotel WFA
- Auto Auctions WFA
- Terrace Regency Hotel WFA
- First Sovereign Trust Otaki-Maori WFA
- Huanui Farm WFA Classic
- El Cheapo Cars WFA Classic
It has been a key event in New Zealand’s racing calendar for nearly 40 years and continues to attract the best horses, jockeys and trainers from across the country and Australia.
The race has seen many notable winners including Melody Belle (2019) who achieved 14 Group 1 victories, dual champion Avantage (2020 and 2021), Darci Brahma (2006) who went on to win the Australian Guineas that year at Flemington as a three-year-old, and legendary New Zealand racehorse Rough Habit (1991).
Winning the Otaki Maori WFA Classic 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 Auckland’s Ellerslie Racecourse, the Otaki Maori WFA Classic is now a 1600m event. It was originally run over a distance of 1400 meters before being extended to a mile in 2006. This change has allowed the race to attract some of New Zealand’s greatest milers.
The Otaki Maori Classic was elevated to Group 1 status in 1992 the year Javelin won the first of their eventual two victories.
Several recent winners of the Otaki Maori Classic winners have also found success in Australian horse races including Melody Belle (2019) who travelled down under that spring to secure a Melbourne victory in the Empire Rose Stakes during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Expert Tips on the 2026 Otaki Maori WFA Classic
Stay tuned for our expert tips and Otaki Maori WFA Classic betting predictions ahead of this year’s Group 1 feature in Auckland.
| 4. Pier (11) 59kg534X5 |
| 2. El Vencedor (7) 59kg12684 |
| 6. Belles Beau (1) 59kgX1533 |
Otaki Maori Classic Tips
Otaki Maori Classic tips on which horse will win the next edition of the race flood in as the countdown to the important Auckland mile race heats up.
Otaki Maori WFA 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 Otaki Maori WFA Classic race tips it is important to consider factors including:
- What horses in the Otaki Maori WFA Classic field are proven over the distance?
- Who the key Otaki Maori WFA Classic trainers and jockeys are and what horses they have in the Otaki Maori WFA Classic field this year?
- Otaki Maori WFA Classic barrier statistics and where your Otaki Maori WFA Classic betting selections are drawn.
- Otaki Maori WFA Classic horses that have a good past record at the track.
How long does it take to know if you placed a winning Otaki Maori WFA 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 Otaki Maori WFA Classic winner and winning Otaki Maori WFA Classic trifecta are known shortly after unless there is a protest or a photo-finish Otaki Maori WFA Classic result.
Who holds the Otaki Maori WFA Classic race record? Since the race was extended from 1400m to 1600m, the fastest recorded time for the Otaki Maori WFA Classic was in 2008 when Alamosa saluted in a slick time of 1 minute 32.69 seconds.
What are the best Otaki Maori WFA Classic lead-up races to look at when placing an Otaki Maori Classic bet?
When placing a bet on the Otaki-Maori WFA Classic, some of the best lead-up races to consider include the:
- Group 1 Mufhasa TAB Classic (1600m) – formerly the Captain Cook Stakes – at Wellington in early December,
- Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) at Ellerslie in late December,
- Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Wellington in early January,
- Group 2 Westbury Classic (1400m) at Ellerslie in late January, and the
- Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa in early February.
These races offer valuable insights into the form and fitness of potential contenders for the Otaki-Maori WFA Classic.
New Zealand-Bred Horses in the Otaki Maori Classic
Betting on the New Zealand-bred horses in the field is popular with the race results showing the locally foaled runners have a dominant record in the event.
Looking back over the Otaki Maori Classic history and statistics shows that since the year 2000 only three winners were bred outside of New Zealand with King’s Chapel (2004) and Avantage (2000 & 2021).
Otaki Maori WFA Classic Tips for a Trifecta
Otaki Maori WFA Classic tips for a trifecta cover the first three horses to officially go past the finishing post in the Otaki Maori WFA Classic results.
The horse to finish on top of the Otaki Maori WFA Classic trifecta is your Otaki Maori WFA Classic winner, the runner who outlasted all their rivals and finished in the fastest time.
Placing an Otaki Maori WFA 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.
An Otaki Maori WFA 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 Otaki Maori WFA Classic to cover more finishing options and increase the chances of winning.
Adding the favourite into your Otaki Maori WFA Classic trifecta bet is a top tip as the favourites have a strong recent strike-rate running in the money.
Key Otaki Maori WFA Classic Statistics and Insights
Place an informed bet on this year’s Otaki Maori WFA Classic by considering the following key statistics and insights:
- Win Rates: Horses with high win rates in similar races are strong contenders for the Otaki Maori WFA Classic. Our Otaki Maori 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. Otaki Maori WFA Classic race tips offer comprehensive data on place percentages.
- Barrier Success Rates: Horses starting from barriers 10 and 11 have historically shown a higher success rate in the Otaki Maori WFA Classic.
Avondale Cup & Guineas Day at Ellerslie
In an exciting development, the Otaki-Maori WFA Classic will be held at Ellerslie Racecourse on Saturday, February 21, 2026, joining the Avondale Cup & Guineas Day card.
This move, agreed upon by the Otaki-Maori Racing Club, Auckland Thoroughbred Racing, and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), aims to enhance the race’s prestige and ensure its Group 1 status is maintained.
The event will be part of the Eagle Technology Avondale Cup & Guineas Day, featuring increased prize money and additional travel subsidies for Central Districts connections. This relocation marks a significant change, bringing the historic race to a new venue while preserving its cultural and competitive significance.
Key races at the meeting include:
- Otaki-Maori WFA Classic: The highlight of the day, this Group 1 race is run over 1600 meters under weight-for-age conditions. It attracts some of New Zealand’s top milers and offers significant prestige and prize money.
- Avondale Cup: A Group 2 race run over 2400 meters, this event is a key lead-up to the Auckland Cup and features strong stayers aiming for longer-distance success.
- Avondale Guineas: This Group 2 race for three-year-olds is run over 2100 meters. It’s an important preparatory race for the New Zealand Derby, showcasing emerging talent.
Get the best Otaki Maori WFA Classic Day at Ellerslie odds, racing stats, previews, form and insider tips on races like the Otaki Maoir Classic now at the TAB NZ!
2026 Otaki Maori WFA Classic Field
| Nominations: 17 Feb 2026 12:00PM. Withdrawals: 18 Feb 2026 10:00AM. Riders: 18 Feb 2026 1:00PM. |
Where can you bet on the Otaki Maori WFA Classic?
The best place to bet on this year’s Otaki Maori WFA Classic race is through the TAB NZ online.
Otaki Maori WFA Classic Odds
Otaki Maori WFA Classic odds and online betting tips on the Otaki Maori Classic horse race in New Zealand are dominated by proven Group 1 horses, the locally trained middle-distance performers in the race and backing the standout mares in the mix who have a great recent record against the male gallopers in the event.
Where can I find the latest Otaki Maori WFA Classic odds?
For the latest odds and updates on the Otaki Maori WFA 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 Otaki Maori WFA Classic
Want to know how to make a bet on the Otaki Maori Classic? Visit the TAB NZ racing page to access the latest Otaki Maori WFA Classic betting odds and options.
It is simple to learn how to place a bet on the Otaki Maori WFA Classic online.
You can place an Otaki Maori WFA Classic bet online anytime markets are live.
There are more ways than ever to get involved in betting on the Otaki Maori WFA Classic.
From seasoned punters analysing form guides to casual racing fans drawn to the excitement, the Otaki Maori WFA Classic is a race for everyone.
Whether you’re diving deep into the latest Otaki Maori WFA Classic race field, joining a sweepstake with friends, or simply enjoying the atmosphere of the autumn Ellerslie racing, the Otaki Maori Classic has it all!
This important autumn race showcases New Zealand’s finest thoroughbreds and attracts attention from all over the country and across the ditch in Australia as one of the best events early in the autumn!
How to Bet on the Otaki Maori Classic 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 Otaki Maori WFA Classic betting guide, Otaki Maori WFA Classic form guide and our expert Otaki Maori WFA Classic tips.
4. Choose an Otaki Maori WFA Classic bet to place such as Win, Place, Each-Way or the Otaki Maori WFA Classic Trifecta. There are many more Otaki Maori WFA Classic betting options available so make sure to check out our Otaki Maori WFA Classic betting markets.
5. Select the Otaki Maori WFA Classic horse you want to bet on from the early markets, Otaki Maori WFA Classic nominations or Otaki Maori WFA Classic field.
What makes betting on the Otaki Maori WFA Classic so popular?
The Otaki Maori WFA Classic is a prestigious Group 1 race in New Zealand, attracting top-quality horses and showcasing some of the best milers in the region. Its rich history and status make it a highly anticipated event.
The Otaki Maori WFA Classic is a popular middle-distance race that has produced a host of subsequent Group 1 winning horses both locally and across the Tasman.
The race is run under weight for age (WFA) conditions, which means horses carry weights based on their age and sex. This creates a more level playing field, making the outcomes less predictable and more intriguing for punters.
The Otaki Maori WFA Classic often serves as a key lead-up race for other major events, providing valuable insights into the form and potential of the horses for future races.
For the best online betting on the Otaki Maori WFA Classic, consider tipping a horse to win both the Otaki Maori WFA Classic and another Group 1 race over the carnival in an autumn race double!
The race’s competitive nature and the presence of high-profile horses provide numerous betting opportunities, from win/place bets to exotic bets like trifectas and quinellas.
What makes the Otaki Maori Classic so special?
The Otaki Maori Classic, also known as the Otaki-Maori Weight For Age (WFA) Classic, holds a special place in New Zealand racing and has special cultural significance.
The Otaki Maori Classic serves as a great guide historically to other important New Zealand and Australian Group 1 races so using the Otaki Maori Classic winners’ list for upcoming Group events is popular with punters.
It is a highly competitive and prestigious race that grows in popularity each autumn.
New Zealand and international racing fans, including those in Australia, tune into the thrilling 1400m autumn event every season to see if their bets on the Otaki Maori Classic race won!
The Otaki Maori WFA Classic currently offers NZ$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 Otaki Maori Classic champions.
What are the popular betting markets for the Otaki Maori WFA Classic?
When it comes to betting on the Otaki Maori WFA Classic, 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 Otaki Maori Classic in recent years?
Between 2000 and 2026 nine mares plus the filly Star Satire (2001) have won the Otaki Maori Classic giving the female gallopers 10 victories in that time. The latest Otaki Maori WFA Classic winning mares include Jaarffi (2026), La Crique (2024), Levante (2023), Avantage (2020 & 2021), Melody Belle (2019), Devise (2018), Culminate (2009), and Keep The Peace (2011).
What age group has the best Otaki Maori Classic record?
Five-year-olds have dominated the Otaki Maori WFA Classic results in recent years with eight saluting between 2000 and 2026, most recently La Crique in 2024.
The youngest recent Otaki Maori WFA Classic winner was Alamosa who saluted as a three-year-old in 2008.
The oldest recent Otaki Maori WFA Classic winners were Kawi (2017), El Vencedor (2025) and Jaarffi (2026) who all saluted as a six-year-olds.
Between 2000 and 2026 the breakdown of Otaki Maori WFA Classic winners by age is as follows:
3YOs – 4 (latest Alamosa in 2008)
4YOs – 7 (latest Avantage in 2020)
5YOs – 8 (latest La Crique in 2024)
6YOs – 6 (latest Jaarffi in 2026)
What races will runners out of the Otaki Maori WFA Classic target next?
Following a run in the Otaki Maori WFA Classic many horses will target upcoming autumn Group 1 features in New Zealand and Australia including the Group 1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie in March and the Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington.
Avantage (2020) and El Vencedor (2025) are the latest horses to complete the Otaki Maori WFA Classic – New Zealand Stakes double in the same year.
Potential targets for Otaki Maori Classic graduates:
- New Zealand Stakes: Held in March, this Group 1 race at Ellerslie is a common next target for horses coming out of the Otaki Maori WFA Classic.
- Doncaster Mile: This prestigious Group 1 race in Australia, held in April, is another popular target for top-performing horses.
- Queen Elizabeth Stakes: Also held in April in Australia, this Group 1 race is a significant event that many Otaki Maori WFA Classic runners aim for.
Otaki Maori WFA Classic Barriers
The Otaki Maori WFA Classic barrier draw and allocated Otaki Maori WFA Classic 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 Otaki Maori WFA Classic barrier draw?
Barrier 3 has produced six Otaki Maori WFA Classic winners between 2000 and 2026 most recently La Crique in 2024.
Barrier 13 is the widest gate to produce an Otaki Maori WFA Classic winner between 2000 and 2026 with Star Satire (2001) and Melody Belle (2019).
Barrier 3 was the last gate to produce back-to-back Otaki Maori WFA Classic winners with Levante (2023) and La Crique (2024).
Barrier 9 is the latest Otaki Maori WFA Classic winning barrier with Jaarffi in 2026.
Breakdown of winning Otaki Maori WFA Classic barriers between 2000-26:
Barrier 1 – 3 (latest Avantage in 2020)
Barrier 2 – 5 (latest El Vencedor in 2025)
Barrier 3 – 6 (latest La Crique in 2024)
Barrier 4 – 3 (latest Veyron in 2012)
Barrier 5 – 2 (latest Avantage in 2021)
Barrier 6 – 0
Barrier 7 – 0
Barrier 8 – 2 (latest Keep The Peace in 2011)
Barrier 9 – 2 (latest Jaarffi in 2026)
Barrier 10 – 0
Barrier 11 – 0
Barrier 12 – 0
Barrier 13 – 2 (latest Melody Belle in 2019)
Otaki Maori WFA Classic Form
We offer a complete Otaki Maori WFA Classic form guide and expert analysis on every horse in the Otaki Maori WFA Classic field in addition to insider Otaki Maori WFA Classic racing tips and betting odds.
Our Otaki Maori WFA Classic form guides include:
- Otaki Maori WFA 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 Otaki Maori WFA Classic or you are an expert Otaki Maori WFA Classic tipster, our form guide gives you all the statistics and information you need to make a smart bet on the Otaki Maori WFA Classic.
How to Read the Otaki Maori WFA Classic 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 Otaki Maori WFA 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 Otaki Maori WFA Classic race.
Weight Carried: Analyse how the weight carried in previous races compares to the Otaki Maori WFA Classic, as this can impact performance.
Otaki Maori WFA Classic Results
The Otaki Maori WFA Classic results are known when the event takes place in February annually.
You can bet on the Otaki Maori WFA Classic race results weeks ahead of race day with our futures Otaki Maori WFA Classic markets here at the TAB NZ.
Betting on the Otaki Maori WFA Classic results entails picking the Otaki Maori WFA Classic winning horse and we can help you place an informed bet on the Otaki Maori WFA Classic field with our Otaki Maori WFA Classic tips and form guide.
Other Otaki Maori WFA Classic race results include the winning jockeys, trainers, successful barrier and finishing time.
The complete Otaki Maori WFA 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 Otaki Maori WFA Classic results!
Otaki Maori WFA Classic exotic results show how all the exotic Otaki Maori WFA Classic bet types resulted like the Otaki Maori WFA Classic Quinella, Otaki Maori WFA Classic Exacta, Otaki Maori WFA Classic Trifecta, and Otaki Maori WFA Classic First Four.
Otaki Maori WFA Classic Jockeys
Securing a ride in the Otaki Maori WFA Classic field is a highly sought-after achievement for jockeys around New Zealand and Australia. Winning this important autumn 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 Otaki Maori WFA Classic field is determined by the owners and trainers of the horses, and official Otaki Maori WFA Classic jockey announcements are made in the weeks and days leading up to the race.
Warren Kennedy is the latest Otaki Maori WFA Classic winning jockey having ridden Jaarffi to victory in 2026.
The most successful jockeys in recent Otaki Maori WFA Classic history include Opie Bosson, Bruce Herd, and Michael Walker who have all ridden two winners between 2000 and 2025.
Danielle Johnson is the latest female jockey to win the Otaki Maori WFA Classic aboard Avantage in 2020.
Stay tuned to the TAB NZ racing blog to see what jockeys lock in a confirmed ride on one of the Otaki Maori WFA Classic horses this summer.
Otaki Maori WFA Classic Trainers
The most successful trainer in recent Otaki Maori WFA Classic history is Jamie Richards who trained three winners on the trot with Melody Belle (2019) and dual champ Avantage (2020-21).
Lance Noble is the latest Otaki Maori WFA Classic winning trainer having prepared Jaarffi in 2026.
Otaki Maori Classic Winners
Notable Otaki Maori Classic winners throughout history include:
Rough Habit (1991): Rough Habit was a New Zealand racing legend, known for his versatility and durability. His career highlights include multiple Group 1 victories such as the Stradbroke Handicap, Doomben Cup, and the Queensland Derby. He was inducted into the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame.
Poetic Prince (1988, 1989): Poetic Prince was a dual winner of the Otaki Maori Classic. His career also featured victories in the Cox Plate and the New Zealand Derby, showcasing his exceptional talent and consistency.
Darci Brahma (2006): Darci Brahma was a standout performer, winning the New Zealand 2000 Guineas and the Telegraph Handicap. He was named New Zealand Horse of the Year and later became a successful sire.
Sir Slick (2007): Sir Slick was known for his toughness and longevity on the track. His career included multiple Group 1 victories, such as the Thorndon Mile and the Zabeel Classic.
Alamosa (2008): Alamosa’s career highlights include wins in the Toorak Handicap and the Thorndon Mile. He was named New Zealand Champion Three-Year-Old and later became a successful sire.
Mufhasa (2010): Mufhasa was a dominant force in New Zealand racing, with multiple Group 1 victories including the Telegraph Handicap and the Windsor Park Plate. He was named New Zealand Horse of the Year twice.
Melody Belle (2019): Melody Belle is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated racehorses, with multiple Group 1 victories including the New Zealand 1000 Guineas, the Empire Rose Stakes, and the Livamol Classic. She was named New Zealand Horse of the Year.
Avantage (2020, 2021): Avantage was a versatile and consistent performer, with multiple Group 1 victories including the New Zealand 1000 Guineas, the Telegraph Handicap, and the Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes. She was named New Zealand Champion Two-Year-Old and Three-Year-Old.
Levante (2023): Levante’s career highlights include wins in the Telegraph Handicap and the BCD Group Sprint. She is known for her powerful finishing bursts and has become a fan favourite.
La Crique (2024): La Crique’s win in the Otaki Maori Classic added to her impressive record, which includes victories in the New Zealand Oaks and the Livamol Classic. She is known for her versatility and strong performances in major races.
Bet on the next Otaki Maori WFA Classic winner with our comprehensive Otaki Maori WFA Classic form guide and expert Otaki Maori WFA Classic tips at the TAB NZ!
Past Otaki Maori Classic Results
Recent Otaki Maori WFA Classic winners, jockeys, trainers, barriers, and weights carried to victory dating back to the year 2003 are detailed in the below table.
| Year | Winner – Age/Gender Breeding | Jockey | Weigh (kgs) | Trainer/s | Barriers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | JAARFFI (NZ) 6M IFFRAAJ (GB) – PRIDE OF TRALEE (NZ) REDOUTE’S CHOICE (AUS) | LANCE NOBLE | 57.0 | LANCE NOBLE | 9 |
| 2025 | EL VENCEDOR (NZ) 6G SHOCKING (AUS) – STRICTLY MATERNAL (NZ) O’REILLY (NZ) | W PINN | 59.0 | STEPHEN MARSH | 2 |
| 2024 | LA CRIQUE (NZ) 5M VADAMOS (FR) – DESTINY COVE (AUS) DUBAI DESTINATION (USA) | M CAMERON | 57.0 | SIMON & KATRINA ALEXANDER | 3 |
| 2023 | LEVANTE (NZ) 5M PROISIR (AUS) – ISLAND DOY (GB) DOYOUN (IRE) | RYAN ELLIOT | 57.0 | KEN & BEV KELSO | 2 |
| 2022 | MASCARPONE (NZ) 5G SHOOTING TO WIN (AUS) – FROMAGE (AUS) FLYING SPUR (AUS) | WIREMU PINN | 59.0 | GRAEME & DEBBIE ROGERSON | 3 |
| 2021 | AVANTAGE (AUS) 5M FASTNET ROCK (AUS) – ASAVANT (NZ) ZABEEL (NZ) | O P BOSSON | 57.0 | JAMIE RICHARDS | 5 |
| 2020 | AVANTAGE (AUS) 4M FASTNET ROCK (AUS) – ASAVANT (NZ) ZABEEL (NZ) | DANIELLE JOHNSON | 57.0 | JAMIE RICHARDS | 1 |
| 2019 | MELODY BELLE (NZ) 4M COMMANDS (AUS) – MELEKA BELLE (NZ) IFFRAAJ (GB) | O P BOSSON | 57.0 | JAMIE RICHARDS | 13 |
| 2018 | DEVISE (NZ) 4M DARCI BRAHMA (NZ) – DONEZE GIRL (NZ) VOLKSRAAD (GB) | M T COLEMAN | 57.0 | SHAUNE RITCHIE | 5 |
| 2017 | KAWI (NZ) 6G SAVABEEL (AUS) – MAGIC TIME (NZ) VOLKSRAAD (GB) | J L WADDELL | 59.0 | A SHARROCK | 2 |
| 2016 | VOLKSTOK’N’BARRELL (NZ) 4G TAVISTOCK (NZ) – VOLKSTER (NZ) VOLKSRAAD (GB) | V A COLGAN | 59.0 | D LOGAN | 3 |
| 2015 | IAMISHWARA (NZ) 5G KEENINSKY (NZ) – SHE’S HEROIC (NZ) CLAY HERO (AUS) | R J HANNAM | 59.0 | ANTONY KAYE | 2 |
| 2014 | NASHVILLE (NZ) 5G DARCI BRAHMA (NZ) – ROYAL KISS (IRE) ROYAL ACADEMY (USA) | J K RIDDELL | 59.0 | ADRIAN & HARRY BULL | 2 |
| 2013 | NASHVILLE (NZ) 4G DARCI BRAHMA (NZ) – ROYAL KISS (IRE) ROYAL ACADEMY (USA) | KELLY MC CULLOCH | 59.0 | A BULL | 3 |
| 2012 | VEYRON (NZ) 6G THORN PARK (AUS) – OVER THE LIMIT (NZ) CENTRO (NZ) | M HILLS | 59.0 | LINDA LAING | 4 |
| 2011 | KEEP THE PEACE (NZ) 4M KEEPER (AUS) – PEACE OF MIND (NZ) WILD RAMPAGE (AUS) | JAMES MCDONALD | 57.0 | SHAUNE RITCHIE | 8 |
| 2010 | MUFHASA (NZ) 6G PENTIRE (GB) – SHEILA CHEVAL (NZ) MI PREFERIDO (USA) | SC SPRATT | 59.0 | STEPHEN MCKEE | 8 |
| 2009 | CULMINATE (NZ) 5M ELNADIM (USA) – SOLSTICE (NZ) MARCEAU (AUS) | S C SPRATT | 57.0 | STEPHEN MCKEE | 3 |
| 2008 | ALAMOSA (NZ) 3C O’REILLY (NZ) – LODORE MYSTIC (NZ) CENTAINE (AUS) | M J WALKER | 55.0 | PETER MCKAY | 4 |
| 2007 | SIR SLICK (NZ) 5G VOLKSRAAD (GB) – OUR MISS OPERA (NZ) PARIS OPERA (AUS) | B S HERD | 59.0 | G NICHOLSON | 3 |
| 2006 | DARCI BRAHMA (NZ) 3C DANEHILL (USA) – GRAND ECHEZEAUX (NZ) ZAFONIC (USA) | M J WALKER | 52.5 | MARK WALKER | 2 |
| 2005 | ZVEZDA (NZ) 6G HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS (NZ) – CARNIVAL GIRL (NZ) ROUGHCAST (USA) | B S HERD | 57.5 | KAY LANE | 9 |
| 2004 | KING’S CHAPEL (AUS) 3C KING OF KINGS (IRE) – LOWER CHAPEL (GB) SHARPO (GB) | R MCLEOD | 53.0 | MARK WALKER | 8 |
| 2003 | CRITIC (NZ) 4M CENTAINE (AUS) – BENAZIR (NZ) VICE REGAL (NZ) | L A O’SULLIVAN | 55.5 | COLIN & RICHARD YUILL | 1 |
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