With the Grand National Festival Racing run and won, the attention of New Zealand jumps racing returns north, with the time-honoured Pakuranga Hunt meeting set to take place at its new home of Te Aroha on Sunday.

A staple in the New Zealand jumps racing calendar, the Pakuranga Hunt meeting is home to the coveted Pakuranga Hunt Hurdle (3100m) and Pakuranga Hunt Cup (4300m), historically important lead-in races to the Great Northern Hurdles and Steeplechase (now known as the Great New Zealand Hurdles and Steeplechase).

The Pakuranga Hunt Hurdle, which this year is named in tribute of one of the Hunt’s most beloved hounds, Lamu, will feature a strong line-up, headlined by Grand National Hurdles (4200m) victor Suliman.

The Paul Nelson and Corrina McDougal-trained 12-year-old will be joined in the race by stablemate and defending champion Taika, while Happy Star and Mont Ventoux will be seeking to improve on their placings in last year’s race.

The Howden Insurance-sponsored Pakuranga Hunt Cup will also feature Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) winner Captains Run, whose stablemate, and Sunday race-rival, Te Kahu placed in the 2021 running of the race.

Champion jumper The Cossack bypassed the Grand National meeting and will be looking to regain the Pakuranga Hunt Cup title he won two years ago, while his stablemate Nedwin is seeking the perfect set after winning the Pakuranga Hunt Hurdle three years ago.

While trackside, punters can enjoy the delicious food and drink options on offer, with the Chrisada Café open for fresh coffee and light refreshments, and the ever popular food trucks onsite.

Gather your friends, rug up for the winter racing atmosphere, and be a part of one of the Hunt’s most anticipated days of the year.

Gates open at 11am, with the first race on the nine-race card jumping at midday.
 
What: Pakuranga Hunt Cup Day
Where: Te Aroha Racecourse, Stanley Road South, Te Aroha
When: Sunday, 31 August 2025, 11:00am
For more information, or to purchase tickets, click here.