New Zealand Bloodstock to Sponsor New Zealand Oaks

28 February 2006

New Zealand Bloodstock has announced a new addition to its extensive list of race sponsorships throughout the country, lending its support to the Wellington Racing Club as the new sponsor of this year's Group 1 New Zealand Oaks.

To be run at Trentham on March 18, the Gr.1 $300,000 New Zealand Bloodstock New Zealand Oaks (2400m) is the final leg of the prestigious New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series for three-year-old fillies.

Last year's Oaks winner, Justa Tad, is one of many fillies who have gone on to take out the coveted title of New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year.

Already the sponsor of two legs of the Series, the Gr.1 New Zealand Bloodstock One Thousand Guineas and Gr.2 New Zealand Bloodstock Royal Stakes, New Zealand Bloodstock has reaffirmed its commitment to classic racing through its sponsorship of the Oaks.

New Zealand Bloodstock's Marketing & PR Manager Petrea Vela commented: "We are as committed as ever at New Zealand Bloodstock to supporting racing and breeding in New Zealand, and are very proud to include this race amongst our race sponsorships."

"We recognise that the elite fillies competing in races such as the New Zealand Oaks represent the future of New Zealand's broodmare band and we want to continue to do what we can to encourage and promote thoroughbred excellence in New Zealand."

This race continues a long term commitment to New Zealand racing with more than 20 races sponsored over the past season, including the Group 1 Breeders Stakes, the Group 1 Avondale Gold Cup, the Group 1 One Thousand Guineas, the Group 2 Royal Stakes and $500,000 New Zealand Bloodstock 2YO Classique (Res. L).