No Curfew (NZ) Claims Mega Maiden Bonus

Well-bred and promising Te Akau three-year-old No Curfew (NZ) (Vanbrugh) opened his winning account in style at Rotorua on Sunday with a victory that earned more than $35,000 for his connections.

No Curfew won the $18,500 NZB Mega Maiden Series (1400m), which was worth $10,360 to the winner along with a $25,000 Mega Maiden bonus – $20,000 for the winning owners and $5,000 for the winning trainer.

Bought by Te Akau principal Sir David Ellis for $100,000 from the Book 1 draft of breeders Windsor Park Stud at Karaka 2025, No Curfew has now had three starts for a win, two placings and $15,940 in stakes – an amount that rises past $40,000 with the inclusion of the Mega Maiden bonus.

No Curfew is a full-brother to the quality Te Akau galloper Wild Night (NZ) (Vanbrugh), who won five races including the Group Two Sarten Memorial (1400m) and also placed in the $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) and the Group One Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m). A half-sister, Play That Song (NZ) (Showcasing), won the Group Two Eclipse Stakes (1200m) and was runner-up in the $1m Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m).

No Curfew has been quick to show some of that family ability, placing in both of his first two starts before Sunday’s maiden breakthrough. The second of those placings was behind quality pair Shambo Jack (NZ) (Shamexpress) and Joyeuse (NZ) (Sword Of State), where he was beaten by a head and a head despite racing greenly throughout.

There were no such problems in No Curfew’s third start on Sunday. Ridden by Opie Bosson for trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, No Curfew settled fourth-last before swooping wide around the home bend to stake his claim.

No Curfew warmed into his work and lengthened stride down the straight, reeling in Furston (NZ) (Circus Maximus) and finishing over the top to win by a half-neck.

“It was nice to see him relax and travel into the race the way he did,” Walker said. “It was a lovely ride by Opie and good effort by the horse.

“He brought good form to the race, but it should also be a strong form race that he’s won, so it’s promising for his future.

“He’s always shown ability, and mentally he’s just starting to put it together now. We look forward to him stepping up in grade now, and the way he won it looks like he’ll handle it.”

The NZB Mega Maiden Series is an exciting initiative by NZB and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, generously supported by Entain. It sees $1m in bonuses up for grabs across 40 non-Saturday maiden races throughout New Zealand each season.

Comprised of 40 non-Saturday maiden races located throughout New Zealand, a $25,000 bonus is struck if a Karaka Millions-eligible horse, three years of age or older, wins.

Last season, 12 bonuses were struck across Northern, Central Districts and Southern regions. The winners during the 2025-26 season were Dorothea (NZ) (Proisir), Frozen Fortune (NZ) (Proisir), Ruby Rush (NZ) (Ribchester), Aishiteru (NZ) (Satono Aladdin), Young Jackson (NZ) (Proisir), Bolli Belle (Shamus Award), Panther (NZ) (Ace High), Chilling Out (NZ) (Savabeel), Khando (NZ) (Mongolian Khan), Approaching (NZ) (Impending), Princess Elsa (NZ) (Frosted) and Shameless Star (NZ) (Shamexpress). 

The next race in the 2026-27 NZB Mega Maiden Series will be the $18,500 NZB Mega Maiden Series (1600m) at Ascot Park next Sunday.

Vendor	Windsor Park Stud
Purchaser	Mr DC Ellis CNZM (BAFNZ) (Te Akau)
Breeding	Vanbrugh – Supreme
Sale	Lot 340, Karaka 2025 Book 1, $100,000
Breeder	Windsor Park Stud Ltd
Owner	Te Akau Wild Times Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM)