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Proisir Plate

FieldValue
classGroup I
horse raceProisir Plate (Challenge Stakes)
locationEllerslie Racecourse, Auckland. Formerly Hastings Racecourse
Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
inaugurated1976
race typeThoroughbred - Flat racing
website
distance1400m (7 furlongs)
surfaceTurf
trackRight-handed (Ellerslie). Left-handed (Hastings)
qualificationThree-year-olds and up
weightWeight for Age
purseNZ$400,000 (2025)

The Proisir Plate also known as the Challenge Stakes is a Thoroughbred horse race historically run at Hastings Racecourse in Hawke's Bay and is New Zealand's first Group One race of the season. It is run over a distance of 1400m in September. Previously named the Tarzino Trophy, the race has been transferred to Ellerslie for at least the next two years due to the Hastings racecourse out of action for the foreseeable future.

The race is the first of the Hawkes Bay Triple Crown events and is followed by:

  • the 1600m Howden Insurance Mile in late September, and
  • the 2040m Livamol Classic in October.

The race's timing, weight-for-age conditions and the reliably dry weather of the region at that time of the year combine to ensure that the race sees one of the strongest fields assembled in any race all season as a number of horses heading towards a campaign in Australia choose it as a starting point.

History

The Hawkes Bay Challenge Stakes was first run in April 1976 as a new Weight for age sprint to take place during the Hawkes Bay autumn carnival. The inaugural running of the event was won by New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame inductee Grey Way, ridden by Bob Skelton.

When the group grading system was introduced in New Zealand in the 1978/79 season the Challenge Stakes was given group 3 status. In 1985 the race was moved from autumn to spring and was downgraded to listed status for a time, it would regain its group status in the 1991/92 racing season.

The 2025 edition was held at Ellerslie due to the Hastings track being closed.

Name of race

  • Hawkes Bay Challenge Stakes (1976-1989)
  • Byerley Thoroughbred Stakes (1990)
  • Russell's Toshiba TV Stakes (1991-1992)
  • Russell's Akai Television Stakes (1993)
  • Enerco Stakes (1994-1997)
  • Mudgway Stakes (1998-2010)
  • Makfi Challenge Stakes (2011-2016) named after Makfi, a British born shuttle stallion who stood at Westbury Stud.
  • Tarzino Trophy (2017–2024) named after Tarzino, winner of the 2015 Victoria Derby and 2016 Rosehill Guineas and a sire standing at Westbury Stud.
  • Proisir Plate (2025-) named after Proisir, winner of the 2012 Spring Stakes (Newcastle) and an active sire at Rich Hill Stud.

Group status

  • 1976-1978 (Stakes Race)
  • 1979-1983 (Group 3)
  • 1984-1990 (Listed)
  • 1991-1993 (Group 3)
  • 1994-2002 (Group 2)
  • 2003–Present (Group 1)

Notable winners

  • Grey Way - winner of 51 races and New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame inductee
  • Kawi - 7 Group 1 wins
  • Melody Belle - 14 Group 1 wins including a record 13 in New Zealand and two time New Zealand Horse of the Year (2019, 2020)
  • Mufhasa - 10 group 1 wins and two time New Zealand Horse of the Year (2009, 2012)
  • Ocean Park - winner of the 2012 W S Cox Plate and 2013 New Zealand Horse of the Year
  • Poetic Prince - winner of the 1988 W S Cox Plate and 1989 New Zealand Horse of the Year
  • Rough Habit - 11 Australasian Group 1 wins and New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame inductee
  • Seachange - 7 Group 1 wins and 2 time winner of New Zealand Horse of the Year (2006 and 2007)
  • Starcraft - Australian visitor and subsequent European champion winning the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes in Britain and the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp in France
  • Sunline - arguably New Zealand's greatest mare, winning 13 group 1 races throughout Australasia including 2 Cox Plates, 4 times New Zealand Horse of the Year (1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002), New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame and Australian Racing Hall of Fame inductee
  • Surfers Paradise - winner of the 1991 W S Cox Plate

Seachange, Kawi, Melody Belle and Callsign Mav are all back-to-back winners of the race.

Race results

Year
Winner
Jockey
Trainer(s)
Time
2nd
3rd
2025 (at Ellerslie)Quintessa 57Rory HutchingsMark Walker & Sam Bergerson1:26.00 (soft)La Crique 57Tomodachi 57
2024Grail Seeker 56.5Matt CartwrightLance O'Sullivan & Andrew Scott1:21.46 (good)Faraglioni 57Sacred Satono 59
2023Skew Wiff 56.5Opie BossonMark Walker & Sam Bergerson1:23.15 (soft)Dragon Leap 59Legarto 56.5
2022Dark Destroyer 58.5Lisa AllpressLance O'Sullivan & Andrew Scott1:32.49 (heavy)Spring Tide 59La Crique 56.5
2021Callsign Mav 59Jonathan RiddellJohn Bary, Hastings1:25.98 (heavy)Spring Tide 59Masetto 59
2020Callsign Mav 58.5Jonathan RiddellJohn Bary, Hastings1:22.12 (dead)Supera 57Avantage 57
2019Melody Belle 57Michael McNabJamie Richards, Matamata1:22.12 (good)Wyndspelle 59Helena Baby 59
2018Melody Belle 56.5Shafiq RusofJamie Richards, Matamata1:24.59 (soft)Hiflyer 59Our Abbadean 57
2017Close Up 59Grant CooksleyShelley Hale, Cambridge1:27.89 (heavy)Aide Memoire 57Underthemoonlight 57
2016Kawi 59Leith InnesAlan Sharrock, New Plymouth1:24.87 (soft)El Pescado 59Farm Boy 59
2015Kawi 59Leith InnesAlan Sharrock, New Plymouth1:22.25 (soft)Ryan Mark 59Ginner Hart 59
2014I Do 57Opie BossonAlan Sharrock, New Plymouth1:24.08 (soft)Pussy O’Reilly 57Pure Champion 59
2013Survived 58.5Opie BossonJohn Bary, Hastings1:32.78 (heavy)Full Of Spirit 57Final Touch 57
2012Ocean Park 58.5Lisa AllpressGary Hennessy, Matamata1:23.79 (soft)Xanadu 56.5Justanexcuse 59
2011Mufhasa 59Samantha SprattStephen McKee1:23.12 (soft)Jimmy Choux 58.5Fleur de Lune 56.5
2010Keep The Peace 56.5James McDonaldShaune Ritchie, Cambridge1:26.69 (heavy)Wall Street 59Fritzy Boy 59
2009Tavistock 58.5Jason WaddellAndrew Campbell, Opaki1:22.09 (good)Mufhasa 59Sterling Prince 59
2008Fritzy Boy 58.5Noel HarrisAlby MacGregor, Opaki1:24.16 (soft)Bulginbaah 59Prince Kaapstad 58.5
2007Seachange 56.5Gavin McKeonRalph Manning, Cambridge1:23.30 (soft)Cog Hill 59J'Adane 56.5
2006Seachange 56Gavin McKeonRalph Manning, Cambridge1:21.13 (soft)Darci Brahma 58.5Kristov 59
2005Xcellent 57Michael ColemanMichael Moroney & Andrew Scott, Matamata1:22.51 (good)Miss Potential 56Shinzig 57
2004Starcraft 57Leith InnesGarry Newham, Queensland1:22.59 (soft)Miss Potential 56Kalamata (Aus) 54.5
2003 (at Wanganui)Miss Potential 56Reese JonesBill Borrie1:18.02 (1340m)Tit For Taat 56Rosina Lad 58
2002Sunline 56Greg ChildsStephen McKee1:22.98Tit For Taat 56Cent Home 58
2001Fritz 58.5Noel HarrisNeil Coulbeck, Leithfield1:21.19Cinder Bella 58Figurante 56
2000Cent Home 58.5David WalkerJim Wallace, Opaki1:22.14Cheiron 58Buster Brookfield 58
1999Hero 58.5Mark HillsJim Campin & John Gudopp, Cambridge1:21.47Rebel 58.5Surface 58.5
1998Batavian 58.5Peter JohnsonGraeme Rogerson & Keith Hawtin, Tuhikaramea1:28.42Tycoon Lil 58Covered n’ Grey 54
1997Pakaraka Star 58.5Jim CollettS W Gulliver, Hawera1:28.37 (heavy)Moss Downs 58Adonia 58
1996Vialli (Ire) 58.5Michael ColemanDave & Paul O'Sullivan, Matamata1:24.44Marconee 58.5Tripta 58.5
1995Marconee 58.5Damon SmithGary Barlow & Jeff Lynds, Newbury, Palmerston North1:24.03Snap 58Solvit 56
1994Snap 54.5Lance O'SullivanDave & Paul O'Sullivan, Matamata1:20.32Solvit 58.5Veandercross 58.5
1993Calm Harbour 58.5Lance O'SullivanNoel Eales, Awapuni1:23.68Veandercross 58.5Solvit 58.5
1992Surfers Paradise 58.5Lance O'SullivanDave & Paul O'Sullivan, Matamata1:24.11Plume 58Nassa Rocket 56
1991Rough Habit 58.5Michael BoyceJohn Wheeler, New Plymouth1:24.72Surfers Paradise 58Status 57
1990Flying Luskin 58Peter JohnsonStephen & Trevor McKee, Takanini1:21.03Horlicks 56Catering King 58.5
1989Catering King 58.5Lance O'SullivanJim Gibbs1:25.23Regal City 58Silver Mask 58
1988Poetic Prince 57Noel HarrisJohn Wheeler, New Plymouth1:24.63Plume d’Or Veille 58.5Kairau Lad 58.5
1987Field Dancer 58.5Michael ColemanJim Gibbs & Roger James1:23.4Tipit 56Crimesta 58.5
1986Catering King 57Brett McDonaldDave Stenning1:22.99Kinmoss 56Chance For Gold 58.5
1985Shagolvin 56E R Harrison1:23.16Clear Gold 58.5Abit Leica 58.5
1984 (September)Fothers 50Debbie Taylor1:24.85Pinson 58.5Glenside 58.5
1983Burletta 44Maree LyndonFelix Patrick Campbell, Hastings1:25.76Olene 56Gee Jay 54.5
1982Volare 54.5Noel HarrisMalcolm Smith, Awapuni1:26.4Anderil 57.5Diploma 57.5
1981Gold Hope 53.5Bruce ComptonRay Verner, Takanini1:20.9Anderil 57.5Hai Tai 57
1980Coobers Queen 53.5K RobinsonP Melville, Kaponga1:27.13Disraeli 57.5Orchidra 56.5
1979Vice Regal 57.5Bill SkeltonJim Campin, Cambridge1:24.5La Mer 56.5Fraxy 57.5
1978Silver Liner 56Chris McNabEric Ropiha, Woodville1:23.4Milo 56.5Nurioopta 57.5
1977Copper Belt 57.5Gary PhillipsBrian Deacon, Hawera1:30.8Battle Eve 56.5Blue Blood 57.5
1976 (April)Grey Way 57.5Bob SkeltonE P Corby, Washdyke1:23.4Chrisarda 57Syndrome 57.5

References

References

  1. Kinley, Olivia. (July 15, 2025). "NEWS | Ellerslie to host first group one of season with Proisir Plate".
  2. Costello, John. (1976). "1976 New Zealand Racing Annual". Moa.
  3. Costello, John. (1979). "1979 New Zealand Racing Annual". Moa.
  4. "New Name for New Zealand Group One « Breeding Racing".
  5. https://loveracing.nz/RaceInfo/54759/9/Race-Detail.aspx
  6. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/racing/brilliant-blur-of-tangerine-stuns-rivals-in-proisir-plate/ZZ5LPTSKBJE73IO4WSNLNY4PGE/
  7. "Race 9 WESTBURY STUD TARZINO TROPHY at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 7 SEP 2024 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  8. "Race 9 WESTBURY STUD TARZINO TROPHY at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 9 SEP 2023 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  9. "Gr.1 Westbury Stud Tarzino Trophy - Skew Wiff".
  10. "Skew Wiff caps terrific day for Te Akau".
  11. "Race 9 TARZINO TROPHY at HAWke's BAY RI on 10 SEP 2022 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  12. "Race 9 TARZINO TROPHY at HAWke's BAY RI on 18 SEP 2021 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  13. "Race 10 TARZINO TROPHY at HAWke's BAY RI on 19 SEP 2020 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  14. "Race 9 TARZINO TROPHY at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 31 AUG 2019 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  15. (31 August 2019). "Racing: Melody Belle blows away veteran breeder Marie Leicester with win".
  16. "Race 7 TARZINO TROPHY at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 1 SEP 2018 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  17. (September 2018). "Racing: Melody Belle brave lass in Tarzino win".
  18. "Race 7 TARZINO TROPHY at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 2 SEP 2017 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  19. (2 September 2017). "'Close' Call in Tarzino Trophy".
  20. "Race 7 MAKFI CHALLENGE STAKES at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 27 AUG 2016 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  21. "Race 7 MAKFI CHALLENGE STAKES at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 29 AUG 2015 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  22. "Race 8 MAKFI CHALLENGE STAKES at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 30 AUG 2014 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  23. "Race 8 MAKFI CHALLENGE STAKES at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 31 AUG 2013 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  24. "Race 8 MAKFI CHALLENGE STAKES at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 1 SEP 2012 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  25. "Race 9 MAKFI CHALLENGE STAKES at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 27 AUG 2011 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  26. "Race 9 MUDGWAY PARTSWORLD STAKES at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 28 AUG 2010 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  27. "Race 9 MUDGWAY PARTSWORLD STAKES at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 29 AUG 2009 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  28. "Race 8 MUDGWAY PARTSWORLD STAKES at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 30 AUG 2008 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  29. "Race 9 MUDGWAY PARTSWORLD STAKES at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 1 SEP 2007 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  30. "Race 8 MUDGWAY STAKES at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 2 SEP 2006 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  31. "Xcellent (NZ) 2001 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ".
  32. "Starcraft (NZ) 2000 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ".
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