Where Legends Begin: The Story Behind the Trelawney Stud Championship Stakes

Where Legends Begin: The Story Behind the Trelawney Stud Championship Stakes

While the Manco Easter Handicap brings the history, the Trelawney Stud Championship Stakes delivers the promise of what’s to come.

Held on the same day – Saturday 19 April 2025 – this Group Three race over 2100m is one for the purists. Open to three-year-olds, it’s a true test of stamina and maturity. And with a roll of honour that includes names who’ve gone on to achieve , it’s fair to say this race has become something of a crystal ball for racing fans.

A Stage for Future Stars

Once a fillies-only race and now a firm fixture of Ellerslie’s April calendar, the Championship Stakes has evolved into a launching pad for some of the most exciting careers in Australasian racing.

Silent Achiever used her 2012 victory here as a springboard to win the New Zealand Derby and compete with distinction on both sides of the Tasman. And who could forget Werther in 2015 – who not only won at Ellerslie but later went on to rule Hong Kong’s racing scene, claiming titles like the Hong Kong Derby and the Queen Elizabeth II Cup.

These are the types of stories that begin here – before the crowds know their names, before the trophies fill the cabinet.

Backed by a Breeding Powerhouse

Fittingly, the race is sponsored by one of the most respected names in New Zealand breeding – Trelawney Stud. With a legacy dating back to 1930 and more than 30 Group One winners to its name, the stud has played a key role in shaping the landscape of New Zealand racing.

Owned and operated by Brent and Cherry Taylor, Trelawney Stud’s support of this race is more than branding – it’s a nod to their belief in cultivating the next generation of champions.

What to Expect in 2025

With the 2025 edition just around the corner, the Trelawney Stud Championship Stakes is once again poised to deliver drama, talent and the thrill of discovery. These are the races where reputations are made – and where we might just catch our first glimpse of the next big thing.

Because while some races celebrate history, this one is all about the future.

Join us to watch the 2025 edition here at Ellerslie on Saturday 19 April 2025. Learn more.