The Prezzy Card Northern Country Cups Bonus Series will return for the 2026/27 season with an expanded nine-race programme and up to $635,000 in stakes and bonus prizemoney.

 

Following its inaugural running last season, the Series will again connect regional racedays across the North Island, beginning with the Listed Kaimai Stakes at Matamata on Saturday 3 October and culminating in the $120,000 Prezzy Card Taupō Cup on Tuesday 29 December.

 

The 2026 Series has grown to nine races, with the addition of the Kaimai Stakes at Matamata, Harcourts Cup at Te Aroha and Wanganui Cup.

 

Horses will earn points for finishing in the first four across the Series, with additional points available in the Prezzy Card Taupō Cup finale.

 

A $50,000 winner-takes-all bonus will be awarded to the leading points earner, provided the horse has competed in at least three Series races, including the Prezzy Card Taupō Cup. While the Poverty Bay Cup winner will gain automatic entry into the Metropolitan Handicap at Riccarton, and the Taupō Cup winner will receive automatic entry into the Wellington Cup.

 

The Series is designed to encourage participation across regional meetings and build a strong competition throughout the spring and early summer.

 

Taupō Racing Club’s Terry Campbell said the club was thrilled to help drive the Series forward and build on the success of its first year.

 

“We are delighted to see the Series return with an expanded programme that strengthens connections between regional clubs and gives trainers and owners a clear pathway towards the Prezzy Card Taupō Cup. It is a great opportunity to build momentum across these racedays and showcase the quality of country racing.”

 

2026/27 Prezzy Card Northern Country Cups Bonus Series

 

Date	Race		Venue	Distance	Classification	Stakes
Saturday 3 October	Kaimai Stakes		Matamata	1600m	Open LR	$80,000
Friday 9 October	Poverty Bay Cup		Taupō	2600m	Rating 75	$70,000
Sunday 18 October	Waverley Cup		Waverley	2100m	Open	$50,000
Saturday 31 October	Feilding Cup		Ōtaki	2100m	Open	$80,000
Tuesday 10 November	Harcourts Cup		Te Aroha	2200m	Rating 75	$30,000
Sunday 15 November	Waipukurau Cup		Waipukurau	2100m	Rating 75	$35,000
Saturday 28 November	Wanganui Cup		Wanganui	2040m	Open LR	$80,000
Friday 11 December	Duncan Dental Cup		Tauranga	2100m	Rating 75	$30,000
Tuesday 29 December	Prezzy Card Taupō Cup		Taupō	2000m	Open	$120,000

Points structure

Placing	Races 1–8	Prezzy Card Taupō Cup
First	5 points	12 points
Second	3 points	5 points
Third	2 points	3 points
Fourth	1 point	2 points

 

The leading points earner must compete in a minimum of three Series races, including the Prezzy Card Taupō Cup, to be eligible for the $50,000 bonus.

 

Follow the series points tally on the NZTR website: Northern Cups Bonus Series - NZTR