Northern Country Cups Bonus Series expands, ups prize money
The Northern Country Cups Bonus Series will return for the 2026/27 New Zealand season with an expanded nine-race programme and up to $635,000 in stakes and bonus prize money.
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 October 3 and culminating in the $120,000 Prezzy Card Taupō Cup on Tuesday December 29.
MORE: Racing in New Zealand
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 Northern Country Cups Bonus Series dates
| 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.
