Wellington Group Races Stakes

[Just Looking 44]

Can anyone  explain why there are three Group Races with such a disparity of stakes 

Group 3 Wellington Cup $250k

Group 1 Telegraph $250k

Group 1 Thorndon Mile $200k ??

 

The difference in the two Group Ones is 25% - 

 

 

 

 

 

[TurnyTom 1,535]

They are broke

[We're Doomed 4,855]

I think you are getting too used to all race stakes being the same. That is not the traditional way of doing things. The Melbourne Cup is worth a lot more than all other Aussie Group Ones.. Only yesterday the group 3 Auckland city cup was worth more than the Group One railway. The only reason the Aussie came over for the latter was because of the group status and not the stake.

In NZ the minimum stakes for group 3's is $70,000, group 2's $100,000 and group 1s $200,000. The Tapanui Cup at $55,000 was worth more than just about every listed race in NZ. Historically important races like the Wgtn and NZ Cups get a bonus subsidy to maintain a reasonable stake, even though they are no longer worthy of significant group status.

Having said all that, most NZ group races are hardly worthy of their status and we have far too many group and listed races.

Of course the gallops aren't as bad as the trots who have group races worth $30,000 all over the countryside.

[shaneMcAlister 1,425]

Group 1 races $200K

Group 2 races $100K

Group 3 races $70K

Some races get iconic funding from NZTR too, in this case the Wellington Cup $130K, Telegraph $50K.  

There is also a club contribution (maybe sponsor) of $50K for the Wellington Cup.

Summary

Group 3 Wellington Cup $250k ($70K + $130K + $50K)

Group 1 Telegraph $250k ($200K + $50K)

Group 1 Thorndon Mile $200 ($200K)