| Class | Prestige jumping |
|---|---|
| Location | Riccarton Park Racecourse, Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Race type | Thoroughbred - Jump Racing |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 5600 m |
| Surface | Turf |
| Track | Left-handed |
| Qualification | Open |
| Weight | Handicap |
| Purse | NZ$200,000 (2025) |
The Great National Steeplechase held at Riccarton Park Racecourse is one of New Zealand's major steeplechase jumping races.
The Grand National Steeplechase has been held on 149 occasions to date. The Grand National was first run in 1875 in Willowbridge, near Waimate in South Canterbury, over 4 miles. Since 1891 the horses have competed over a three and a half mile journey (now 5600m), making it one of New Zealand's longest horse races and it is run in winter when the grass tracks are soft or heavy. The race is therefore a great test of stamina and fitness for both horse and rider.
Initially the race was run alternately in South Canterbury, North Otago and North Canterbury. In 1884 Christchurch became the permanent venue and in 1888 it was arranged that the Canterbury Jockey Club should run the Grand National Steeplechase and it has been held at Riccarton ever since. [1]
In May 2025 it was announced that the 2025 Grand National Steeplechase, which is the 150th edition, would be sponsored by the Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge which has sat opposite Riccarton Park Racecourse since 1883 and would be raced for stake money of $200,000. Peter Cordner, Chairman of the Trustees of the Christchurch Racecourse said:
“In 1878 the land now commonly known as Riccarton Park Racecourse was vested in the Trustees of the Christchurch Racecourse. It is fitting that our Board supports the celebration of the 150th running of a race that is such an integral part of the fabric of this famous piece of New Zealand land that we administer”. [2]
Jockeys to have won the race four times are:
Women jockeys to have won the race are:
The most successful horses are the three-time winners:
| Year | Winner | Sire | Dam | Dam-Sire | Jockey | Trainer(s) | Time | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 [6] | Captains Run 66 | Nom Du Jeu | Irish Penny | Pentire (GB) | Joshua Parker | Dan O'Leary, Marton | 7:38.96 (heavy) | Jesko 66 | Nedwin 66 |
| 2024 [7] | West Coast 73 [8] [9] | Metre En Jeu (NZ) | Testament (NZ) | Grosvenor (NZ) | Shaun Fannin | Mark Oulaghan, Awapuni | 7:10.88 (heavy) | Auld Jock 66 | Captains Run 66 |
| 2023 [10] | West Coast 72 | Metre En Jeu (NZ) | Testament (NZ) | Grosvenor (NZ) | Shaun Fannin | Mark Oulaghan, Awapuni [11] | 7:10.38 (heavy) | Prince Turbo 66 | Carnaby 66 |
| 2022 [12] | West Coast 65 | Metre En Jeu (NZ) | Testament (NZ) | Grosvenor (NZ) | Shaun Fannin | Mark Oulaghan, Awapuni | 7:26.21 (heavy) | Carnaby 67.5 | Tittletattle 68 |
| 2021 [13] | Tallyho Twinkletoe 70 | St Reims (NZ) | Albacora (NZ) | Lord Ballina (Aus) | Shaun Phelan | Kevin Myers, Wanganui | 7.39.32 (heavy) | Mandalay 65 | Shamal 68 |
| 2019 [14] | It's A Wonder 65 [15] | Istidaad (USA) | Princess Julie (NZ) | Prince Ferdinand (GB) | Shaun Phelan | Harvey Wilson | 7:25.90 (heavy) | Gargarin 68 | Mr Enthusiastic 65 |
| 2018 [16] | Shamal 65 | Zabeel (NZ) | Mistrale (NZ) | Volksraad (GB) | Buddy Lammas [17] | Ken Duncan | 7:01.05 (heavy) | Tai Ho 65 | Chocolate Fish 65 |
| 2017 [18] | Upper Cut 69 | Yamanin Vital (NZ) | Volucidate (NZ) | Volksraad (GB) | Shaun Phelan | Mark Oulaghan, Awapuni | 7:22.12 (heavy) | Kina Win 65 | Tai Ho 65 |
| 2016 [19] | Upper Cut 65 | Yamanin Vital (NZ) | Volucidate (NZ) | Volksraad (GB) | Paul Hamblin | Mark Oulaghan, Awapuni | 7:12.06 (heavy) | Mr Mor 68 | Gargamal 65 |
| 2015 [20] | High Forty 69.5 | Danzighill (Aus) | Rubiette (Aus) | Rubiton (Aus) | Michael Mitchell | Brian & Shane Anderton | 7:00.60 (heavy) | Mr Mor 70 | Hezanakilad 65 |
| 2014 [21] | Eric The Viking 65 | Viking Ruler (Aus) | Shrule Grove (NZ) | Lord Ballina (Aus) | Shaun Phelan | Aaron Bidlake | 7:14.52 (heavy) | Athenry 65 | Roodyvoo 68.5 |
There was no race in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Winning horses and jockeys [22]