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Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) will open its 2025/26 season in spectacular style, hosting the first Group One race of New Zealand thoroughbred racing’s calendar – the $400,000 Proisir Plate (1400m) – at Ellerslie on Saturday 6 September.
Race and raceday namesake, Proisir, at home at Rich Hill Stud | Image c/- Rich Hill Stud
Previously known as the Tarzino Trophy, this elite weight-for-age feature is being held in Auckland for the first time and will be run as part of the newly-named Proisir Plate Day, following the race’s temporary relocation from Hawke’s Bay.
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing Chief Executive Paul Wilcox says it’s an honour to bring the race north for the season and to welcome Rich Hill Stud as naming rights sponsor.
ATR CEO Paul Wilcox says the Club is thrilled to welcome Rich Hill Stud and their Proisir Syndicate to Ellerslie for 6 September | Image credit Auckland Thoroughbred Racing
“We’re thrilled to welcome Rich Hill Stud and their Proisir Syndicate to Ellerslie as naming rights partners for this Group One feature and its associated raceday,” says Wilcox.
“This is a race with a long and decorated history – from champions like Sunline, Rough Habit, Seachange and Xcellent, to modern-day greats like Melody Belle and Mufhasa. To be entrusted with hosting it this season is a privilege.
“Kicking off our season with such a prestigious event – and doing so in partnership with a stallion as exciting as Proisir and a farm as respected as Rich Hill Stud – makes for a huge moment in the return of our new season of racing.”
Proisir has sired six Group One winners in the last two seasons and was Australasia’s leading Group One sire of 2022/23 | Image c/- Rich Hill Stud
The Proisir Plate also serves as a key early form guide for two other elite spring races – the Group 1 WFA 1600 on 27 September and the Group 1 Livamol Classic on 11 October.
Rich Hill Managing Director John Thompson says the timing and location make this season’s edition an ideal fit for the stud and the Proisir Syndicate.
Tony Falcone of the Proisir Syndicate (left) with Rich Hill Stud’s John Thompson after both received the Grosvenor Award, won by Proisir as Champion New Zealand Sire of 2022-23 | Image c/- Rich Hill Stud
“Proisir has already sired a winner and has three favoured contenders in the early market for next season’s event. With his best-bred crops coming through to race, we’re confident he’ll continue to be a major player in the race,” says Thompson.
Proisir’s son Dark Destroyer won the race in 2022, and this year the stallion is represented by leading chances Legarto and Pier (joint favourites at $7), as well as Waitak ($15).
Dark Destroyer pictured in action | Image c/- Rich Hill Stud
The Group One also holds special meaning for Rich Hill through their late foundation stallion Pentire, sire of Xcellent and Mufhasa – both past winners of the race.
“This Group One contest has special significance for Rich Hill,” says Thompson.
“Xcellent’s magnificent last-to-first win goes down in folklore as one of the greatest victories in New Zealand racing history.
Pentire’s Hall of Fame son Mufhasa won the race on the way to collecting 10 Group One wins on both sides of the Tasman.
“Elite Group One racing is the pinnacle of what we are trying to achieve, so we consider it a great privilege to join forces with Auckland Thoroughbred Racing at Ellerslie and be involved in a part of New Zealand’s great racing legacy,” he adds.
Rich Hill’s association with the race also extends to Jimmy Choux, who finished second to Mufhasa before joining their stallion roster, and Vadamos, former resident sire and sire of La Crique.
For more information about Proisir Plate Day on Saturday 6 September 2025 at Ellerslie, click here.
Rich Hill Stud has become renowned for raising and selling a quality product that is sound enough to compete at the highest level on Australasia’s leading racetracks. To learn more about this thoroughbred nursery, click here.
