Remembering Bonecrusher the Great | Bonecrusher Stakes Day

Few horses captured the public imagination like Bonecrusher.

The Frank Ritchie-trained chestnut was immortalised in Bill Collin’s unforgettable call of the 1986 Cox Plate, when Bonecrusher went to war with Waverley Star and emerged victorious in a race recognised as “the race of the century”.

But that was just one of nine Group One wins in a career that saw Bonecrusher successful in 18 of his 44 starts, becoming a hero to a generation.

Bonecrusher | Image c/- Race Images

As a three-year-old, Bonecrusher won seven straight races, claiming the Gr.1 Bayer Classic before adding the Avondale Guineas and Gr.1 New Zealand Derby. He then defeated the older horses in the weight-for-age Group One treble of the International Stakes, Air New Zealand Stakes and Tancred Stakes, then ended his Classic season with victory in the Gr.1 Australian Derby.

Bonecrusher was named New Zealand Horse of the Year at the end of his three-year-old season and was the first New Zealand horse to be awarded Australian Horse of the Year honours.

Bonecrusher | Image c/- LOVERACING.NZ

Bred by Te Kuiti’s Bill Punch, Bonecrusher was knocked down to owner Peter Mitchell for just $3,250 at the Waikato yearling sales. He became New Zealand’s first million-dollar-earning galloper and retired having amassed nearly $3 million. He made several public appearances in retirement before his passing in 2015, aged 32.

Bonecrusher’s final resting place is at Ellerslie where he is commemorated with a bronze statue depicting the champion in action and featuring his famous shoulder scar and unique protruding tongue.

Bonecrusher is forever remembered in New Zealand’s racing history, with a commemorative statue marking his final resting place at Ellerslie. The statue’s head looks towards horses as they enter the Parade Ring, wishing them all good luck for their upcoming race. | Image c/- Trish Dunell

Words by Aidan Rodley for Auckland Thoroughbred Racing

Bonecrusher Stakes Day at Pukekohe Park this Saturday 6 December 2025 celebrates this legend with the day’s feature race – the Gr3 Bonecrusher Stakes – set to be run in his honour later in the afternoon. 

In addition to the day’s racing, there’s free racecourse entry, free on-site parking, free children’s entertainment and a visit from Santa to help round things out.