24 Jan
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100 Ascot Avenue, Remuera, Auckland
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Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) will recognise one of New Zealand racing’s most important pioneers with the introduction of the Jo Giles Stakes, a new fillies’ and mares’ race to be run at the TAB Karaka Millions at Ellerslie Racecourse.
Formerly the Royal Descent Stakes, the race moves onto the Karaka Millions programme this season following its relocation from Boxing Day. With the Westbury Classic shifting to Champions Day and no naming sponsor in place for the Royal Descent Stakes, ATR took the opportunity to select a race name with enduring meaning.
The Jo Giles Stakes honours Jo (Joanne) Giles, the first woman in New Zealand to ride in a totalisator race, achieving the milestone on 15 July 1978 at Waimate. While often overlooked in racing history, Giles’ achievement predates other commonly referenced firsts and marked a significant moment in the sport.
“Horse racing is unique in sport because men and women compete under identical rules, safety standards and licensing requirements, with no gender-based allowances or stake money splits,” says ATR’s EGM of Racing and Operations Craig Baker.
“Naming the race after Jo is a powerful way to acknowledge a woman who helped pave the way for that equality in New Zealand racing.”
Baker says the decision is also about ensuring Giles’ contribution is properly recognised too.
“Joanne was a genuine trailblazer, yet her achievement hasn’t always received the recognition it deserves.”
“The Jo Giles Stakes ensures her name is permanently part of the racing landscape, and it sends a strong message about the values of our sport.”
Beyond her historic ride, Giles lived an extraordinary life. She represented New Zealand in pistol shooting, competed in motorsport and Rock ’n’ Roll competitions, worked as a television presenter with Canterbury Television, and even ran for mayor of Christchurch.
She died tragically in the Christchurch earthquake in 2011, aged 60. She was remembered as vibrant, gregarious and someone who lived life to the fullest, qualities ATR believe makes her a fitting figure to honour on one of the country’s biggest racing stages.
“This race is about more than a name, it’s about celebrating courage, opportunity and equality, and recognising the women who helped shape our industry.”
“The Jo Giles Stakes will be run for fillies and mares, creating a natural alignment between elite female equine athletes and the pioneering woman whose name the race carries.”
The naming of the Jo Giles Stakes comes as the TAB Karaka Millions continues to grow in stature as an international racing fixture. This year’s meeting features a record seven horses from Australia — the most ever for a New Zealand race meeting, alongside five Australian jockeys, underlining the event’s increasing pull across the Tasman.
“The Australian interest we’re seeing reflects how important the Karaka Millions has become.”
“Strong Australian participation adds depth to the racing and reinforces the meeting’s position as one of the premier race days in the Southern Hemisphere.”
Feature races across Karaka Millions (six races in total)
