Thorndon Mile Explained

The Thorndon Mile (formally WRC George Adams Handicap) is a Group One (G1) Thoroughbred horse race contested at Trentham Racecourse by the Wellington Racing Club.

The race is run on Wellington Cup day, traditionally the last Saturday of January.

Class:	Group I
Horse Race:	Thorndon Mile
Location:	Trentham Wellington, New Zealand
Race Type:	Thoroughbred - Flat racing
Distance:	1,600 metres
Surface:	Turf
Track:	Left-handed
Qualification:	Open
Purse:	$400,000 (2022)

This race was known as the WRC George Adams Handicap until 1983. It was also known as the Jarden Mile or Jarden Morgan Mile while sponsored by that organisation over the 1984-1991 period. Other sponsors have included Hutt Valley Cartage and Harcourts real estate.

Notable winners

The Thorndon Mile has been won by many of the best horses in New Zealand, such as:

• Alamosa, winner of the 2007 ARC Diamond Stakes and the 2008 Otaki-Maori Weight for Age and Toorak Handicap. Also sire of Kirramosa, winner of the 2013 VRC Oaks.
• Grey Way
• Kawi, winner of seven Group One races ^[1]
• McGinty
• Melody Belle
• Sir Slick
• Wall Street, winner of the 2010 Windsor Park Plate, Spring Classic and Emirates Stakes

Race results

Year	Winner	Jockey	Trainer(s)	Owner(s)	Time	Second place	Third
2024 ^[2]	Puntura 57	Craig Grylls	Robbie Patterson, New Plymouth	Carole & John Lynskey	1:36.05 (soft)	El Vencedor 56	Lady Telena 53
2023 ^[3]	He's A Doozy 57	Kozzi Asano	Lisa Latta	M Schirnack, N & A Thompson, S Platt, J & S Dunnett, M McNeill, S Dais, P Shearer, L Purvis, K McHugh, D Masters, S Edgerton, E Tomlins & W Dixon	1.39.73 (heavy)	Sharp "N" Start 53.5	Lightning Jack 55
2022 ^[4]	The Chosen One 55	Matthew Cameron	Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman	R L Bonnington, A G, C P, G, K J, Mrs P A & P R Dennis, Miss J L Dunlop, D G Forde, P M Jeffares, P Johnstone, G R Miller, G J Popham, Ravelston Stud Ltd, G R Redington, T V Rider & Mrs N C Robertson	1:36.05 (good)	Coventina Bay 55	Mali Ston 57
2021 ^[5]	Melody Belle 57		Jamie Richards, Matamata	Fortuna Melody Belle Syndicate	1:38.05 (good)	Sinarahma 53.5	Deerfield 55
2020 ^[6]	The Mitigator 56	Shaun McKay^[7]	Peter McKay,^[8] Matamata	RP Davis, TE Luke, N Butterfield, PT Fenwick, JP Hopkins	1:35.47 (good)	Wyndspelle 58	Yearn 55
2019 ^[9]	Shadows Cast^[10] 58	Jason Waddell	Mark Oulaghan, Awapuni	Ron Cunningham	1:35.17	Wyndspelle 55	Watch This Space 55
2018 ^[11]	Stolen Dance^[12] 53	Samantha Spratt	Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman, Cambridge	GA Shand	1:36.48	Watch This Space 55	Hiflyer 57
2017 ^[13]	Thee Auld Floozie^[14] 53.5	Rosie Myers	Stephen Marsh, Cambridge	P D Craighead, L G Ford, S B Marsh, M C Roughead, Two Fat Cows Syndicate, J G & Mrs S K Young	1:35.03	Prince Of Passion 55	Abidewithme 55
2016 ^[15]	Kawi^[16] 59	Leith Innes	Allan Sharrock, New Plymouth	AA Baeyertz, JP Goodin, GA MacDonald, GH Phillips & Est late RW Sharrock	1:35.16	Stolen Dance 55	Sports Illustrated 55
2015 ^[17]	Puccini 57	Danielle Johnson ^[18]	Peter & Jacob McKay, Matamata	Monovale Holdings	1:34.11	Soriano 56	Mighty Solomon 55
2014	A Touch Of Ruby^[19] 52	Craig Grylls	Stephen Autridge, Matamata	The Whitby Bloodstock Trust	1:34.53	Costume 52	Sacred Star 53
2013	Historian^[20] 53	Rosie Myers	Gary Alton, Cambridge	Ngai Chun-Hung	1:34.51	Lady Kipling 58.5	Miss Pelear 53.5
2012	Say No More^[21] 52	Rosie Myers	Paul Duncan, Cambridge	T N Boys, D B Capes, P G Harris, B G Hutchinson & R W Mackenzie	1:37.69	Postmans Daughter 56	Jetset Lad 52
2011	Booming^[22] 57	Masa Tanaka	Jeff Lynds, Awapuni	DR Frampton & GKV Holdings Limited	1:34.96	Dasoudi 51	Eileen Dubh 52.5
2010	Wall Street^[23] 55	Buddy Lammas	Jeff Lynds, Awapuni	G G Syndicate, Limited, G K V Holdings Limited & M A Head	1:33.86	Tavistock 56	Mill Duckie 54.5
2009	Sir Slick 58	David Walsh	Graeme Nicholson, Te Aroha	BN Brown & GA Nicholson	1:34.26	Striker 51.5	Culminate 56
2008	Alamosa 57.5	Paul Taylor	Peter McKay, Matamata	TE Luke, Mrs K & PN McKay	1:35.18	Dezigna 57.5	Final Reality 54.5
2007	Sir Slick 57	Opie Bosson	Graeme Nicholson, Te Aroha	BN Brown & GA Nicholson	1:34.20	Pins ‘N’ Needles 53	Bonjour 53
2006	Macavelli Miss 54	Mark Hills	Roger James, Cambridge	GR, KR & Mrs MJ Downey	1:34.10	O’Borio 53	Penitentiary 54.5
2005	Maroofity 52.5	Lisa Cropp	Mark Walker, Matamata	Tauranga Racing Syndicate	1:34.73	Zvezda 55.5	Lashed 54.5
2004	Sir Kinloch 53.5	Lee Rutherford	Colin Jillings & Richard Yuill, Takanini	HS, HS & SS Dyke	1:36.84	Sedecrem 57	Elendil 50
2003	Zvezda 55	Lance O'Sullivan	Kay Lane, Ruakaka	KDH Lane	1:35.69	Rosina Lad 55	Travellin’ Man 52
2002	Giovana 56.5	Peter Johnson	Carol Marshall, Cambridge	CA Marshall	1:33.92	Cent Home 56	Hail 58
2001	Tall Poppy 54	David Walsh	Noel Eales, Awapuni	GB & RS Fell	1:35.20	Giovana 54	Volkaire 55
2000	Pace Invader 51.5	Paul Taylor	Alvin Clark, Takanini	PR Dickinson, AR & EJ Johnson & CT Wintle	1:34.34	Skoozi 52	Surface 56.5
1999	Surface 52	Noel Harris	Noel Eales, Awapuni	ND Eales & JD & Mrs PM Willis	1:34.88	Bluebird The Word 52	Fatal 52
1998	Fayreform 49.5	Opie Bosson	Stephen Autridge, Matamata	Haunui Farm Limited & GH Madill	1:35.63	Des's Dream 50	Rough Legend 53
1997	Winning Wave 48	Lee Rutherford	Frank & Craig Richie, Takanini	CR Edkins, RB Fickling, BW Freeman & RH Jensen	1:34.29	Jazzac 53	Vialli 58.5
1996	Happiness 51.5	Bruce Compton	Noel Eales, Awapuni	Chantilly Lodge Syndicate	1:34.77	Avedon 52	Chase A Fortune 52.5
1995	Silver Chalice 49	Stewart Campbell	Richard Bothwell, Stratford	JE & RJ Bothwell, Mrs JA & WJ Stewart	1:35.19	Endless Joy 48.5	Frenetic 53.5
1994	Z'Oro 49	Jo Walsh	Frank & Shaune Richie, Takanini	TW Archer & JH Zolezzi	1:33.41	Mahoenui Lass 52.5	Merry Maiden 51
1993	Calm Harbour 52	Lance O'Sullivan	Noel Eales, Awapuni	Peter Thorburn	1:35.39	Romanee Conti 53.5	Moire 50.5
1992	Just Tommy 52	Chris Johnson	Michael Pitman, Riccarton	WA Thomas	1:36.36	More Money 50.5	Seamist 54.5
1991	Fire Commander 49	Lance O'Sullivan	Dave & Paul O'Sullivan, Matamata	AA Blackwell, BJ Lindsay & DA Smith	1:35.22	Seamist 50.5	Greenback 48.5
1990	Fun On The Run 52	David Walsh	Noel Eales, Awapuni	A Dennison, Mrs J Lee, Miss M Short & T Taylor	1:33.94	Our High Noon 49	Tricavaboy 50.5
1989	Tricavaboy 51	Kim Clapperton	David Eagar, Stratford	DW & Mrs EJ & RJ Eagar	1:35.84	Sirstaci 49.5	Bonecrusher 58
1988	Golden King 51	Phillip Mercer	Garth Ivil, Awapuni	WG Ivil, BB O’Donnell & IAH Symes	1:33.79	Star Pride 49.5	Infinite Secret 53
1987	Jonny Alone 49	Paul Taylor	BT Jones	Mr and Mrs JT Aspinall	1:37.88	Knight Invader 49	Crimesta 52
1986	Pinson 54.5	Jim Collett	Don Couchman, Hawera	JR Drought, JW Fraser, FA Long & JR Todd	1:38.45	Noble Note 54	Tanalyse
1985	Atrapar 54.5	Maurice Campbell	WJ Calder, Levin	WJ Calder	1:36.46	Greatness 53	Kingdom Bay 52.5
1984	Shifnal Prince 50.5	David Peake	Jack Winder, Cambridge	CR O’Grady & CW Reynolds	1:35.08	Manchu 49.5	Camille 50.5
1983	McGinty 51.5	Jim Cassidy	Colin Jillings, Takanini	Keith Haub & B J McCahill	1:32.99	Ringtrue 53	Jon 54
1982	Powley 52.5	JD Pankhurst	Hec Anderton, Wingatui	HA Anderton	1:34.75	Hikotere 49	Summer Haze 55
1981	Speculation 54.5	Maurice Campbell	Maurice Campbell, Awapuni	AW Fogden & J Willis	1:35.25	Daybreak 53	Anderill 56
1980	Raywood Lass 51.5	Paul Belsham	Eddie Rayner, Marton	CJB Norwood & EW Rayner	1:37.00	Bra Hest 50	Arbre Chene 57
1979	Polly Porter 52.5	RB Weaver	P Wright, Winton	Mrs P Wright	1:34.50	Heidelberg 50	Grey Way 60
1978	Copper Belt 59	Jim Walker	Brian Deacon, Hawera	Kevin and Mrs Kathleen Gray ^[24]	1:35.00	Grey Way 59	Orchidra 50.5
1977	Grey Way 56.5	Bob Skelton	EP Corby, Washdyke	PG South	1:35.50	Fraxy 54.5	Caruba 51
1976	Tiptoe 51	Chris McNab	Eric Ropiha, Woodville	AS Fell	1:36.50	Gold Ducat 51	No Show 50
1975	King's Romance 57	Bill Skelton	Malcolm Smith, New Plymouth	J McKendrick	1:33.00
1974	An Illusion 50.5	Brent Thomson	Kevin Thomson, Wanganui	JP Norman	1:35.50	Kaukapakapa 50.5	Sir Gallivant 51
1973	Kaukapakapa	Bob Skelton	George Cameron, Takanini	GD Cameron	1:35.00
1972	Egmont Park	Noel Harris	Brian Deacon, Hawera	IF McGuire	1:39.00	Dark Knowledge	Nausori
1971	Panzer Chief	GN McLiesh	John Revell, Te Aroha	PD Moran	1:35.00
1970	Honey Belle	David Peake	George Cameron, Takinani	J Sarten	1:34.00
1969	Carlsberg	Herb Ruahihi	Bill Aitken, Bulls	WL Aitken & WW Tatham	1:34.50
1968	Bywon	David Peake	George Cameron, Takanini	GP Broun	1:35.50
	Nausori	Brian Andrews	Bill Hillis, Takanini	Mrs UE Matthews & EB Reid	1:35.50
1967	Tara's Pride	John Grylls	Archie Tudor, Stratford	CW Ansford	1:34.25
1966	Chantal	Gary Willetts	Jack Hayes, Te Awamutu	Miss LE Jamieson	1:36.00
1965	Empyreus	Ron Taylor	Bob Quinlivan, Hastings	HN Phelan	1:36.25
1964	Gymkhana	Ron Taylor	B J Nicol	ED Martin	1:36.25
1963	Rapido	Jack Mudford	Bruce Priscott, Te Awamutu	WB Priscott	1:35.50
1962	Starborough	GP Hulme	Noel Eales, Awapuni	H Cleland	1:36.50

See also

• Recent winners of major Wellington and other New Zealand races
• Desert Gold Stakes (raced on same day)
• Telegraph Handicap
• Captain Cook Stakes

References

• N.Z. Thoroughbred Racing Inc.
• Racenet - Australia's Premier Horse Racing News, Form Guides & Tips
• LOVERACING.NZ - New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing
• TAB | Sports & Racing Betting Online in New Zealand
• New Zealand Horse Racing Statistics and Information - RaceBase
• The Great Decade of New Zealand racing 1970-1980. Glengarry, Jack. William Collins Publishers Ltd, Wellington, New Zealand.
• New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2018 (47th edition). Dennis Ryan, Editor, Racing Media NZ Limited, Auckland, New Zealand.
• New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2017 (46th edition). Dennis Ryan, Editor, Racing Media NZ Limited, Auckland, New Zealand.
• New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2008 (37th edition). Bradford, David, Editor. Bradford Publishing Limited, Paeroa, New Zealand.
• New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2005 (34th edition). Bradford, David, Editor. Bradford Publishing Limited, Paeroa, New Zealand.
• New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2004 (33rd edition). Bradford, David, Editor. Bradford Publishing Limited, Paeroa, New Zealand.
• New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2000 (29th edition). Bradford, David, Editor. Bradford Publishing Limited, Auckland, New Zealand.
• New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1997 (26th edition). Dillon, Mike, Editor. Mike Dillon's Racing Enterprises Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand.
• New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1995 (24th edition). Dillon, Mike, Editor. Mike Dillon's Racing Enterprises Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand.
• New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1994 (23rd edition). Dillon, Mike, Editor. Meadowset Publishing, Auckland, New Zealand.
• New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1991 (20th edition). Dillon, Mike, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
• New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1987 (16th edition). Dillon, Mike, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
• New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1985 (Fourteenth edition). Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
• New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1984 (Thirteenth edition). Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
• New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1982 (Eleventh edition). Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
• New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1981 (Tenth edition). Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
• New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1980 (Ninth edition). Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
• New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1979 (Eighth edition).Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
• New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1978 (Seventh edition).Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
• New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1976. Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Kawi, one of New Zealand's best horses, has been retired. 13 July 2018. Stuff. 4 December 2023.
2. Web site: Race 8 HARCOURTS TEAM GROUP THORNDON MILE at WELLINGTON RC on 20 JAN 2024 | LOVERACING.NZ. loveracing.nz.
3. Web site: Race 7 HARCOURTS THORNDON MILE at WELLINGTON RC on 28 JAN 2023 | LOVERACING.NZ. loveracing.nz. 4 December 2023.
4. Web site: Race 7 HARCOURTS THORNDON MILE at WELLINGTON RC on 29 JAN 2022 | LOVERACING.NZ.
5. Web site: Race 7 HARCOURTS THORNDON MILE at WELLINGTON RC on 30 JAN 2021 | LOVERACING.NZ. loveracing.nz. 4 December 2023.
6. Web site: Race 8 HARCOURTS THORNDON MILE at WELLINGTON RC on 18 JAN 2020 | LOVERACING.NZ. loveracing.nz. 4 December 2023.
7. Web site: Racing: McKay hungry for more success.
8. Web site: Family success in Thorndon Mile. NZ Racing. Desk - @nzracingnews. RACING.COM. 4 December 2023.
9. Web site: Race 5 HARCOURTS THORNDON MILE at WELLINGTON RC on 19 JAN 2019 | LOVERACING.NZ. loveracing.nz. 4 December 2023.
10. Web site: Shadows Cast triumphs in Thorndon Mile - Racenet.
11. Web site: Race 5 HARCOURTS THORNDON MILE at WELLINGTON RC on 20 JAN 2018 | LOVERACING.NZ. loveracing.nz. 4 December 2023.
12. Web site: Mare finally steals the big dance.
13. Web site: Race 8 HARCOURTS THORNDON MILE at WELLINGTON RC on 28 JAN 2017 | LOVERACING.NZ. loveracing.nz. 4 December 2023.
14. Web site: Thorndon Mile crowning glory for Thee Auld Floozie and Stephen Marsh. 28 January 2017.
15. Web site: Race 7 HARCOURTS THORNDON MILE at WELLINGTON RC on 23 JAN 2016 | LOVERACING.NZ. loveracing.nz. 4 December 2023.
16. Web site: Kawi shows his class with brave Thorndon Mile win. 24 January 2016.
17. Web site: Race 7 HARCOURTS THORNDON MILE at WELLINGTON RC on 24 JAN 2015 | LOVERACING.NZ. loveracing.nz. 4 December 2023.
18. Web site: Another Group I success for Danielle Johnson as Puccini takes out Thorndon Mile at Trentham. 24 January 2015.
19. Web site: In-foal Touch of Ruby ends career in grand style. 25 January 2014.
20. News: Historian Springs Thorndon Mile Surprise . 4 December 2023 . Blood Horse . 26 January 2013.
21. Web site: Racing: Say No More wins big mile.
22. Web site: Also-rans leave punters reeling. 29 January 2011.
23. Web site: Wall Street's Thorndon Mile victory another chapter in NZTBA member Jo Wilding's list of successes. Wall Street's Thorndon Mile victory another chapter in NZTBA member Jo Wilding's list of successes | New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Association. 4 December 2023.
24. Web site: Lifetime of successful racehorse training. 2 February 2016.