The Livamol Classic is a weight-for-age Thoroughbred horse race run at Hastings Racecourse in Hawke's Bay and was at one stage New Zealand's richest horse race. It is run at a distance of 2,040 metres (1.27 mi). The race is run in October. The weather in the Hawke's Bay's means the track conditions are usually excellent.[according to whom?]

Livamol Classic
Group I race
LocationHastings Racecourse
Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Inaugurated1955
Race typeThoroughbred - Flat racing
WebsiteHawke's Bay Racing
Race information
Distance2040m (10 furlongs)
SurfaceTurf
TrackLeft-handed
QualificationThree-year-olds and up
WeightWeight for Age
PurseNZ$450,000 (2023)

The race is the part of the Triple Crown raced at Hastings Racecourse, along with the 1,400-metre (0.87 mi) Tarzino Trophy, which was previously known as the Makfi Challenge Stakes or Mudgway Stakes, and the 1,600-metre (0.99 mi) Arrowfield Stud Plate, which was previously known as the Windsor Park Plate, Stony Bridge Stakes and Horlicks Plate.

Many of New Zealand's best thoroughbred horses have raced in the various Triple Crown events. A number of horses managed to win two of the three races and some were beaten into second in the third leg. On 5 October 2019. Melody Belle was the first horse to win all three of the Hawkes Bay Triple Crown races.

History

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The race was originally known as the Ormond Memorial and took place on the second day of the autumn carnival until the 1985/86 season when it was moved to the Spring.

From 1991 to 2009 the race was sponsored by Kelt Capital Limited, and in particular the owner thereof Sam Kelt, a strong supporter of New Zealand and particularly Hawke's Bay racing.

1996 would see it gain Group 1 status and the distance changed from 2000m to 2040m.

The growth in prize money was substantial in the decade up to 2008. In 2000 it was worth $250,000; in 2002 it was the equal richest race in New Zealand at $500,000 and in 2004 it was New Zealand's first million-dollar race. The race was worth $2,000,000 in 2007 and 2008, but the stake had to be reduced to $1,200,000 in 2009 as that level was deemed unsustainable. In 2010 the stake was reduced to $250,000, below several major races in New Zealand but still slightly ahead in terms of weight-for-age races.

In 2010, after the cessation of the Kelt sponsorship, the Ormond Memorial name was modified in recognition of Lady Katherine (Kit) Acklin née Ormond who had recently died.

Name

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  • Ormond Memorial (1955–1990)
  • Kelt Capital Stakes (1991–2009)
  • Kit Ormond Memorial (2010)
  • NZB Insurance Spring Classic (2011–2012)
  • The Turks Spring Classic (2013)
  • Livamol Classic (2014–present)

Group status

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  • 1955-1978 (Stakes Race)
  • 1979-1992 (Group 3)
  • 1993-1995 (Group 2)
  • 1996- (Group 1)

Notable winners

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Results

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Year
Winner
Jockey
Trainer
Time
Second
Third
2024[1] Snazzytavi 57[2] Warren Kennedy Graham Richardson & Rogan Norvall, Matamata 2:06.58 (soft), Te Rapa Hi Yo Sass Bomb 57 No Compromise 59
2023 [3] Ladies Man 59 Ryan Elliott Allan Sharrock, New Plymouth 2:04.79 (good) Platinum Invador 59 Pearl Of Alsace 57
2022 [4] Mustang Valley 55.5 Michael McNab Andrew Forsman, Cambridge 2:13.83 (heavy) Justaskme 59 Defibrillate 59
2021 [5] Savy Yong Blonk 57 Danielle Johnson Jamie Richards, Matamata 2:04.50 (good) Harlech 59 Prise De Fer 59
2020 [6] Melody Belle 57 Troy Harris Jamie Richards, Matamata 2:10.12 (heavy) Avantage 57 Vadavar 59
2019 [7] Melody Belle 57 [8] Opie Bosson Jamie Richards, Matamata 2:05.45 (good) Peso 59 Crown Prosecutor 57.5
2018[9][10] Savvy Coup 55.5 Chris Johnson Michael & Matthew Pitman, Riccarton 2:04.08 (good) Lizzie L'Amour 57 Danzdanzdance 55.5
2017 [11] Wait a Sec 59 Johnathan Parkes Guy Lowry & Grant Cullen, Hastings 2:05.59 (good) Gingernuts 57.5 Endean Rose 57
2016 [12] Willie Cazals (IRE) 59 Craig Grylls Lance O'Sullivan & Andrew Scott, Matamata 2:09.75 (heavy) Humidor 57.5 Hasselhoof 59
2015 [13] Addictive Habit 59 Sam Spratt Lee Somervell, Cambridge 2:05.77 (good) Benzini 59 Celebrity Miss 57
2014 [14] Costume 57 Michael Coleman Graeme & Debbie Rogerson, Tuhikaramea 2:02.66 (good) Shuka 59 Soriano 57
2013 [15] Ransomed 59 Johnathan Parkes Gary Vile, Awapuni 2:04.21 (good) Nashville 59 Survived 57.5
2012 [16] Shez Sinsational 57 Opie Bosson Allan Sharrock, New Plymouth 2:04.89 (good) Guiseppina 57 He's Remarkable 59
2011 [17] Jimmy Choux 57.5 Jonathan Riddell John Bary, Hastings 2:06.24 (good) Red Ruler 59 Hold It Harvey 59
2010 [18] Wall Street 59 Michael Coleman Jeff Lynds, Awapuni 2:02.97 (good) Ginga Dude 59 Keep The Peace 55.5
2009 [19] Vosne Romanee 59 Buddy Lammas Jeff Lynds, Awapuni 2:08.42 (soft) Ginga Dude 59 Miss Maren 57
2008 [20] Princess Coup 56.5 Opie Bosson Mark Walker, Matamata 2:04.58 (good) Red Ruler 57.5 Nom Du Jeu 57.5
2007 [21] Princess Coup 55 Noel Harris Mark Walker, Matamata 2:04.16 (good) J'Adane 55 Magic Cape 57.5
2006 [22] Legs 55 Lisa Cropp Kevin Gray, Awapuni 2:03.82 (soft) Kerry O'Reilly 59 Seachange 55
2005 [23] Xcellent 57 Michael Coleman Mike & Paul Moroney, Matamata 2:03.21 (good) Distinctly Secret 59 Waitoki Dream 59
2004 [24] Balmuse 59 Jamie Bullard Kevin Myers, Wanganui 2:05.03 (soft) Starcraft 57 Zafar 59
2003 [25] Distinctly Secret 59 Opie Bosson Mark Walker, Matamata 2:03.64 (good) Hail 59 Irish Rover 59
2002 [26] Prized Gem 56.5 Michael Rodd Murray Baker, Cambridge 2:04.10 (good) Distinctly Secret 57 Hail 57
2001 [27] Cinder Bella 56 Lance O'Sullivan Karen Zimmerman, Otaki 2:03.31 (good) Trounced 56 Hello Dolly 59
2000 [28] The Message 59 Linda Ballantyne John Ralph, Te Rapa 2:03.91 (soft) Integrate 56 Magic Winner 56
1999 [29] Cent Home 57 David Walker Jim Wallace, Opaki 2:02.16 (good) Rebel 57 Batavian 59
1998 [30] Just Call Me Sir 47.5 Trudy Collett Moira Murdoch, Pukekohe 2:04.06 (good) Batavian 48 Fayreform 59
1997 [31] Moss Downs 59 Michael Coleman Chris McNab, Hastings 2:03.63 (soft) Vialli 59 Magnet Bay 59
1996 [32] Love Dance 56.5 Gary Grylls Bev & Ken Kelso, Matamata 2:03.41 (soft) Marconee 56 Lord Majestic 59
1995 [33] Italian Saint 59 Tony Allan Noel Eales, Awapuni 2:04.88 (soft) Solvit 59 All In Fun 59
1994 [34] Solvit 59 David Walsh Moira Murdoch, Pukekohe 2:00.16 (good) All In Fun 59 A Gordon For Me 59
1993 [35] Calm Harbour 59 Lance O'Sullivan Noel Eales, Awapuni 1:59.70 (good) Solvit 59 Castletown 59
1992 [36] Veandercross 57 Jim Walker Chris Turner, Wanganui 2:09.81 (soft) Conan 57 Castletown 59
1991 [37] Castletown 59 Noel Harris Paddy Busuttin, Foxton 2:04.71 (good) Surfers Paradise 59 Megabucks 57
1990 [38] Timandra Steed 59 David Johnson James Clement, Hawera 2:00.03 (good) Street Hawk 59 Mickey's Town 59
1989 [39] Lomondy 59 David Walsh Noel Eales, Awapuni 2:12.01 (heavy) Gatcombe's Pride 59 Fairfield Lad 59
1988 Classic Bay 59 Ross Elliot Merv Andrews, Awapuni 2:10.23
1987 Secret Seal 59 Noel Harris Jeff Lynds, Awapuni 2:04.15
1986 Lomondy 59 Jim Walker Noel Eales, Awapuni 2:06.42
1985 (Spring) Always Summer 56.5 David Walsh Don Grubb, Fielding 2:04.20
1985 (Autumn) Deb's Mate 59 Debbie Healey H S Wadham, Pukekohe 2:12.70
1984 Commissionaire 58 Jim Cassidy Noel Eales, Awapuni 2:02.57
1983 Commissionaire 58 Jim Cassidy Noel Eales, Awapuni 2:03.43
1982 Ruanuku 58 Stephen Autridge Miss L I Pratt, Cambridge 2:15.95
1981 Serendiper 58 David Walsh Mrs W L Sullivan, Te Rapa 2:05.3
1980 Harmanaire 53.5 R Jenkins T Nightingale, Hastings 2:04.04
1979 La Mer 57 Des Harris Malcolm Smith, New Plymouth 2:03
1978 La Mer 56 Des Harris Malcolm Smith, New Plymouth 2:08.4
1977 Balmerino 57 M Campbell B J Smith, Cambridge 2:08.2 Fraxy
1976 Duty Free 58 R Jenkins Mrs A Fogden, Manakau 2:12
1975 Curly Wave 58 Bruce Compton G O Mudgway, Te Rapa 2:04.8
1974 Guest Star 53.5 R C Franklin I J & I R Tucker, Takanini 2:19.8
1973 Duty Free 9.2 R J Fergus Mrs A Fogden, Manakau
1972 Count Kereru 9.2 Garry Phillips Miss A Bowman, Fielding
1971 Game 9.2 R. Bruce Marsh K H Quinlivan, Hastings
1970 Game 9.2 R. Bruce Marsh K H Quinlivan, Hastings
1969 Game 9.2 R. Bruce Marsh K H Quinlivan, Hastings
1968 Dalvui 9.2 Bill Skelton D Jones, Hastings
1967 Terrific 9.0 G F Hughes M & F Ritchie, Ellerslie
1966 Palisade 9.2 Bob Skelton D P Wilson, Wingatui
1965 Empyreus 8.6 R W Taylor K H Quinlivan, Hastings
1964 Tatua 9.0 G R Edge W J Pratt, Te Awamutu
1963 Picaroon 9.2 B J Langford K H Quinlivan, Hastings
1962 Moy 8.12 K S Cullen K Couper, Hastings
1961 Picaroon 9.2 J Anderson K H Quinlivan, Hastings
1960 Picaroon 9.2 J Anderson K H Quinlivan, Hastings
1959 Supertax 9.0 V J Sellars T C Alcock, Pukekohe
1958 (Dead Heat) Rover 8.6 W L Aitken T B Mcneil, Hastings
1958 (Dead Heat) Savage 8.6 V J Sellars E Temperton, Awapuni
1957 Pinnacle Ridge 9.0 Bill Broughton V E Bryant, Foxton
1956 Syntax 8.6 N B Holland S Walker, Hamilton
1955 Redcraze 9.0 V J Sellars Syd Brown, Woodville

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Race 9 LIVAMOL CLASSIC at WAIKATO THOROUGHBRED RACING on 12 OCT 2024 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  2. ^ "Snazzytavi's stunning win at Te Rapa cements her Group 1 potential". NZ Herald. October 12, 2024.
  3. ^ "Race 8 LIVAMOL CLASSIC at HAWKE'S BAY RI on 14 OCT 2023 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  4. ^ "Race 8 LIVAMOL CLASSIC at HAWke's BAY RI on 15 OCT 2022 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  5. ^ "Race 8 LIVAMOL CLASSIC at HAWke's BAY RI on 16 OCT 2021 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  6. ^ "Race 8 LIVAMOL CLASSIC at HAWke's BAY RI on 17 OCT 2020 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  7. ^ "Race 8 LIVAMOL CLASSIC at HAWke's BAY RI on 5 OCT 2019 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  8. ^ "Melody Belle completes NZ's spring triple crown".
  9. ^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2018, 47th Edition, Dennis Ryan, Editor Racing Media Limited
  10. ^ "Race 8 LIVAMOL CLASSIC at HAWke's BAY RI on 6 OCT 2018 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  11. ^ "Race 8 LIVAMOL CLASSIC at HAWke's BAY RI on 22 OCT 2017 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  12. ^ "Race 8 LIVAMOL CLASSIC at HAWke's BAY RI on 1 OCT 2016 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  13. ^ "Race 9 LIVAMOL CLASSIC at HAWke's BAY RI on 3 OCT 2015 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  14. ^ "Race 8 LIVAMOL CLASSIC at HAWke's BAY RI on 4 OCT 2014 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  15. ^ "Race 9 THE TURKS SPRING CLASSIC at HAWke's BAY RI on 5 OCT 2013 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  16. ^ "Race 9 NEW ZEALAND BLOODSTOCK INSURANCE SPRING CLASSIC at HAWke's BAY RI on 6 OCT 2012 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  17. ^ "Race 9 NEW ZEALAND BLOODSTOCK INSURANCE SPRING CLASSIC at HAWke's BAY RI on 1 OCT 2011 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  18. ^ "Race 8 KIT ORMOND MEMORIAL SPRING CLASSIC at HAWke's BAY RI on 2 OCT 2010 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  19. ^ "Race 9 KELT CAPITAL STAKES at HAWke's BAY RI on 3 OCT 2009 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  20. ^ "Race 9 KELT CAPITAL STAKES at HAWke's BAY RI on 4 OCT 2008 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  21. ^ "Race 9 KELT CAPITAL STAKES at HAWke's BAY RI on 6 OCT 2007 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  22. ^ "Race 7 KELT CAPITAL STAKES at HAWke's BAY RI on 7 OCT 2006 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  23. ^ "Xcellent (NZ) 2001 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  24. ^ "Balmuse (NZ) 1999 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  25. ^ "Distinctly Secret (NZ) 1998 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  26. ^ "Prized Gem (NZ) 1997 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  27. ^ "Cinder Bella (NZ) 1995 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  28. ^ "The Message (NZ) 1993 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  29. ^ "Cent Home (NZ) 1995 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  30. ^ "Just Call Me Sir (NZ) 1995 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  31. ^ "Moss Downs (NZ) 1990 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  32. ^ "Love Dance (NZ) 1991 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  33. ^ "Italian Saint (NZ) 1988 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  34. ^ "Solvit (NZ) 1988 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ".
  35. ^ "Calm Harbour (NZ) 1988 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ".
  36. ^ "Veandercross (NZ) 1988 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  37. ^ "Castletown (NZ) 1986 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  38. ^ "Timandra Steed (NZ) 1985 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  39. ^ "Lomondy (NZ) 1980 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.