A return to racing in the South Island isn’t the only thing filly and mare owners will be excited about this weekend.
Canterbury Jockey Club’s NZB Insurance Pearl Series race (1200m) on Saturday will give Pearl Series registered fillies and mares their first opportunity since the COVID-19 lockdown to secure Pearl bonuses, as well as a one-off incentive for second-placegetters running until the end of this July.
For the six remaining Pearl Series races of the 2019-20 racing season, NZB Insurance and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing will contribute an extra $3,000 to the owners of Pearl Series registered fillies or mares who finish second in any of the scheduled Pearl bonus races.
Five Pearl registered fillies and mares have been accepted for the race on Saturday in a field of up to 15 runners.
The strong line-up includes the Michael and Matthew Pitman-trained last start winner Elle Makfi who is aiming for a third Pearl bonus this year.
Since its inception, the NZB Insurance Pearl Series bonus scheme has seen millions of dollars paid out to Southern Hemisphere-bred filly and mare owners, breeders, trainers and nominators making it an integral part of the New Zealand racing industry.
Nominate your yearling filly at pearlseries.nzthoroughbred.co.nz or by emailing nztba@nzthoroughbred.co.nz. Registrations close 31 July, 2020.
