Yet more history will be made by the Wanganui Jockey Club on Sunday when it runs the Wanganui Steeplechase for the second time in the same calendar year.
Wanganui is already the oldest club still racing at the same venue in New Zealand and the Wanganui Steeplechase is possibly the oldest (or second oldest at least) jumps race in the country. The event, however, was resurrected on May 8 this year after an 18-year hiatus. It was won by Hastings visitor Bally Heights for trainer Paul Nelson and jockey Aaron Kuru. Bally Heights is in again on Sunday.
New Zealand's jumps racing statistician Chris McQuaid said the Wanganui Steeplechase was first run in 1875, the same year at the Grand National Steeplechase at Riccarton.
"They were both first run in 1875, but it depends on which date to determine the older of the two - that's not clear," he said.
Of course, the Grand National has been run continuously, while the Wanganui Steeplechase took a break between 1996 and May this year when it was reintroduced with Jolt Coffee House the sponsor.