The Captain Cook Stakes became the Captain Cook Stakes in 1977 after it was originally called the Marlboro Stakes. 

Since then it has been taken out by some of New Zealand’s finest thoroughbreds. Copper Belt was the first winner for Kevin Gray and the past winners include the likes of Solveig for Trevor McKee and Colin Curnow, Rough Habit for John Wheeler and Ballroom Babe for Graeme Sanders. 

In 2009 the Captain Cook Stakes was moved to December to avoid a clash with the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival and the winners since have resulted in a benefit from the change.

 

Many older types have won, excluding Danzdanzdance which scored nicely in 2018. The more experienced types, which have been saved for the race seem to excel.

The Captain Cook Stakes is a great form guide for the Zabeel Classic later that month and Danzdanzdance is the latest runner to complete the double. 

Held over 1600m at Trentham, the Captain Cook Stakes is often won by New Zealand’s best middle-distance horses but sprinters also have a good record in the race. 

Champion sprinter Mufhasa was a winner in 2011 for Stephen McKee and that was followed up with a win by Final Touch for South Island trainers John & Karen Parsons. 

Despite being a weight-for-age race, it’s often won by the older types. Julinsky Prince and Aide Memoire went back-to-back in 2015 and 2016 for minor upset results.

 

Shuka scored consecutive Captain Cook Stakes wins in 2013 and 2014.