The New Zealand Jumping season is underway, and this year there are three unique events – under the umbrella of Hot Toddies and Turf Jump Fest - at Hastings, Riccarton Park in Christchurch, and Matamata.

Jumps racing (that’s steeplechases and hurdles to those in the know) has a long standing history in New Zealand. The sport was first developed by the English and Irish Hunt fields, where members of the Hunt would race their horses cross-country from church steeple to church steeple, hence “steeplechase”. Over time the sport moved onto a prepared track with man-made obstacles to mimic those encountered in the countryside.

In New Zealand, Jumps races were originally run by hunt clubs where rider, horse and hound would set off in pursuit of their prey across some of New Zealand’s most picturesque countryside. Some of these clubs still hold race meetings today such as the Hawke’s Bay Hunt Club and the Papakura Hunt Club, the first official hunt to be established in New Zealand.

Jump racing is an eagerly awaited feature of the winter New Zealand thoroughbred racing circuit. The Hot Toddies and Turf Fest Jump Fest events celebrate the very best of the traditional atmosphere and entertainment, celebrating New Zealand Jumps racing. This winter, Hot Toddies and Turf Jump Fest events will feature in Hastings on 28 June, Riccarton on 9 August and Matamata on 28 September.

Observe the splendour of local huntsmen and hounds and revel in the best hunting traditions, like the ‘stirrup cup’ – a wee dram before the hunt! Soak up the cosy pub atmosphere and put your duck-calling and fly-casting skills to the test between hurdles at a Hot Toddies and Turf Jump Fest near you.