With the support of Dunstan Feeds, the Auckland Racing Club (ARC) is pleased to announce a new series of races to be held during the summer months. The Dunstan Feeds Rising Stars Championship will start at Counties on SsangYong Counties Cup Day on Saturday, 19 November and will culminate with an $80,000 1500 metre final on Boxing Day at Ellerslie. To be eligible for the Dunstan Feeds Rising Stars Championship, horses must not have won more than three flat races at the time of nomination (Monday, 14 November). Like the very successful Dunstan Stayers Championship, horses competing in the 24 qualifying races will earn points – points that will determine the final field. The qualifying races will range from Rating 65 to Rating 85 over distances between 1200 and 1600 metres. Of the 24 qualifying races, 15 will be run in the Northern Region, 8 in the Central Districts and 1 in the South Island. Craig Baker – Executive General Manager of Racing and Operations commented “it is exciting to be able to roll out another race series during November and December with the final on Boxing Day – one of New Zealand’s biggest race days. What makes it more special is the fact that the ARC has been able to again partner with Dunstan Feeds, the long-time sponsor of the Dunstan Feeds Stayers Championship.’’ David Smith – Principal for Dunstan Feeds commented “Dunstan Feeds is very pleased to be able to extend their involvement with the ARC and the New Zealand industry generally. The Dunstan Feeds Stayers Championship has been very successful so it is very exciting to expand on that with the Dunstan Feeds Rising Stars Championship and therefore creating the Dunstan Feeds Double”. For more information on the Dunstan Feeds Rising Stars Championship including qualifying races and closing dates, please contact Craig Baker – Executive General Manager – Racing and Operations at craigb@ellerslie.co.nz or 09 522 3818.