Zabeel Classic

The Zabeel Classic is a Group One Thoroughbred horse race run at weight-for-age over a distance of 2000 metres at Ellerslie Racecourse in Auckland, New Zealand. It is held on Boxing Day, a raceday steeped in tradition that frequently attracts in excess of 20,000 Aucklanders to the famous course.

The Zabeel Classic is named in honour of Zabeel, son of Sir Tristram and four-time New Zealand champion sire. The race was formerly known as the Auckland Classic, Oaks Stud Classic and the Japan Racing Association Classic.

List of winners
+ The race was moved from January to December in 2005.

Ellerslie Boxing day meeting
On this day, as well as the Zabeel Classic, Ellerslie holds 9 other races including:


 * the Newmarket Handicap - 1200m Open $90,000 (2023).
 * the Dunstan Horsefeeds Stayers Championship Final - 2400m special conditions $125,000 (2023)
 * the Auckland Guineas - Group 2, 1400m for 3YO horses - $225,000 (2023)
 * the Stella Artois 1500 Championship Final - special conditions $110,000 (2023).
 * the Eight Carat Classic - Group 2, 1600m 3YO fillies set weight $225,000 (2023).

All 10 races at the 2023 meeting had stakes of $80,000 or more.