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New Zealand Bloodstock has entered into a partnership with the Newcastle Jockey Club as sponsor of the Group 3 Spring Stakes at Broadmeadow.

First run in 1987, the 3YO feature has been won by numerous G1 stars such as Ebony Grosve, Dracula, Shogun Lodge, Universal Prince, Lotteria and Hotel Grand.

Recent winners Sweynesse and Proisir have retired to stud in New Zealand and have boosted the race's standing on that side of the Tasman.

New Zealand Bloodstock already has a significant involvement with spring racing in Austrralia, sponsoring the New Zealand Bloodstock Caulfield WFA Championship and the $1 million G1 New Zealand Bloodstock Memsie Stakes.

"I see many positives in building a relationship between New Zealand Bloodstock and the Newcastle Jockey Club," said Mike Kneebone, NZB's Director of Business Development.

"The Newcastle Jockey Club boasts an excellent and popular racing and facilities and large local community support.

"The New Zealand Bloodstock Spring Stakes fits in with our breed and the timing works for both our Ready to Run Sale of Two-Year-Olds in November and our flagship Sale, the Karaka National Yearling Sale in January.

"With direct flights between Auckland and Newcastle, the city is the gateway to the iconic Hunter Valley and makes it even easier to visit Karaka.

"Our sponsorship commitment in Australia has grown in recent years, and we are committed to giving back to the industry. We also appreciate the support our provincial Australian clients give us.

Newcastle Jockey Club Chief Executive Matt Benson welcomed New Zealand Bloodstock on board as a major sponsor.

"The Newcastle Jockey Club is very excited to have commenced a relationship with New Zealand Bloodstock," he said. "We are hoping for a long-term and mutually beneficial association.

"There are some real synergies between the two organisations that we are keen to exploit, and we are looking forward to welcoming our Kiwi counterparts to Newcastle and the Hunter Valley on a regular basis."