The New Zealand Pattern Committee, which evaluates the status of the country's group and listed race each year, announced the 1600m Wingatui feature would remain a group 3 event next season.
The committee released a report that showed no change to the lower South Island feature race programme earlier this week.
The White Robe Lodge was downgraded to listed status by the pattern committee last year.
But, a successful appeal resulted in the race retaining its group 3 status for another season, although it came with a warning that it was a final opportunity for the race to get the quality of field required to retain its group rating.
This year's running featured highly-rated horses Gallant Boy, Princess Brook, Kolonel Kev and winner Tommy Tucker.
The committee's report offered almost no insight into details on how race saved its group rating other than by saying it believes the weight-for-age pattern is working well and should remain as is.
News of the White Robe Lodge retaining its group status was seen as a major victory for southern racing by race sponsor and Wingatui stalwart Brian Anderton.
"Its brilliant news," he said.
"It's the only group 3 race south of the Waitaki so for it to keep its status is a bit of a coup."
" Over all of the years it has been run there hasn't been a bad horse win it."
There is every chance last year's winner Tommy Tucker will return to defend his crown next year at the age of 10. The gelding has no injury worries and a zest for life to suggest he is a long way from retirement.
