This article is sponsored and provided by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing
The TAB Karaka Millions has firmly established itself as the pinnacle event on New Zealand’s racing calendar.
Held annually at Ellerslie Racecourse, this iconic six-race twilight meeting launches the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales Series week, showcasing premier racing talent from across New Zealand and beyond.
This year’s event comes amid a remarkable resurgence for New Zealand racing, fuelled by substantial prizemoney increases and exciting innovations driven by the recent strategic partnering arrangement with global betting powerhouse Entain.
As part of the transformative changes to New Zealand’s Summer racing calendar announced by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) in 2024, the 2025 TAB Karaka Millions will also include the prestigious Group 1 Railway Stakes (1200m), now boasting a NZ$700,000 purse.
The Railway joins an impressive line-up of feature races, including:
- NZ$600,000 Group 2 Westbury Classic (1400m)
- NZ$250,000 Group 3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1200m)
- NZ$1 million Listed TAB Karaka Million 2YO (1200m)
- NZ$1.5 million Listed Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m)
- NZ$1 million Listed Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m, 4YO race)
The addition of the Railway Stakes to the TAB Karaka Millions night lineup has paved the way for the event's inclusion in the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s World Pool. This international partnership ensures access to substantial liquidity for punters, enhancing the betting experience and solidifying Ellerslie Racecourse as a venue of global significance.
In addition to high-class equine talent, some of Australia’s top Jockeys are set to descend on Ellerslie, with star Victorian riders Blake Shinn and Craig Williams both booked for the meeting.
The stakes are higher than ever for connections, with horses aiming to qualify for the NZ$1 million NZB Kiwi Bonus Pool. This Bonus is triggered by winning either Group 3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy or the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO Classic, provided the horse goes on to contest and run a top three placing in the newly introduced $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) Slot Race.
The NZB Kiwi was announced in 2024 and is part of the newly established Champions Day on Saturday 8 March 2025, also at Ellerslie Racecourse. The Southern Hemisphere’s richest 3YO race recently saw Caulfield Guineas-placegetter Evaporate (NZ) declared to run in the TAB slot for Entain New Zealand, alongside others including promising Te Akau Racing filly and last year’s TAB Karaka Millions 2YO runner up – Damask Rose (NZ).
The TAB Karaka Millions meeting has also become synonymous with the Boys Get Paid (BGP) Punters Club, which runs its annual campaign during the event. Last year, the Club’s betting pot grew to an impressive NZ$1.2 million, culminating in New Zealand’s largest-ever bet - a $454,545.46 all-up wager on Legarto (NZ) and Orchestral (NZ).While only half of the pot was returned after Legarto’s upset loss, the BGP team is back in 2025, eager for redemption and ready to deliver another memorable experience for its members.
The action kicks off on Saturday 25 January 2025.
Key Races and Highlights
TAB Karaka Millions 2YO
The NZ$1m Listed TAB Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) is a marquee race, showcasing elite juveniles purchased from NZB’s National Yearling Sales Series. With a $1 million purse, it serves as a platform for future stars. The 14-horse field for this year’s race is led by:
- Too Sweet (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) – NZ$164,400
- Intention (NZ) (Bivouac) – NZ$111,625
- La Dorada (NZ) (Super Seth) – NZ$64,625
- Landlock (NZ) (Merchant Navy) – NZ$57,375
- Almakeitgood (NZ) (Ardrossan) – NZ$41,610
- Toretto (NZ) (Ardrossan) – NZ$40,525
Victorian contender Hello Romeo (NZ) (Hello Youmzain), trained by Ben, Will, and JD Hayes, has arrived in New Zealand and made the most of Ellerslie’s pre-gallop sessions for horses entered in the TAB Karaka Million meeting. Currently, he holds 10th place on the 2YO Order of Entry.
TAB Karaka Millions 3YO Classic
The NZ$1.5m Listed Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) attracts standout three-year-olds, many using the race as a final lead-up to the NZ$3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) on 8 March. Potential contenders include:
- Savaglee (NZ) (Savabeel) – Group 1 winner and current leader, rated 84.
- Yaldi (NZ) – Group 2 Auckland Guineas winner, rated 76.
- Damask Rose (NZ) – Last year’s Karaka Million 2YO runner-up, with Group 3 credentials this season, rated 75.
Sponsored Content
TAB Karaka Millions Race Schedule
Day One: Saturday 25 January 2025
- NZ$1m Listed TAB Karaka Million 2YO (1200m)
- NZ$1.5m Listed Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m)
- NZ$1m Listed Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m 4YO race)
- NZ$700,000 Group 1 Sistema Railway Stakes (1200m)
- NZ$600,000 Westbury Classic (1400m)
- NZ$250k Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1200m)
Day Two: Saturday 1 February 2025
- NZ$120,000 Group 3 Colin Jillings 2YO Classic (1200m)
- NZ$100,000 Listed Fulton Family Stakes (1500m)
- Six additional feature races with diverse conditions and distances.
The 2025 TAB Karaka Millions meeting is set to be a spectacular celebration of racing excellence and entertainment, further elevating New Zealand’s prominence on the global racing stage.
This article is sponsored and provided by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing
