Winners of 10 designated lead-up races to next year's $4 million The NZB Kiwi (1500m) will be in line for their share of a $1 million bonus if they can place in next year's slot race at Ellerslie.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) on Friday confirmed the bonus pool - $600,000 awarded to the winner, $250,000 to second place, and $150,000 to third place - and the races that will be eligible for connections targeting the second edition of The NZB Kiwi.
The races are the Group 2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m), the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) and 1000 Guineas (1600m), the Auckland Guineas (1600m), the Levin Classic (1400m), Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) and the Almanzor Trophy (1200m).
The BCD Group Sprint (1400m) and the Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m) form part of the program as does the already run Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m), won by La Dorada.
“We’ll also continue to ensure this highly publicised event is promoted strongly both here in New Zealand and internationally, and we’re looking forward to delivering a standout race on Champions Day in partnership with our premier sponsor New Zealand Bloodstock, the team at Auckland Thoroughbred Racing, and Entain Australia and New Zealand,” NZTR chief executive Matt Ballesty said.
The second edition of the $4 million NZB Kiwi will be run at Ellerslie on March 7.
