Classic surprises as NZ highest turnover race in January

Entain has revealed that the Group 3 Aotearoa Classic outpointed other major features on Karaka Millions day to be the highest race for turnover in New Zealand for January.

In its monthly company summary email, Entain confirmed that NZ$1.2 million was bet on the Aotearoa Classic, which was won by Tuxedo, via its TAB NZ and betcha brands.

It edged out the Karaka Millions 2YO, won by Australian-trained Dream Roca, which turned over $1.19 million, while the Karaka Millions 3YO, won in impressive fashion by long odds on favourite Well Written, generated $1.17 million of betting engagement.

The Railway, won by Jigsaw, was fourth overall at $1.15 million.

Overall turnover on thoroughbred racing increased 15.3 per cent year-on-year to $68 million across New Zealand racing in January.

Total racing turnover across all New Zealand and overseas racing was $190.7 million for the month.

Active racing customers grew from 114,815 in January 2025 to 131,019 in January 2026.

Overall sports turnover through Entain NZ was $122.8 million, up 53 per cent year-on-year.

The company email confirmed that betcha now has over 90,000 active customers and accounts for around 20 per cent of total turnover.