New Zealand’s richest raceday will be further enhanced in 2024 with stakes increases and the launch of a new partnership announced today for New Zealand Bloodstock’s iconic Karaka Millions Twilight Meeting.
In a series of positive announcements, the prize money for the feature three-year-old race for sales graduates will be boosted to $1.5 million from 2024, an increase of half a million dollars.
The feature two-year-old race for sales graduates remains at $1 million, while the addition of a $1 million four-year-old mile race, open to all horses, takes the six-race card for the Karaka Millions Twilight Meeting to a whole new level.
In another exciting development, NZB and TAB, the New Zealand betting brand operated by Entain Australia and New Zealand, have formed a five-year partnership, securing TAB the naming rights to the TAB Karaka Millions Twilight Meeting and its two lucrative incentive races for graduates of the Karaka sales.
NZB’s Managing Director Andrew Seabrook is delighted to have the iconic New Zealand brand onboard, noting that both parties share similar ambitions for the Karaka Millions and the wider racing industry.
Invigorated by its recent strategic partnering agreement, Entain recognises the universal appeal the Karaka Millions holds for punters and industry participants alike.
"We have watched the Karaka Million grow from its inception in 2008 to the blue-riband raceday it is today,” says Cameron Rodger, Managing Director – New Zealand, Entain Australia and New Zealand.
“We know this raceday and the yearling sales that follow are hugely important to the fortunes of New Zealand racing and breeding, New Zealand Bloodstock is a great success story in New Zealand racing, and we’re proud to partner with them for this amazing event.”
“We’re also establishing a Travel Incentive Scheme, which commits up to $150,000 towards a scheme developed with New Zealand Bloodstock to attract Australian-based horses to run in the Karaka feature events. Having Australian-based horses in these races will create a great opportunity to grow the audience in Australia.”
The TAB Karaka Millions Twilight Meeting will be held on the eve of the Karaka 2024 National Yearling Sales Series, Saturday 27 January 2024.
Kicking off the week-long selling extravaganza, Book 1 of the National Yearling Sales Series will commence the next day at the Karaka Sales Centre from Sunday 28 to Tuesday 30 January, followed by Book 2 running from Wednesday 31 January to Friday 2 February.
For any enquiries regarding the Karaka Millions and partnership between NZB and Entain, contact Client & PR Manager Jessie Gower on jessie.gower@nzb.co.nz or call +64 21 524 443.
