Cover image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
It has been an exciting 24 hours for the New Zealand racing and breeding industry; on Thursday, New Zealand Bloodstock announced two new initiatives set to boost the domestic racing scene and attract international participation.
On the back of another outstanding season by New Zealand-bred graduates domestically and internationally, there arguably is no better time for the announcement that New Zealand Bloodstock’s iconic Karaka Millions Twilight Meeting has formed a five-year partnership with TAB, the New Zealand betting brand operated by Entain Australia and New Zealand.
The partnership will see TAB secure the naming rights to the TAB Karaka Millions Twilight Meeting and its two lucrative incentive races held for graduates of the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Sales, the R. Listed TAB Karaka Millions 2YO and the R. Listed TAB Karaka Millions 3YO.
The partnership announcement has put extra enthusiasm in the smile of New Zealand Bloodstock Managing Director Andrew Seabrook.
Andrew Seabrook | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
“We’re thrilled about the five-year partnership with Entain,” Seabrook told TTR AusNZ.
“Their short involvement in New Zealand has been met with great enthusiasm by everyone here, and we’re delighted that they’re on board with us and so enthusiastic about the industry in New Zealand.
“Entain has really entered New Zealand at a crucial time for us going forward.”
Karaka Millions 3YO to NZ$1.5 million
Alongside the five-year partnership announcement with Entain, New Zealand Bloodstock, with the support of NZTR, will be boosting the prizemoney of the R. Listed TAB Karaka Millions 3YO to NZ$1.5 million from 2024, an increase of half a million dollars, while the R. Listed TAB Karaka Millions 2YO will remain at NZ $1million.
The 2 and 3-year-old features are restricted to Karaka series nominated graduates. However, New Zealand Bloodstock and NZTR is pleased to announce a NZ$1 million 4-year-old mile race, which will not be limited to Karaka graduates.
The NZ$1 million 4-year-old feature will be held on Karaka Millions Day in January and open to all horses. The race should serve as an attractive option for Australian-based horses and connections to compete on New Zealand’s flagship day.
The prizemoney injection will see the Karaka Millions Raceday maintain its position as New Zealand’s richest meeting and set up a tantalizing kick-off for the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales Series at Karaka.
“The Karaka Million will be rebranded the Karaka Millions. We’ve got three NZ$1 million races now. It has the richest race in New Zealand at NZ$1.5 million on offer for the 3-year-olds. There is four million on offer for six races, which is just fantastic,” Seabrook told TTR AusNZ.
“The meeting will serve as a great entree to the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale Series.
“Entain, with NZTR’s support, has recognised the significance of the Karaka Millions Raceday on the calendar, so we are really pleased with their support to take the meeting to the next level.”
NZ$1 million race to appeal to Aussies
Seabrook is hopeful that adding a NZ$1 million open mile race for 4-year-olds will see participation from Australian gallopers and connections.
Seabrook told TTR AusNZ, “It’s also really exciting to offer a NZ$1 million four-year-old open mile race that all horses are eligible for, and it’s not just for NZB horses. We believe the mile race is an attractive option for Australian horses to come over and participate.”
“We believe the mile race is an attractive option for Australian horses to come over and participate.” - Andrew Seabrook
Cameron Rodger, managing director - New Zealand, Entain Australia and New Zealand, echoed Seabrook’s comments on the Karaka Millions Raceday and is also hopeful that the NZ$1 million 4-year-old mile attracts participation from Australia.
“We have watched the Karaka Millions grow from its inception in 2008 to the blue-riband raceday it is today.
“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 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...” - Cameron Rodger
“We’re also establishing a Travel Incentive Scheme, which commits up to NZ$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.”
For Seabrook, the announcement of the prizemoney boost and the partnership with Entain is part of a renaissance for the domestic New Zealand racing scene.
“There is still a long way to go, but we’re heading in the right direction. Many positive things are happening in New Zealand,” Seabrook told TTR AusNZ.
“The stakes money is increasing in the new season, the Karaka Millions meeting, the engagement of Entain. Other things will be announced over time.
“There’s some real light at the end of the tunnel for us.”
