The summer racing calendar revitalisation announced in early 2024 presented opportunities for New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) to focus on building a world-class racing calendar that has the ability to attract international participation and drive wagering growth. The following programme changes further support this joint initiative alongside Entain and the NZ Pattern Committee.  

Karaka Millions

The Sistema Railway's prize money has increased to $700,000, up from the previously announced $600,000, and will be run on Karaka Millions night 25 January 2025. The Almanzor Trophy will remain in its traditional position on Karaka Millions night to maintain the two-week gap to the BCD Sprint.

The Fulton Family Stakes will now be run on 1 February 2025 at Ellerslie, along with the Taranaki 2-year-old Classic, which has been transferred from New Plymouth to Ellerslie and renamed the Colin Jillings 2-year-old Classic.

The Aotearoa Classic has been upgraded to Listed following its initial running and will remain on Karaka Millions night to be run for $1 million in prize money.  

Wellington Cup Carnival

The TAB Telegraph moves one week earlier to Saturday 4 January to create a three-week gap leading into the Sistema Railway 25 January.

As a result of the Asian Pattern Committee confirmation to downgrade the Levin Classic from a Group 1 to Group 2, the stake of this race will reduce from $650k to $400k (still to be confirmed) and joins the heritage race funding at this level.

The Al Basti Equiworld Dubai NZ Oaks will be run for $1 million in prize money this season. The race has come under pressure over past seasons, and this is seen as a positive move to ensure the race remains the target for New Zealand's best staying fillies.

Other Key Changes

• The Brighthill Farm Concorde Handicap moves to Saturday 7 December. 
• The Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes has been upgraded to Listed with prizemoney of $120,000
• The Wakefield Challenge Stakes moves to 21 December 2024
• As previously announced, The Ōtaki-Māori Racing Club WFA Classic will now be run at Ellerslie on Eagle Technology Avondale Cup & Guineas Day, Saturday 22 February 2025.
• Although the Avondale Cup has been downgraded from Group 2 to Group 3, it will still be run for the previously announced stake of $250,000
• Timaru Stakes will now be run over 1200m at Riccarton Saturday 25 January leading into the James Hazlett Stakes at Wingatui over 1400m on 8 February and culminating in The White Robe Lodge Weight For Age over 1600m on 1 March 2024.
• The Eulogy Stakes moves to 21 December 2024.
• The Listed NZB Insurance will now be run on Boxing Day at Wingatui to avoid a direct clash with the Dunedin Guineas in March.

 The full breakdown of the summer racing carnival can be found here.