New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing is thrilled to announce its support for an additional stakes increase to the nation’s most lucrative raceday, New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Millions Twilight meeting, one of the highlights of the Auckland Thoroughbred Racing calendar.

Held on 27 January 2024, prizemoney for the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) feature will receive a substantial boost, with NZB sales graduates now competing for a $1.5 million prizepool – an increase of half a million dollars. 

This enhancement comes off the back of NZTR's strategic funding announcement, which included a $20.3 million increase in prizemoney for the 2023/24 racing season. A $1 Million 4YO Open Mile race was also announced by NZTR as part of this initiative, set to be held at the 2024 Karaka Millions Twilight meeting.

NZTR's Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Sharrock, hailed the increase as yet another positive milestone for the racing industry. 

“This is just another great development for the industry, adding to the list of enhancements we have seen over the past few months following the TAB NZ and Entain strategic partnering arrangement.” 

“The addition of $500k in stakes to the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO race, as well as a $1 million 4YO Open Mile can only be beneficial for the event and wagering growth. 

“It’s also great to see Entain’s establishment of a Travel Incentive Scheme, committing up to $150k for Australian-based horses to run in the Karaka Millions feature event and further lifting the standard of racing for both the industry and punters. 

“The Karaka Millions has established itself as one of the true features on New Zealand’s racing calendar. NZTR thoroughly embraces the continued elevation of our national sport and we are thrilled to have worked alongside NZB to achieve this.

“We also congratulate Entain and NZB on their recently formed partnership, which will continue to grow the entire week of selling for NZB and further develop the success of the sales and racing event,” Sharrock said.