Karaka Millions Series
Millions of Reasons
New Zealand's richest racing series has been enhanced further, with the Karaka Millions Series offering graduates of NZB’s Sales the opportunity to compete for a share in the TAB Karaka Millions races.
Just twelve short months after the yearlings make their sale ring debut, they are eligible to compete in the lucrative $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO race and another twelve months later they will be able to contest the boosted $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO race.
Plus in an exciting new initiative, NZB and NZTR, generously supported by Entain, the NZB Mega Maiden Series sees $1m in bonuses up for grabs across 40 maiden races each season, for the next three years.
Comprised of 40 non-Saturday maiden races located throughout New Zealand, a $25,000 bonus will be struck if a Karaka Millions eligible horse, three years or older, wins. The winning owner will take home $20,000 and the successful trainer $5,000. Read more about the NZB Mega Maiden Series here.
The “KM” logo displayed on the nominations and fields produced by NZTR denotes that the horse is qualified for a start in the two TAB-sponsored features for graduates, as well as the NZB Mega Maiden Series races.
All yearlings and weanlings purchased at Karaka are eligible for the Series. To nominate your purchase following a Sale, email finance@nzb.co.nz or call +64 9 298 0055. Entry deadlines apply, check the Terms & Conditions for the relevant sale for which the horse was purchased from.
The Race Towards the 2025 TAB Karaka Millions 2YO
During the incredible 2025 TAB Karaka Millions Raceday, Te Akau Racing reigned supreme for the eight time in the last nine years, in the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie with a dazzling performance by La Dorada (NZ) (Super Seth) in Saturday’s juvenile showpiece.
La Dorada was bought by David Ellis for $190,000 from the Book 1 draft of breeders Waikato Stud at Karaka 2024. Ellis had previously purchased seven consecutive Karaka Millions 2YO winners between 2017 and 2023 - Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands), Avantage (Fastnet Rock), Probabeel (NZ) (Savabeel), Cool Aza Beel (NZ) (Savabeel), On The Bubbles (Brazen Beau), Dynastic (NZ) (Almanzor) and Tokyo Tycoon (NZ) (Satono Aladdin).
$1.5 million Opportunity in the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO
The $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) is becoming one of the brightest highlights on the New Zealand racing calendar.
A year after a gallant second in the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) in only the second race of her career, high-class filly Damask Rose (NZ) (Savabeel) came back and went one better in the $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) at Ellerslie on Saturday.
Damask Rose was a $200,000 purchase by David Ellis from Milan Park’s Book 1 draft at Karaka 2023.
$1 million NZB Mega Maiden Bonuses
Announced in May 2024, Karaka Millions riches are set to be amplified from the 24/25 season, with horses eligible for the lucrative Karaka Millions Series eligible to race for an additional $1m in bonuses.
In an exciting new initiative, NZB and NZTR, generously supported by Entain, are delighted to announce the NZB Mega Maiden Series, which will see $1m in bonuses up for grabs across 40 maiden races each season, for the next three years.
Comprised of 40 non-Saturday maiden races located throughout New Zealand, a $25,000 bonus will be struck if a Karaka Millions eligible horse, three years or older, wins. The winning owner will take home $20,000 and the successful trainer $5,000.
Your Invite On Course in 2026
TAB Karaka Millions Raceday
Venue: Ellerslie Racecourse
Date: Saturday 24 January 2026
Dress: Cocktail Racewear
Watch: Trackside Premier, Trackside 1 or LOVERACING.nz
$1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m)
$1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m)
$1m Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic 4YO (1600m)
$600,000 Sistema Group One Railway Stakes (1200m)
$600,000 Group Two Westbury Classic (1400m)
$250,000 Group Three Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1200m)
All are welcome to round out the week at Karaka with another high stakes, high quality day of racing following Karaka 2026.
Saturday 31 January
Venue: Ellerslie Racecourse
Watch: Trackside Premier, Trackside 1 or LOVERACING.nz
$120,000 Group 2 Colin Jillings 2yo Classic (1200M)
$100,000 Listed Fulton Family Stakes (Open 1500)
Eligible Horses for 2025 Races
Horses Eligible for 2026 $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (YOB 2023)
Horses Eligible for 2026 $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (YOB 2022)
Terms & Conditions
Karaka Millions Terms & Conditions - 2025 (for 2023 Weanlings & 2024 Yearlings)
Karaka Millions Terms & Conditions - 2026 (for 2025 Yearlings)