5 things you should know about the Karaka Million

With the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Million just around the corner, we’ve rounded up five quick facts about this unmissable event taking place here at Ellerslie this Auckland Anniversary Weekend (Saturday 25 January).

1.) The Karaka Million is the richest raceday in New Zealand – and we’ve even heard murmurs it’s the country’s richest sporting event

2.) The night boasts two $1 million races – the $1,000,000 Karaka Million 2YO (for two-year-old horses) and the $1,000,000 Karaka Million 3YO Classic (for three-year-old horses)

$1,000,000 Karaka Million 2YO hopeful, Play That Song, after her win here at Ellerslie at the SkyCity New Year’s Day Races

3.) Hosted here at Ellerslie Racecourse on the eve of the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales Series, the Karaka Million attracts an audience of the international ‘who’s who’ of racing. Don’t be surprised if you rub shoulders with a Sheikh or a casual multi-millionaire on the dance floor

4.) We really do ‘light up the night’ with the Karaka Million playing host to our annual fireworks display once the horses are safely tucked up in bed

Once the horses have gone to bed, we light up the night with a professional fireworks display

5.) The two million dollar races are only open to horses sold through the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales Series and places for these races are highly sought-after and contested with 2YOs earning a place in their respective race based on stakes money won across the season, and the 3YOs earning theirs by their rating.

2019’s $1,000,000 Karaka Million 2YO race winner, Probabeel, who is returning in 2020 for a crack at the $1,000,000 Karaka Million 3YO Classic