Champions Day

  • 8 March 2025
  • Ellerslie Racecourse

Champions Day

When
8 March 2025
Start times
Gates open at 11:30am
First race starts at 1:00pm
Where
Ellerslie Racecourse
Ellerslie Racecourse

Jam packed with features that everyone wants to win

Featuring the $3.5m NZB Kiwi slot race; Jax Jones in association with The Grand Tour; the 20th edition of New Zealand's national fashions in the field final, The Ned Prix de Fashion; Trackside New Zealand Derby; Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup; Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes; Sistema Stakes; New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes; and more.

Mark your calendars—Champions Day is here to redefine Auckland’s social scene, and it’s shaping up to be the event of the season.

This brand-new spectacle introduces a game-changer for New Zealand Thoroughbred racing: the sport’s first-ever slot race, the NZB Kiwi, with a jaw-dropping $3.5 million in stakes on offer. But that’s just the beginning. The day also boasts a stellar lineup of top-tier races, including the time-honoured $1.25m Trackside New Zealand Derby, making it an event on a fast-track for international attention.

And it’s not just about the races. Off the track, there’s a feast of activities to keep you entertained between the action.

The 20th running of The Ned Prix de Fashion will see style icons from around the country compete in the ultimate national fashions in the field final – New Zealand’s answer to the Melbourne Cup’s most stylish fashion moments.

The Grand Tour Racing Festival will be in full swing on the day too, closing out the summer season in style with a major presence in The Enclosure and the famous Birdcage Bash after-party that promises to be the stuff of legends with headline act, UK DJ Jax Jones.

Families aren’t forgotten either though with free games and activities to keep the little ones entertained throughout the day.

Trust us, this one’s going to be epic.

In addition to the shared hospitality precincts listed below, private hospitality options are available. Contact us to learn more.

 

What's On Offer

Jax Jones is coming

In association with The Grand Tour, we're bringing UK DJ Jax Jones to help round off Champions Day on a high.

Having recently made DJ Mag’s Top 100 World DJs list, Jax, who has performed on Love Island UK - is set to go all out at the Birdcage Bash after party with crowd favourite tracks including OUT OUT (ft. Charli XCX), You Don’t Know Me (ft. RAYE), I Got You (ft Duke Dumont), Where Did You Go (ft. MNEK) and Tonight (D.I.Y.A) (ft. Jason Derulo, Pitbull).

2024 winner of The Ned Prix de Fashion, Sasha Boyens

The Ned Prix de Fashion

Champions Day plays host to New Zealand's fashions in the field final - The Ned Prix de Fashion - the most sought-after racewear prize in the country.

With over $15,000 in prizes on offer thanks to The Ned and the national racewear title up for grabs, the style stakes are set higher than ever on March 8.

The Ned Prix de Fashion 2025

The Grand Tour

The Grand Tour is farewelling New Zealand's summer party season on a high at Champions Day.

From all-day music and entertainment in The Enclosure, to helping us bring you JAX JONES to the Birdcage Bash after the last race, your day is going to go up a notch thanks to The Grand Tour.

The Enclosure

FREE children's entertainment

Little ones will enjoy FREE pony rides, games & activities from the team at Kelly Sports, a mobile barnyard, a bouncy castle and other outdoor games to enjoy (subject to weather conditions).

Plus! Under 15s get free general admission (no ticket required for them).

Learn more

Tickets & Hospitality

Feature Races

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    Group 1 Trackside NZ Derby

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    NZB Kiwi

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    Group 1 Bonecrusher NZ Stakes

  • Race
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    Group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes

  • Race
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    Group 1 Sistema Stakes

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    Group 2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup

  • Race
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    Group 3 AL Basti Equiworld Dubai Sunline Vase

  • Race
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    Haunui Farm King's Plate

Need a stable for the night?

If you require accommodation in Auckland to rest your hooves following a big day trackside, our partner SkyCity Auckland has you covered.

SkyCity Auckland offers a trio of exceptional accommodations that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences with SkyCity HotelThe Grand by SkyCity, and Horizon by SkyCity.

We’re excited to offer our racegoers an exclusive 20% discount on the standard room rate at these three locations, valid until the end of March 2025.

Simply click the hyperlinks above to automatically apply the discount to your booking.

 

Learn more

    Our thanks to

    Major Partners