Barfoot & Thompson Champions Day

  • 8 March 2025
  • Ellerslie Racecourse

Barfoot & Thompson Champions Day

When
8 March 2025
Start times
Gates open at 11:30am
First race starts at 12:15pm
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 – Barfoot & Thompson 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, making it the country’s richest ever annual sporting event. But that’s just the beginning. The day also boasts a stellar lineup of top-tier races, including the time-honoured Trackside New Zealand Derby and Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup, 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 equivalent.

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 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 LIVE

In association with The Grand Tour, we're bringing UK DJ Jax Jones to help round off Barfoot & Thompson 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).

Over $8m in stakes

Barfoot & Thompson Champions Day is New Zealand's richest annual sporting event, offering sport's fastest cash-grab in the $3.5m NZB Kiwi.

Add to that x4 Group 1 races, the iconic Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup and more... and it's easy to see why the grandstands are set to come alive here at Ellerslie on 8 March.

Learn more
2024 winner of The Ned Prix de Fashion, Sasha Boyens

The Ned Prix de Fashion

New Zealand's fashions in the field final - The Ned Prix de Fashion - is back, offering 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

Free for all

Need a touchup on raceday? The Barfoot & Thompson Glam Lounge has you covered.

Open from 11.30am - 5.30pm, gallop in to enjoy a complimentary hair and makeup touchup compliments of Barfoot & Thompson and a complimentary shoe shine from the Club.

Visit Barfoot & Thompson online

Tee Off With TAB

Join TAB on 6 March for a day of golf at Muriwai Golf Course.

Thanks to TAB, the per-player cost has been subsidised, making this a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a great day out with the racing community alongside legendary jockey, Glen Boss.

Learn more

The Grand Tour

The Grand Tour is farewelling New Zealand's summer party season on a high on Barfoot & Thompson 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, face painting, 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

Get that raceday glow

Get $5 off any tanning service at Tan In The City (Ponsonby or Remuera salons).

All you have to do is show your ticket to the team when you arrive for your appointment in salon or add the code ELLERSLIERACES24 when booking your appointment and you’re golden!

Book now

Style Code

Racegoers are encouraged to get behind the celebration of the big event and wear pops of colour fit for a day under the sun.

Dress code

Tickets & Hospitality

Feature Races

  • Race
    08
    Start
    16:32
    Name

    $3.5m NZB Kiwi (Listed)

  • Race
    09
    Start
    17:07
    Name

    $1.25m Trackside New Zealand Derby (G1)

  • Race
    TBC
    Start
    TBC
    Name

    $1m Bonecrusher NZ Stakes (G1)

  • Race
    TBC
    Start
    TBC
    Name

    HKJC World Pool New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (G1; $600k)

  • Race
    06
    Start
    15:21
    Name

    Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (G2; $600k)

  • Race
    TBC
    Start
    TBC
    Name

    Sistema Stakes (G1; $550k)

  • Race
    TBC
    Start
    TBC
    Name

    Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Sunline Vase (G3; $250k)

  • Race
    TBC
    Start
    TBC
    Name

    Haunui Farm King's Plate (G3; $250k)

  • Race
    TBC
    Start
    TBC
    Name

    Entain / NZB Pearl Series Final ($120k)

  • Race
    TBC
    Start
    TBC
    Name

    Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy ($100k)

Watch

New Zealand's richest annual sporting event is on its way

Here's a taste as to what you might experience on course here at Ellerslie on Barfoot & Thompson Champions Day.

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