Want your own chance at million-dollar glory?

The New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Million is a staple date in many an Aucklander’s calendar.

Featuring not one, but two $1,000,000 races,​ the event is also known as one of New Zealand’s most iconic racedays.

One thing you can’t miss when you’re trackside at the Karaka Million is the roar of the crowd, particularly as the horses in the the the two $1,000,000 races – the DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka Million 2YO and the Karaka Million 3YO Classic – thunder towards the finishing post.

Seeing the ecstatic winning owners shout, jump and hug for joy is quite the sight and, while the Karaka Million offers the country’s richest sporting purse, you might be surprised to learn how easy and accessible is to get in with a chance of owning one of these million-dollar race winners.

Today, the team from New Zealand Bloodstock break it down for you and show just how easy it can be…

Says New Zealand Bloodstock…

New Zealand Bloodstock’s (NZB’s) 97th National Yearling Sales Series is taking place from the 29th of January at their Karaka Sales Complex. The Sales feature a selection of New Zealand’s finest yearlings* all set to go through the sale ring in what will be the New Zealand thoroughbred breeding industry’s biggest week of the year.

How does the Karaka Million Series work?

The eyes of the thoroughbred world will tune in to Pukekohe Park (moved due to Ellerslie’s track renovation) on Saturday 21 January, with the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Million set to showcase two-year-old and three-year-old horses, sold through NZB’s sales, galloping for riches in these million-dollar features.

THEN, one week later, the next chance to purchase one of over 1000 of New Zealand’s best yearlings takes place when we host our annual National Yearling Sales Series at our Karaka Sales Centre.

After the Sale, each of these young horses are eligible to be nominated by their owners for NZB’s Karaka Million Series, giving them the chance to win not one, but two $1 million races for two consecutive years.

Any yearlings that are sold through the ring in 2023 can be nominated for the Karaka Million Series – something that then gives them the chance to qualify for the 2024 running of the $1,000,000 DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka Million 2YO (just 12 short months after their auction debut!) and the $1,000,000 Karaka Million 3YO Classic in 2025.

Karaka 2023 graduates are also able to race in the $120,000 Collinson Forex Karaka Cup for the remainder of their career.

Dynastic winning the $1m DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka Million 2YO in 2022

How does the sale work?

New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale Series is comprised of the ‘Book 1’ and ‘Book 2’ sales.

The Book 1 Sale includes New Zealand’s premie2 thoroughbred yearlings and runs from 29-31 January 2023.

Another quality selection of yearlings are offered in the Book 2 Sale on 1 – 3 February.

Selling commences at the Karaka Sales Centre from 11AM (NZT) on all days.

New Zealand Bloodstock’s purpose built auditorium at Karaka

Can I go to the sale?

If you’re keen to come along and see what it’s all about, NZB invites you to join them at Karaka 2023 to experience the atmosphere of a live thoroughbred sales ring environment.

It’s free entry and offers a fantastic day of entertainment surrounded by the future superstars of New Zealand’s racetracks.

What if I want to buy a horse or two?

If you want to take it a step further and get involved in an ownership capacity, with what could be the next Karaka Million winner, there will be a number of NZTR Authorised Syndicators and NZB staff at the Sale – all of whom will be more than happy to answer any ownership-related questions and even help you purchase a horse – whether it’s a 5% or 100% share.

Karaka 2023 Schedule