Friday Flash – 10th May 2024

Million Dollar Maiden Series Boost for Karaka Millions

Karaka Millions riches are set to be amplified next season, with horses eligible for the lucrative NZB Karaka Millions Series racing for an additional $1m in bonuses. In an exciting new initiative, NZB and NZTR, generously supported by Entain, are delighted to announce the Karaka Millions 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.

NZB Managing Director Andrew Seabrook said NZB has been wanting to see more of its sales graduates reap the benefits of the Karaka Millions Series for some time. “By hosting a $1m maiden series over 40 races, that goal will be well and truly satisfied,” he said. “I’d like to thank Bruce Sharrock, Cameron George and the NZTR Board for their continued support of NZB and the Karaka Millions Series. ”Because of NZTR’s financial contribution, we were able to raise the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO to $1.5m this year which in turn led to a much larger uptake in nominations. As a result of that we are now able to introduce this new maiden series, which will get to the grass roots of racing in this country. I’d also like to thank Dean Shannon, Lachlan Fitt, Cameron Rodger and their wider team, whose contribution to this new initiative underscores Entain’s desire to see our industry thrive at every level.”

NZTR will determine which 40 maiden races will feature in the 24/25 season Series, which will run from September to May of each racing year. The selected races will be announced next week with NZTR Chief Executive Officer Bruce Sharrock pleased to see additional bonuses elevate the New Zealand racing product across the board.

“NZTR is proud to be working with NZB and Entain to bring an additional million dollars in bonus funding to benefit owners and trainers across the regions,” he said. “Following on from other collaborations recently, this is yet another initiative to encourage people to breed, purchase and race horses in New Zealand.”

In 2023 Entain partnered with NZB as naming sponsor of the TAB Karaka Millions Twilight Meeting; the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and the $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m). Entain’s additional support of the Karaka Millions Mega Maiden Series further strengthens that partnership and signals their confidence in the lucrative Karaka Millions Series.

“This is a great initiative that we envisage will boost field sizes across the country,” Entain Australia and New Zealand Managing Director – New Zealand, Cameron Rodger said. “Having $25,000 worth of bonuses to chase in a maiden race will undoubtedly encourage Kiwi owners and trainers to keep striving for that maiden win. This series, as well as series like the Entain NZB Insurance Pearl Series, means there are more bonus opportunities for more horses in New Zealand than ever before.”