Mega Maiden Series
Karaka Millions riches are set to be amplified from the 24/25 season, with horses eligible for the lucrative 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 NZB 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 NZB 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.”
For more information on the new NZB Mega Maiden Series, contact NZB's Client Relations & PR Manager Jessie Gower (+64 21 524 443 or [email protected]) or NZTR's Communications and PR Lead Catlyn Calder (+64 27 252 2803 or [email protected]).
NZB Karaka Millions Maiden Series Races for 2024/25 Season
Karaka Millions riches are set to be amplified next season, with horses eligible for the lucrative Karaka Millions Series racing for an additional $1m in bonuses.
This exciting series is comprised of 40 non-Saturday Maiden races to be run from September 2024 through to May 2025.
A $25,000 bonus will be struck if a Karaka Millions eligible horse, three years or older, wins one of the races shown below. The winning owner(s) will receive $20,000 and the successful trainer $5,000.
“This series is a great opportunity to boost field sizes across the country outside of our premier racedays, and will give those Karaka Million Eligible horses a chance to compete for a significant bonus,” Darin Balcombe, NZTR COO said
“The selected races provide a spread of region and distance to provide maximum opportunity. We are excited to bring this series to the regions.”
The following conditions also apply to the 40 NZB Mega Maiden Series races:
- No horse that is KM eligible will be given preference in terms of entry to a race, normal maiden balloting conditions will apply.
- In the event of a KM Bonus race being divided KM Eligible horses will be placed in one race. This will be given priority.
| Date | Club & Venue | Race Condition & Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 20 September | Taupo RC@Taupo | Mdn 1200m |
| Sunday 22 September | Waverley RC@Waverley | Mdn 1200m |
| Wednesday 25 September | Sth Canterbury@Timaru | Mdn 1200m |
| Sunday 29 September | Te Aroha JC@Te Aroha | Mdn 1200m |
| Wednesday 16 October | ATR@Pukekohe Park | Mdn 1600m |
| Wednesday 23 October | Gore RC@Gore | Mdn 1335m |
| Thursday 24 October | Taranaki RI@New Plymouth | Mdn 1400m |
| Wednesday 30 October | Te Aroha JC@Te Aroha | Mdn 1200m |
| Sunday 3 November | Otaki-Maori RC@Otak | Mdn 1200m |
| Thursday 21 November | Sth Canterbury RC@Timaru | Mdn 1600m |
| Wednesday 27 November | Te Aroha JC@Te Aroha | Mdn 2200m |
| Wednesday 11 December | Hawke’s Bay RI@Hastings | Mdn 2000m |
| Wednesday 18 December | Whangarei RC@Ruakaka | Mdn 1400m |
| Wednesday 18 December | Ashburton RC@Ashburton | Mdn 1200m |
| Wednesday 1 January | Riverton RC@Riverton | Mdn 1400m |
| Thursday 2 January | Racing Tauranga@Tauranga | Mdn 1200m |
| Thursday 16 January | WTR@Te Rapa | Mdn 1600m |
| Monday 20 January | Wanganui JC@Whanganui | Mdn 1340m |
| Thursday 23 January | Southland RC@Invercargill | Mdn 1600m |
| Wednesday 29 January | Hawke’s Bay RI@Hastings | Mdn 1200m |
| Friday 31 January | WTR@Te Rapa | Mdn 1400m |
| Thursday 6 February | WairarapaRC@Tauherenikau | Mdn 1600m |
| Wednesday 12 February | Te ArohaJC@Te Aroha | Mdn 1200m |
| Wednesday 19 February | CanterburyJC@Riccarton Park | Mdn 2000m |
| Friday 21 February | Wanganui JC @Whanganui | Mdn 1340m |
| Wednesday 26 February | Taupo RC @Taupo | Mdn 1400m |
| Sunday 2 March | Marton JC@Awapuni | Mdn 1600m |
| Wednesday 5 March | CanterburyJC @R iccarton Park | Mdn 1400m |
| Wednesday 12 March | Sth WaikatoRC@ Matamata | Mdn 2000m |
| Sunday 23 March | Matamata RC @ Matamata | Mdn 1400m |
| Wednesday 26 March | Egmont RC @ Hawera | Mdn1400m |
| Wednesday 2 April | ATR@ Pukekohe Park | Mdn 1600m |
| Wednesday 16 April | Ashburton RC @ Ashburton | Mdn 1200m |
| Thursday 17 April | Matamata RC @ Matamata | Mdn 1200m |
| Monday 21 April | Otaki-Maori RC @ Otaki | Mdn 2000m |
| Wednesday 30 April | Hawke’s Bay RI @ Hastings | Mdn 1200m |
| Thursday 1 May | Canterbury JC @ Riccarton Syn | Mdn 1400m |
| Sunday 11 May | Wanganui JC @ Whanganui | Mdn 1340m |
| Friday 23 May | Otago RC @ Wingatui | Mdn 1600m |
| Sunday 25 May | ĀTR @ Ellerslie | Mdn 1500m |