As part of NZB's newly enhanced Sales Series in 2018, one of the best race days in the country is set to showcase a major upgrade, with two key changes to the Karaka Million Twilight Meeting at Ellerslie.
New Zealand Bloodstock and the Auckland Racing Club are excited to announce that the 2018 Karaka Million Twilight Meeting will be run on Saturday 27 January*, rather than its traditional Sunday slot. It will continue as a six race twilight meeting, but in addition to two $1million feature events, the support card will now comprise four new Group races*.
NZB's managing director Andrew Seabrook is thrilled that the richest race day in New Zealand is getting a fresh new look.
"The Karaka Million Twilight Meeting is one of the great days on the New Zealand racing calendar.
"I'm sure the move to Saturday, the running of two one million dollar races, along with four additional Group races will take it to another level. And it's going to be great to showcase more of our top horses to an international audience.
"A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes so I would particularly like to thank ARC CEO Cameron George, ARC Director Russell Warwick and NZTR CEO Greg Purcell in helping make this happen," commented Seabrook.
ARC CEO Cameron George is also excited to see the meeting taken to the next level.
"The four Group races at the twilight meeting will provide a heavy weight punch to the event, boosting the atmosphere to new levels and attracting larger on-course crowds."
As a result of the revamped card, another key change will take place.
"To accommodate the black type features, we have moved the Karaka Stayers Cup to Sunday 14 January1 which will be an ideal lead up to a 2400m Group race on Karaka Million night," George explained.
"New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing is delighted to have fronted this initiative with NZB & ARC, as well as to have provided the necessary support to make it happen" commented NZTR CEO Greg Purcell.
"The Karaka Million is the richest raceday on the calendar and with the addition of four Group races, it will be a real attraction for international visitors to the Sales, as well as racegoers, owners and enthusiasts from around the country."
To recap:
- The National Yearling Sales Series catalogues will now be named Book I, Book II, and Book III.
- Selling to commence from Lot 1 in Book I from 5pm on Sunday and will run through to Wednesday.
- Book II horses will be sold on the Thursday and Friday of the sales week.
- Book III selling will remain on the final Sunday of Karaka 2018.
- The Karaka Million Twilight Meeting will now be held on Saturday 27 January.
- The meeting will include the $1m Karaka Million 2YO, $1m Karaka Million 3YO Classic and four Group races.
- The Karaka Stayers Cup will now run on Sunday 14 January 2018, and will remain a Karaka Million Series feature race.
