The iconic TAB Karaka Millions raceday will become even bigger with New Zealand Bloodstock (NZB) joining forces with Entain to introduce an additional $400,000 in available bonuses for horses offered at the 2024 National Yearling Sales Series at Karaka.
The $200,000 New Owners Bonus will be won by the first horse across the finish line in the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO that has 50% or more of the ownership being held by first-time owners. Aimed to introduce newcomers to the thrill of racehorse ownership, new owners can purchase a yearling at the fast-approaching yearling sales at Karaka in January and be racing for $1.2 million only a year later.
“We’ve been hugely encouraged by the surge in interest in racing and horse ownership since we entered the New Zealand racing scene earlier this year,” Entain Managing Director – New Zealand Cameron Rodger said.
“The New Owners Bonus is a tremendous chance for Kiwis who haven’t owned a horse before to join in on the thrills of racing a thoroughbred and enjoy even more success if their yearling sales purchase performs well in the 2025 TAB Karaka Millions 2YO.”
The $200,000 Book 2 Bonus will be won by the first horse across the finish line in the $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO that was offered in NZB’s Book 2 Sale in January 2024.
Book 2 has been a happy hunting ground for Karaka Millions contenders over the years and this bonus will highlight the quality that comes out of the Book 2 Sale. This bonus will start with the 2026 edition of the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO when the 2024 yearlings are three-year-olds.
Both bonuses will be introduced for horses offered at Karaka 2024, giving buyers an opportunity to target these bonuses when buying at Karaka in January next year.
“Book 2 at the NZB sales has been a great source of outstanding thoroughbreds over the years including Sharp ‘N’ Smart, Legarto and Roch ‘N’ Horse, proving that stars can come from all levels of the sales,” NZB Managing Director Andrew Seabrook says.
“This Book 2 Bonus will be up for grabs for any Book 2 graduate in the 2026 TAB Karaka Millions 3YO, so it could be a supercharged payday if a product of the Book 2 sale claims the victory in 2026, and a great bonus if the graduate beats their fellow Book 2 alumni home, even if they don’t win.”