By Leigh Phelan
The $4M NZB Kiwi has quickly become one of the most talked-about races on the Australasian calendar. Run on Champions Day at Ellerslie Racecourse, it is set to bring together some of the best three-year-olds competing for the richest prize in New Zealand racing. With its slot race format, growing international interest and star-studded fields, The NZB Kiwi has already made a significant impact on the sport. Here are 10 things you should know about New Zealand’s richest race!
- It’s New Zealand’s richest race
With $4M up for grabs, The NZB Kiwi is New Zealand’s richest horse race, as well as the Southern Hemisphere’s richest three-year-old race! Set to increase to $4.5M by 2027, and an additional $1M in Bonuses to be won in ‘Kiwi Bonus Eligible races’ each year, it is truly New Zealand’s most lucrative race!
- It’s A Slot Race
Unlike ‘traditional’ races, a place in The NZB Kiwi must be purchased, and there are 14 slots up for grabs. These ‘slot holders’ then must choose a horse to take their slot within the race. They can either nominate their own horse or partner with another owner, sharing the prizemoney.
- Celebrating New Zealand’s breeding industry
The NZB Kiwi showcases the best of New Zealand’s breeding industry, featuring top three-year-olds that are either New Zealand-bred, conceived in New Zealand, or sold through a New Zealand Bloodstock sale, including via Gavelhouse (prior to their three-year-old season).
- It is restricted to three-year-olds
Showcasing the best young talent in the industry, The NZB Kiwi is restricted to three-year-olds only, with set weights and penalties ensuring every horse competes on equal terms. Meaning every horse starts with the same base weight to carry, but horses that have already won major races carry slightly extra weight to help keep the contest fair and competitive.
- It is run over 1500m
A distance that sits right in the middle of sprint and staying races, this trip is ideal for three-year-olds, as many may not yet be ready for longer distances or are not suitable to sprint. By running over 1500 metres, the race tests both speed and stamina, helping to ensure the best young all-round horse comes out on top.
- It’s run on Champions Day
‘Champions Day’ is new to the New Zealand racing calendar but has quickly become one of the most highly anticipated racedays of the year. Headlined by the $4M NZB Kiwi, the day also features six other black-type races, including three Gr.1 contests. Attracting some of the very best horses in Australasia, Champions Day is fast becoming a must-watch event on the racing calendar.
- Slot holders randomly choose their horses barrier
Adding to the anticipation, a special barrier reveal event is held on the Tuesday night before The NZB Kiwi, where slot holders or their connections get to ‘choose’ their barrier. This year, each slot holder stepped forward and pulled a rope to reveal a banner displaying a number from 1 to 14, which determined their horse’s starting gate. This dramatic reveal adds to the excitement, as drawing a suitable barrier can be a gamechanger on raceday.
- La Dorada is ‘The People’s Horse’
As New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) is a slot holder in The NZB Kiwi, they will be represented by La Dorada in the race. She is affectionately known as ‘The People’s Horse’ with nine lucky everyday Kiwis having won a Golden Ticket, securing themselves a VIP ownership stake in the filly, and the chance to win thousands in prize money. Joining the Golden Ticket winners, and getting behind ‘The People’s Horse’ are the One New Zealand Warriors, the Blues and Auckland FC.
- 2025 was the inaugural edition
The very first edition of The NZB Kiwi was won by Damask Rose, who etched her name into the history books as the inaugural winner of New Zealand’s richest race, trained by Te Akau Racing’s Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, and we’re hoping they can do it again with La Dorada!
WATCH: Damask Rose win the 2025 NZB Kiwi
- Well Written is the hot favourite
Trained by Stephen Marsh, Well Written is undoubtedly the one to beat in The NZB Kiwi as she’s won all five of her races so far. Earning over $1.4M in prize money, she is already one of the best horses in the country and is only at the beginning of her career. To be ridden by regular jockey Matt Cartwright, she will look to extend her unbeaten streak on New Zealand’s biggest stage.
WATCH: Why Well Written is favourite, he she is demolishing them in the Karaka Millions 3yo:
