Karaka Millions riches are set to be amplified next season, with horses eligible for the lucrative NZB Karaka Millions Series racing for an additional $1 million in bonuses.

In an exciting new initiative, New Zealand Bloodstock (NZB) and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), generously supported by Entain, have announced the Karaka Millions Mega Maiden Series, which will consist of $1 million in bonuses 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 the sales company has been wanting to see more of its graduates reap the benefits of the Karaka Millions Series for some time.

“By hosting a $1 million maiden series over 40 races, that goal will be well and truly satisfied,” he said.

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 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 racehorses in New Zealand.”

In 2023 Entain partnered with NZB as naming sponsor of the TAB Karaka Millions Twilight Meeting, including the $1 million 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."