New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) is excited to announce that leading thoroughbred nursery, Waikato Stud, has secured a coveted slot in the NZB Kiwi (1500m).

As a powerhouse in New Zealand's breeding and racing industry, Waikato Stud is no stranger to success both on and off the track.

With the addition of a slot in the Southern Hemisphere’s richest three-year-old race, they are looking to expand their already impressive portfolio of achievements.

“It’s such an exciting time for the New Zealand thoroughbred racing industry as a whole and we are very excited to now be involved with the NZB Kiwi,” Waikato Stud principal Mark Chittick said.

“We love breeding the best racehorses that we can, but we especially love racing a good horse, and with the opportunities that are now presented in New Zealand, it’s fantastic having those horses in our backyard.

“Having been involved with The Everest (A$20 million, 1200m) through I Wish I Win and Entain, I can say that those of us who are now part of the NZB Kiwi are in for a hell of a lot of fun.

“Both Champions Day and the NZB Kiwi elevate us to the level of any major international race day and it’s exciting to be a part of that.”

NZTR chairman Russell Warwick welcomed Waikato Stud into the NZB Kiwi ranks.

“We are thrilled that an elite operation like Waikato Stud has joined our outstanding group of NZB Kiwi foundation slot holders,” Warwick said.

“They have an exceptional track record in breeding and racing top-quality horses and it’s been exciting to watch their journey in The Everest with I Wish I Win proudly representing New Zealand on the world stage.

“We also have NZTR’s one-year slot going to auction at the Ready to Run Sale later this year which we see as a great opportunity for anyone with an up-and-coming three-year-old.

“We’re eager to bring all of our slot holders together as we build towards the NZB Kiwi, aiming to make it the premier event on New Zealand’s racing and sports calendar.”

This announcement follows NZTR’s initial release of the public auction for its year-one slot, set to take place during New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2024 Ready to Run Sale.

The one-year slot will be auctioned on Wednesday 20 November, following the conclusion of selling on Day 1 of the Sale.

For more information contact emma.thompson@nztr.co.nz.

The NZB Kiwi is one of the major highlights of the newly established ‘Champions Day’, featuring more than $9 million in total prizemoney. Held on the 8 March at Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s Ellerslie Racecourse, Champions Day will also include the Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) and four other iconic Group One races, positioning the meeting as a pinnacle event on New Zealand’s racing calendar.

Tune in for all the latest updates and announcements regarding the 2025 edition of the NZB Kiwi here.