The wait is finally over, New Zealand’s biggest ever raceday is here and our country’s best racehorses will assemble at Ellerslie on Saturday for the inaugural $8.2 million Champions Day.

Announced early in 2024, Champions Day will bring together seven Group races, and that’s not including the inaugural running of the NZB Kiwi (1500m), where slot holders across New Zealand, Australia and even further afield have selected their three-year-old to tackle the $3.5 million showpiece.

With the final runner confirmed on Monday, the field is set for the Kiwi, with the Australian raiders Evaporate, Public Attention and Perfumist sure to be a tough trio to beat. Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott have a remarkable four runners in Checkmate, Hankee Alpha, Sethito and Sought After, while the fairytale story out of the South Island is Pivotal Ten, who will be ridden and trained by Canterbury horsewoman Samantha Wynne.

Completing the Kiwi line-up is Marsh pair Penman and Ardalio, Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) winner Damask Rose, First Dance, Domain Ace and late edition Zormella, who replaced stablemate Dealt With after he was ruled out just days out from the feature.

The NZB Kiwi is a big drawcard on Champions Day, but a number of time-honoured features hold pride of place at Ellerslie, arguably none more so than the $1.25 million Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m).

Mongolian Khan, Silent Achiever, Jimmy Choux and Orchestral are just a small handful of the top-class victors in the Derby, and this year, we have a wide-open contest with all to play for, with Willydoit, Thedoctoroflove, Tuxedo and Oceana Dream all congested atop of the market.

The Group One action will kick-off earlier in the meeting with the stars of the future, the juveniles, chasing top honours in the $550,000 Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m). Te Akau’s glamour colt Return To Conquer will face his stiffest challenge yet after an unbeaten start to his career, with stablemates He Who Dares and the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) heroine La Dorada both key rivals.

Promising filly To Cap It All was just short of La Dorada in the Matamata Breeders’ last start, while Lucy In The Sky shouldn’t be underestimated after a dazzling debut in February.

From the babies to the mares, the $600,000 Gr.1 HKJC World Pool New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) has attracted a field matching its elite status. Legarto, the country’s glamour mare is the one to beat, while Belclare will be the one to catch on speed in pursuit of her third-straight title.

The $1 million Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) may be lighter on numbers, but it is certainly not on quality, with a showdown not to be missed between the airborne El Vencedor, a resurgent Orchestral and the ultra-consistent La Crique.

The stayers get their turn in the spotlight in the $600,000 Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m), with Son Of Sun, Blue Sky At Night and About Time among those bringing top form into the race.

Rounding off an unbelievable card of stakes racing will be the Gr.3 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Sunline Vase (2100m) and the Gr.3 Haunui Farm Kings Plate (1200m), the latter featuring Gr.1 Railway (1200m) winner Crocetti and the flying filly Alabama Lass.

Paul Wilcox and the team at Auckland Thoroughbred Racing have pulled out all the stops to bring a sensational day to life, with Group One-level hospitality, entertainment and, of course, the 20th running of the prestigious Ned Prix de Fashion.

Competitors will have their final chance to qualify for the Ned Prix de Fashion on Saturday morning, with the ForEver SOPHIE Permanent Jewellery Fashion Qualifiers. Four women will be selected out of this group to take on the existing finalists, who have qualified at race meetings across the country.

If you’re considering entering at the last minute, take a look at the incredible prize package on offer, with $15,000 worth of prizes courtesy of The Ned. A three-night trip to Marlborough, one year’s supply of Ned Wine, a $500 SkyCity accommodation voucher and more, it’s an opportunity not to be missed.

Tickets for the Ned Fashion Garden and a number of other hospitality areas have all been snapped up, but there are a few remaining options, including the Enclosure ($125pp), Racing Her Way (long lunch with Laura McGoldrick) and the famous Boys Get Paid area ($195pp), or just take advantage of the stellar trackside views from GA for just $35pp!

Those who have attended the Karaka Millions know a thing or two about the Ellerslie after-parties, and ATR are taking it up a level, with world-renowned UK DJ Jax Jones locked in to host the Birdcage Bash. This event will close out a fantastic season for The Grand Tour Racing Festival, who will stage the Enclosure and round off in the Birdcage for one last dance in 2024/25.

Families are warmly welcomed to enjoy the spoils and thrills of Champions Day, with free games and activities for the kids throughout the afternoon.

A stacked line-up of racing, entertainment and (hopefully) the Auckland sun, be a part of the redefining of New Zealand’s industry with the inaugural Champions Day, this Saturday, March 8th at Ellerslie!

Race Schedule – Barfoot & Thompson Champions Day

Race 1: $120,000 Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series Final (1400m) – 12:15pm

Race 2: $250,000 Gr.3 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Sunline Vase (2100m) – 12:55pm

Race 3: $250,000 Gr.3 Haunui Farm Kings Plate (1200m) – 1:35pm

Race 4: $550,000 Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) – 2:13pm

Race 5: $600,000 Gr.1 HKJC World Pool New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) – 2:47pm

Race 6: $1,000,000 Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) – 3.21pm

Race 7: $600,000 Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) – 3.57pm

Race 8: $3,500,000 The NZB Kiwi (1500m) – 4:32pm

Race 9: $1,250,000 Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) – 5.07pm

Race 10: $100,000 Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy (1500m) – 5:42pm

Gates Open: 11.00am

More information: ellerslie.co.nz/champions-day