NZTR is pleased to confirm the final list of 10 New Zealand stakes races that will form part of the $1 million Bonus Eligible Race Pool attached to The NZB Kiwi (1500m), the Southern Hemisphere’s richest three-year-old race.

 

In addition to the $4 million base stake of The NZB Kiwi (1500m), a further $1 million will be distributed in bonuses to horses that win one of the designated lead-up races and go on to place in the top three of The NZB Kiwi, staged on Champions Day at Ellerslie Racecourse on 7 March 2026.

The prizemoney distribution for the Bonus Pool will see $600,000 awarded to the winner, $250,000 to second place, and $150,000 to third place.

The winning Bonus was first struck last year by Damask Rose (NZ) (Savabeel), who claimed the 2025 $3.5 million NZB Kiwi for Te Akau Racing after winning the $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO Classic (1600m). With the Bonus Pool in play, the winner of this year’s NZB Kiwi could take home up to $1.8 million in total prizemoney, just as Damask Rose did.

2025-26 NZB Kiwi Bonus Eligible Races 

1. Gr.2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) – Monday 27 October 2025, Waikato Thoroughbred Racing at Te Rapa Racecourse
2. Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) – Saturday 8 November 2025, Canterbury Jockey Club at Riccarton Park Racecourse
3. Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) – Saturday 15 November 2025, Canterbury Jockey Club at Riccarton Park Racecourse
4. Gr.2 Shaw’s Wire Ropes Auckland Guineas (1400m) – Friday 26 December 2025, Auckland Thoroughbred Racing at Ellerslie Racecourse
5. Gr.2 Levin Classic (1600m) – Saturday 3 January 2026, Wellington Racing Club at RACE Trentham
6. L. TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) – Saturday 24 January 2026, Auckland Thoroughbred Racing at Ellerslie Racecourse
7. Gr.3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1200m) – Saturday 24 January 2026, Auckland Thoroughbred Racing at Ellerslie Racecourse
8. Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) – Saturday 7 February 2026, Waikato Thoroughbred Racing at Te Rapa Racecourse
9. Gr.3 Eagle Technology Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m) – Saturday 21 February 2026, Auckland Thoroughbred Racing at Ellerslie Racecourse
10. Gr.1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) – Saturday 29 March 2025, Manawatu Racing Club at RACE Trentham (won by La Dorada (NZ) – Bonus Eligible)