The People's Horse: Wahs, Blues and Auckland FC unite for The NZB Kiwi
Trackside.co.nz • February 4th, 2026 7:33 PM
Three of the country’s biggest cross-code sporting clubs are uniting as teammates for New Zealand’s richest race.
The One New Zealand Warriors, The Blues, and Auckland FC will join forces for 'The People’s Horse' in the $4m NZB Kiwi at Ellerslie Racecourse on March 7.
'The People’s Horse' will see nine lucky winners of the NZB Kiwi Golden Ticket competition join their sporting heroes on course at Ellerslie to experience the thrill of being an owner in the country’s biggest race, and a chance to share in the biggest prize pool in New Zealand sport.
One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George is looking forward to being on the same team with the Blues and Auckland FC, and cheering home a winner.
“They've all got great leaders and good people involved, and to share in that experience is great for our clubs, but also great to help grow a new sporting event in New Zealand and Auckland,” George said.
It’s the first time the three Auckland sporting franchises have come together for the same cause.
“The NZB Kiwi was outstanding last year, and so to be a part of it now as a footy club, our players and staff are very, very excited about it.”
Auckland FC CEO Nick Becker says the unique opportunity to bring together three of the biggest codes that all New Zealanders love, alongside our national passion for racing, is something Auckland FC was keen to be part of.
“There's definitely a couple of the Aussie boys in the team who love it. It's a bit of a national way of life over there. But across the coaching group, some of the players, myself, the team in the head office, we're all big racing fans,” Becker said.
“We're keen to get along there and it's a big race day, so it's super exciting.”
Blues CEO Karl Budge says it’s special to see the Blues, Warriors and Auckland FC come together like this.
“When it comes to backing something that’s great for Auckland sport and our fans, we’re absolutely on the same team,” Budge said.
“The NZB Kiwi has quickly become one of the standout events on the sporting calendar, and our players and staff are genuinely excited to be part of it. It’s a unique blend of sport, entertainment and atmosphere that really captures what Auckland does best.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing CEO Matt Ballesty says collaborating with the Warriors, Blues and Auckland FC shows how The NZB Kiwi is helping the sport reach new audiences.
“Bringing together three of Auckland’s biggest sporting clubs behind ‘The People’s Horse’ is an innovation we’ve never seen before. It puts racing in front of passionate sporting fans and invites them to be part of the action on the biggest stage,” Ballesty said.
“The NZB Kiwi is already the biggest race on our calendar, and it’s a great example of how our sport can grow by bringing people together.”
The announcement coincides with the launch of “Footy, Fillies & Fans” - a supercharged weekend of sport to be held in Auckland from March 6-8.
The weekend kicks off on Friday night as the One New Zealand Warriors launch their NRL campaign against the Sydney Roosters at Go Media Stadium.
A bumper Saturday gets underway at Ellerslie Racecourse, where The NZB Kiwi is the highlight of Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s Champions Day that also includes three group one races and the Auckland Cup, before the action heads to Eden Park, where Super Rugby’s greatest rivalry resumes as The Blues host the Crusaders.
The weekend then rounds out with Auckland FC chasing a vital win in pursuit of another A-League Premiership against Perth Glory back at Go Media Stadium.
Cameron George said “Footy, Fillies & Fans” is a chance to grow something special for Auckland that can be one of the biggest weekends on the Kiwi sporting calendar.
“I want to see Auckland FC and the Blues and racing in New Zealand being the best version it can be of itself and really help grow those exciting opportunities together in Auckland, because it only helps the local economy, and it helps us as a club.”
Nick Becker said, “It’s a great celebration of what Auckland has to offer, but also shows how different codes all at the top of their game can work together for the enjoyment of the fans, pull together, and make it a special weekend in Auckland.”
Karl Budge said, “Events like this help build new traditions for Auckland. When rugby, league, football and racing come together, it creates something bigger than any one code, and that’s a win for fans and for the city.”
A limited number of tickets are available to all four events across the “Footy, Fillies & Fans” weekend for just $100. Head to www.footyfillies.co.nz for tickets and information.
The three footy clubs are official partners of The NZB Kiwi Golden Ticket campaign and ‘The People’s Horse’, giving fans the chance to win thousands in cash* and be in to win a Golden Ticket - securing a VIP share in the ownership group contesting the $4 million NZB Kiwi on Champions Day at Ellerslie Racecourse.
Enter Free at KiwiGoldenTicket.nz. *Terms & Conditions apply.
