$1 Million Bonus Pool Confirmed for The NZB Kiwi
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing • October 3rd, 2025 5:04 PM • 3 min read
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (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, 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 (1400m) – Saturday 3 January 2026, Wellington Racing Club at RACE Trentham
6. Listed TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) – 24 January 2026, Auckland Thoroughbred Racing at Ellerslie Racecourse
7. Gr.3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1200m) – 24 January 2026, Auckland Thoroughbred Racing at Ellerslie Racecourse
8. Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) – 7 February 2026, Waikato Thoroughbred Racing at Te Rapa Racecourse
9. Gr.3 Eagle Technology Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m) – 21 February 2026, Auckland Thoroughbred Racing at Ellerslie Racecourse
10. Gr.1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) – 29 March 2025, Manawatu Racing Club at RACE Trentham (won by La Dorada - Bonus Eligible)
NZTR Chief Executive Officer Matt Ballesty said the $1 million Bonus Eligible Race Pool is about rewarding top performances and linking The NZB Kiwi with the best of New Zealand’s three-year-old racing.
“These 10 races are some of the biggest milestones on the road to The NZB Kiwi. The Bonus Pool adds an extra layer of excitement and gives our Slot Holders, Trainers, Owners and fans even more reason to chase the Southern Hemisphere’s richest three-year-old race.”
“We’ll also continue to ensure this highly publicised event is promoted strongly both here in New Zealand and internationally, and we’re looking forward to delivering a standout race on Champions Day in partnership with our premier sponsor New Zealand Bloodstock, the team at Auckland Thoroughbred Racing, and Entain Australia and New Zealand,” Ballesty said.
The second edition of the $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) will be staged on Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s Champions Day meeting, 7 March 2026 at Ellerslie Racecourse.
