Karaka Million

Last updated
Karaka Million
Restricted Listed race
Location Ellerslie Racecourse
Auckland, New Zealand
Race type Thoroughbred - Flat racing
Website www.ellerslie.co.nz
Race information
Distance1200m (2YO), 1600m (3YO)
SurfaceTurf
Trackright-handed
QualificationRegistered two-year-olds or three-year-olds, respectively
WeightHandicap

The Karaka Million refers to two major New Zealand horse races for young horses - the original Karaka Million for two-year-old (2YO) horses and the Karaka Million 3YO Classic that started in 2018. Held at Ellerslie Racecourse, they are New Zealand's richest races, with a stake of NZ$1,000,000 each. The races are restricted to horses sold through the New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sales held at Karaka. [1] The two $1,000,000 races are held on the eve of the National Yearling Sales Series at Karaka. [2]

Contents

History

The 2YO race was run for the first time in 2008, replacing a similar race held at Te Rapa. Up to 2017, horses eligible for the Karaka Million could also be entered in an associated race, the Karaka Three Year Old Mile over 1600m (NZ$200,000), in the following year. However, from 2018 New Zealand Bloodstock introduced a second Magic Million $1,000,000 race for three-year-olds.

Since 2018, the "Boys Get Paid" Facebook group have organized a large gathering of hundreds of members at the Karaka Million meeting with a punting syndicate delivering what are believed to be the largest bets on New Zealand races. [3] [4] [5]

Whereas a usual New Zealand race meeting may start before 1 pm, have up to 10 races, and finish before 6 pm the Karaka Million race meeting is a twilight meeting. For example, 2023 had a six-race card:

In 2024 the Aotearoa Classic, a $1 million race over 1600m, was introduced for 4 year old horses. [6]

Karaka Million 2YO

These are the recent winners of the Karaka Million 2YO race:

Year
Winner
Sire
Dam
Dam sire
Jockey
Trainer
Time
Second
Third
2024Velocious 55Written TycoonParmalove Snitzel James McDonald Stephen Marsh1:09.15 (good)Damask Rose 55Full Force 57
2023 [7] Tokyo TycoonSatono AladdinAll About The Coin Starcraft Craig ZackeyMark Walker1:10.04 (Pukekohe)Ethereal StarTrobriand
2022 [8] Dynastic Almanzor Meir Volksraad Opie Bosson Jamie Richards 1:09.60WolverineFellini
2021 [9] On The BubblesBrazen BeauMore Bubbles Sebring Jonathan Parkes Jamie Richards 1:10.70Sneaky SharkAvonallo
2020 [10] Cool Aza Beel Savabeel Cool ‘N’ SassyTesta Rossa Opie Bosson Jamie Richards 1:10.57Play That SongTaroni
2019 [11] Probabeel [12] Savabeel Far FetchedPins Opie Bosson Jamie Richards 1:09.90Aotea LadAppellant
2018 [13] Avantage [14] Fastnet Rock Asavant Zabeel Opie Bosson Stephen Autridge & Jamie Richards 1:10.54Al HasaBocce
2017 [15] Melody Belle [16] CommandsMeleka BelleIffraaj Opie Bosson Stephen Autridge & Jamie Richards 1:10.95HasahaloFelton Road
2016 [17] Xiong Feng [18] IffraajStrayTale of the CatDanielle JohnsonStephen McKee1:09.68Showmeya moneyhoneyKingsman
2015 [19] Hardline [20] ShowcasingMidnight Breaker Housebuster Damian BrowneLiam Birchley1:10.64SelfieDal Cielo
2014 [21] Vespa [22] Elusive CityMiss Avalon Fantastic Light Mark Du Plessis Johno Benner1:12.07Riding ShotgunO'Marilyn
2013 [23] Ruud Awakening [24] Bernardini Dawn Almighty Danehill Craig Williams Stephen Marsh1:09.77Fantastic HonourTouche
2012 [25] Ockham's Razor [26] Any SuggestionShadow RayGroom Dancer (USA) Craig Williams Anthony Freedman1:10.66Silk PinsWarhorse
2011 [27] Fort LincolnCharge ForwardBelle ToujoursFlying Spur (Aus)Jonathan RiddellLisa Latta1:11.82Antonio LombardoPlanet Rock
2010 [28] Sister HavanaGeneral NediymUltima VitaCanny Lad (Aus) Stathi Katsidis Liam Birchley1:09.70IcepinBanchee
2009 [29] The HecklerLucky OwnersComedy CafeRory's Jester (Aus) Michael Rodd Murray & Bjorn Baker1:10.58Sarge In ChargeBewitch
2008 [30] Vincent ManganoNo Excuse NeededRationableHousebuster (USA)Vinny ColganPeter McKay1:11.25Maureen DorothyRaid

Melody Belle was a $32 outsider when she won the 2017 edition.

Avantage, Melody Belle and The Heckler also won the Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes.

The victory by Cool Aza Beel in 2020 was the fourth consecutive win by Opie Bosson as a jockey in the Karaka Million 2YO race. He did not ride in the 2021 edition but was successful again in 2022 with Dynastic.

The 2022 victory of Dynastic was the sixth consecutive win by Jamie Richards as a trainer/co-trainer in the race.

Karaka Million 3YO Classic

The following are the recent winners of the Karaka Million 3YO Classic raced over 1600m.

Year
Winner
Sire
Dam
Dam Sire
Jockey
Trainer
Time
Second
Third
2024Orchestral Savabeel Symphonic (NZ) O'Reilly James McDonald Roger James & Robert Wellwood1:33.31 (good)PendragonJust As Sharp
2023 [31] Prowess Proisir Donna MarieDon Eduardo Warren Kennedy Roger James and Robert Wellwood1:35.34 (Pukekohe)Wild NightDesert Lightning
2022 [32] Pin Me Up Pins Brampton Loco O'Reilly Sam Weatherley Jamie Richards 1:34.37TutukakaKarman Line
2021 [33] Aegon Sacred Falls Toss Up Zabeel Leith Innes Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman1:33.78AmarelinhaMontre Moi
2020 [34] Probabeel Savabeel Far FetchedPins Opie Bosson Jamie Richards 1:33.49ConquerorHasstobegood
2019 [35] Long Leaf Fastnet Rock Frustrating Stravinsky James McDonald David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig1:35.1The Real BeelMadison County
2018 [36] Scott Base [37] DalgharExtra Celestial Danehill Dancer Rosie MyersJohno Benner & Hollie Wynyard1:33.43EmbellishSavvy Coup

The 2018 and 2022 Karaka Million 3YO winners Scott Base and Pin Me Up were $22.10 and $24.10 outsiders respectively.

Winners of the Karaka 3YO Mile

Winners of the Karaka Cup

From 2018 to 2023, the $100,000 Karaka Cup was held. It allowed older horses to be entered for the duration of their careers.

The following are the recent winners of the Karaka Cup raced over 2200m.

Year
Winner
Sire
Dam
Dam Sire
Jockey
Trainer
Time
Second
Third
2023 [46] Zee Falls 56 Sacred Falls Zelitist Zabeel Damian Lane Stephen Marsh2:16.87 (Pukekohe)Contemplation 54Tutukaka 60
2022 [47] Rapid Falls 54 Sacred Falls Sitting On A HillCity On A HillLeith InnesTony Pike2:17.71NotabadharadaSagunto
2021 [48] Tiptronic 62.5 O’Reilly TiptoesPinsWiremu Pinn (A2)Graham Richardson & Rogan Norvall2:17.06In A TwinklingOn The Rocks
2020 [49] Dance Card Savabeel Dancing Attendance Danehill Dancer Michael Dee Lance Noble2:17.84IntrigueChurch Road
2019 [50] Five to MidnightDomesdayFastnet Lady Fastnet Rock Johnathan ParkesLisa Latta2:18.51Mongolian MarshalSacred Day
2018 [51] August EditionAlamosaMiranda Miss Reset Rosie MyersShaun & Emma Clotworthy2:17.75Top ProspectCharles Road

August Edition, the 2018 winner of the Karaka Cup was a $30.60 outsider.

Winners of the Karaka Stayers Cup

See also

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References

  1. ↑ "Karaka Million Series | New Zealand Bloodstock | Thoroughbred Auction House".
  2. ↑ "New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Million | Sat 21 Jan 2023 | Pukekohe Park".
  3. ↑ "1000-member betting syndicate mulls placing NZ's biggest ever bet on a single horse race". 1 News.
  4. ↑ "Ellerslie crowd sings in praise of jockey Opie Bosson's Karaka Million win". 23 January 2022.
  5. ↑ "Welcome to BGP". Boys Get Paid!!.
  6. ↑ "Horse racing: Karaka Millions first NZ race meeting to top $4m". NZ Herald. January 27, 2024.
  7. ↑ "Race 4 DOUBLETREE BY HILTON KARAKA MILLION 2YO at AUCKLAND THOROUGHBRED RACING on 21 JAN 2023 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  8. ↑ "Race 4 DOUBLETREE BY HILTON KARAKA MILLION 2YO at AUCKLAND THOROUGHBRED RACING on 22 JAN 2022 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  9. ↑ "Race 4 DOUBLETREE BY HILTON KARAKA MILLION 2YO at AUCKLAND RC on 23 JAN 2021 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  10. ↑ "Race 4 KARAKA MILLION 2YO at AUCKLAND RC on 25 JAN 2020 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  11. ↑ "Race 4 KARAKA MILLION 2YO at AUCKLAND RC on 26 JAN 2019 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  12. ↑ "Jame Richards-trained juvenile Probabeel wins Karaka Million at Ellerslie". 26 January 2019.
  13. ↑ "Race 6 KARAKA MILLION 2YO at AUCKLAND RC on 27 JAN 2018 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  14. ↑ "Two Karaka Millions in a row for Team te Akau > Australia and International Horse Racing news updated daily".
  15. ↑ "Race 5 KARAKA MILLION at AUCKLAND RC on 29 JAN 2017 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  16. ↑ "Outsider Melody Belle upsets the favourites to win the Karaka Million race at Ellerslie". 29 January 2017.
  17. ↑ "Race 5 KARAKA MILLION at AUCKLAND RC on 24 JAN 2016 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  18. ↑ "Xiong Feng wins New Zealand's million dollar race, the Karaka Million". 24 January 2016.
  19. ↑ "Race 5 KARAKA MILLION at AUCKLAND RC on 25 JAN 2015 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  20. ↑ "Karaka Million win Aussie's 'best moment in racing'".
  21. ↑ "Race 5 KARAKA MILLION at AUCKLAND RC on 26 JAN 2014 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  22. ↑ "Vespa sparks birdcage celebrations". 7 February 2014.
  23. ↑ "Race 5 KARAKA MILLION at AUCKLAND RC on 27 JAN 2013 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  24. ↑ "AB great wins Karaka Million". 28 January 2013.
  25. ↑ "Race 5 KARAKA MILLION at AUCKLAND RC on 29 JAN 2012 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  26. ↑ "Moor picks up plum ride". 15 February 2012.
  27. ↑ "Race 5 KARAKA MILLION at AUCKLAND RC on 30 JAN 2011 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  28. ↑ "Race 5 KARAKA MILLION at AUCKLAND RC on 31 JAN 2010 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  29. ↑ "Race 5 KARAKA MILLION 2YO at AUCKLAND RC on 25 JAN 2009 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  30. ↑ "Race 5 KARAKA MILLION at AUCKLAND RC on 27 JAN 2008 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  31. ↑ "Race 6 KARAKA MILLION 3YO CLASSIC at AUCKLAND THOROUGHBRED RACING on 21 JAN 2023 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  32. ↑ "Race 6 KARAKA MILLION 3YO CLASSIC at AUCKLAND THOROUGHBRED RACING on 22 JAN 2022 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  33. ↑ "Race 6 KARAKA MILLION 3YO CLASSIC at AUCKLAND RC on 23 JAN 2021 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  34. ↑ "Race 6 KARAKA MILLION 3YO CLASSIC at AUCKLAND RC on 25 JAN 2020 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  35. ↑ "Race 6 KARAKA MILLION 3YO CLASSIC at AUCKLAND RC on 26 JAN 2019 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  36. ↑ "Race 4 KARAKA MILLION 3YO CLASSIC at AUCKLAND RC on 27 JAN 2018 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  37. ↑ "Scott Base storms home to win inaugural Karaka Millions 3YO Classic at Ellerslie". 27 January 2018.
  38. ↑ "Race 3 NZB INSURANCE KARAKA 3YO MILE at AUCKLAND RC on 29 JAN 2017 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  39. ↑ "Race 3 NZB INSURANCE KARAKA 3YO MILE at AUCKLAND RC on 24 JAN 2016 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  40. ↑ "Race 3 NEW ZEALAND BLOODSTOCK INSURANCE KARAKA 3YO MILE at AUCKLAND RC on 25 JAN 2015 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  41. ↑ "Race 3 NEW ZEALAND BLOODSTOCK INSURANCE KARAKA 3YO MILE at AUCKLAND RC on 26 JAN 2014 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  42. ↑ "Race 3 NEW ZEALAND BLOODSTOCK INSURANCE KARAKA 3YO MILE at AUCKLAND RC on 27 JAN 2013 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  43. ↑ "Race 3 NEW ZEALAND BLOODSTOCK INSURANCE KARAKA 3YO MILE at AUCKLAND RC on 29 JAN 2012 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  44. ↑ "Race 3 NEW ZEALAND BLOODSTOCK INSURANCE KARAKA 3YO MILE at AUCKLAND RC on 30 JAN 2011 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  45. ↑ "Race 3 NEW ZEALAND BLOODSTOCK INSURANCE KARAKA 3YO MILE at AUCKLAND RC on 31 JAN 2010 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  46. ↑ "Race 1 COLLINSON FOREX KARAKA CUP at AUCKLAND THOROUGHBRED RACING on 21 JAN 2023 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  47. ↑ "Race 1 COLLINSON FOREX KARAKA CUP at AUCKLAND THOROUGHBRED RACING on 22 JAN 2022 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  48. ↑ "Race 2 COLLINSONFOREX KARAKA CUP at AUCKLAND RC on 23 JAN 2021 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  49. ↑ "Race 1 COLLINSONFOREX KARAKA CUP at AUCKLAND RC on 25 JAN 2020 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  50. ↑ "Race 1 COLLINSONFOREX KARAKA CUP at AUCKLAND RC on 26 JAN 2019 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  51. ↑ "Race 7 COLLINSON FOREX KARAKA CUP at AUCKLAND RC on 14 JAN 2018 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  52. ↑ "Race 2 WINDSOR PARK STUD KARAKA STAYERS CUP at AUCKLAND RC on 29 JAN 2017 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  53. ↑ "Race 2 WINDSOR PARK STUD KARAKA STAYERS CUP at AUCKLAND RC on 24 JAN 2016 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  54. ↑ "Race 2 WINDSOR PARK STUD KARAKA STAYERS CUP at AUCKLAND RC on 25 JAN 2015 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  55. ↑ "Race 2 THE WESTBURY KARAKA STAYERS CUP at AUCKLAND RC on 26 JAN 2014 | LOVERACING.NZ".
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