Fierce Competition Awaits The NZB Kiwi

The countdown is well and truly on for New Zealand's highly anticipated Slot Auction.

The Karaka Sales Centre will be set alight next Tuesday 27 February, with Australasia’s heavy hitters all looking to secure a spot in the Southern Hemisphere’s richest three-year-old race, The NZB Kiwi.

Held on the newly established Champions Day at Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s Ellerslie Racecourse, The NZB Kiwi has already generated immense excitement ahead of the 8 March 2025 running.  

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Chairman, Cameron George, is thrilled by the hype heading into the Slot Auction next week.

“The buzz surrounding The NZB Kiwi has transformed into an incredible level of interest in the auction, not only from New Zealand and Australia but also from people beyond our borders.”

“We have garnered more than 40 registered bidders, with additional confirmations expected before the auction kicks off next week.

“With only nine slots up for grabs, the anticipation of fierce bidding competition is expected.

“We are thrilled by the diverse interest, with renowned names like Ozzie Kheir, Chris Waller, Gai Waterhouse, Entain and Yulong already hinting at their participation in the auction.

“We can’t wait to see how next Tuesday plays out and are looking forward to partnering with our foundation Slot Holders, as we look to take The NZB Kiwi and New Zealand racing to the next level,” George said.

The NZB Kiwi, announced earlier this year by NZTR, Entain Australia and New Zealand and TAB NZ, is the pinnacle event on NZTR’s revamped summer calendar for season 2024/25.

NZTR Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Sharrock, is looking forward to seeing the next crop of three-year-olds dominate The NZB Kiwi on Champions Day next March.

“Interest in The NZB Kiwi has been incredibly strong to date, with several stables already targeting their current two-year-olds for this race.”

“We have opened eligibility to horses conceived in New Zealand, meaning any mare that has been served by a New Zealand-based sire situated on a Stud Farm in New Zealand at the time of covering will be able to run.

“It’s also open to all New Zealand-breds and horses sold through NZB and its online subsidiary Gavelhouse.com,” he said.

Sharrock also believes the race will take the promotion of the domestic racing scene to new heights.

“We see The NZB Kiwi as a chance to increase the presence of our summer racing carnival on the global stage.”

"The race's promotional, marketing, raceday, and operational endeavours will be self-funded through the proceeds of the Slot Auction, enchancing it over the next three years and beyond.

“The overall goal will always be to ensure that the race gets promoted as effectively as possible and that Slot Holders (especially foundation Slot Holders) get a high degree of exposure in return for their support of The NZB Kiwi,” Sharrock said.

NZTR invites industry participants to join in on the bidding action and attend The NZB Kiwi Slot Auction held at the Karaka Sales Centre on 27 February from 5.30pm.

If you require accommodation for The NZB Kiwi Slot Auction, NZTR has acquired a preferential rate for Auction attendees at the DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka Hotel. To book your accommodation using this rate, please click here.

Full coverage of the TAB Trackside New Zealand Derby Barrier Draw and The NZB Kiwi Slot Auction will be available to view on Trackside 1 (Sky Channel 62) and the TAB Facebook page from 7.00pm onwards.

View more information about The NZB Kiwi here.