Karaka Million
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. The two $1,000,000 races are held on the eve of the National Yearling Sales Series at Karaka. 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. Whereas a usual New Zealand race meeting may start before 1pm, have up to 10 races, and finish before 6pm the Karaka Million race meeting is a twilight meeting. For example, 2020 had a six-race card: 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. Winners of the Karaka Million 2YO. These are the recent winners of the Karaka Million 2YO race: 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. The 2021 victory of On The Bubbles was the fifth  consecutive win by Jamie Richards as a trainer/co-trainer in the race. Winners of the Karaka Million 3YO Classic. The following are the recent winners of the Karaka Million 3YO Classic raced over 1600m. Winners of the Karaka Cup. From 2018, the $100,000 Karaka Cup allows older horses to enter for the duration of their careers. The following are the recent winners of the Karaka Cup raced over 2200m.