Two million reasons to attend
Thousands of entertainment-seekers converge on course here at Ellerslie each year for an incredible combination of socialising, racing & entertainment.
A staple date in many an Aucklander’s calendar, the Karaka Million draws a stylish crowd from far & wide to celebrate an extraordinary event.
For little over one minute, a glittering crowd will hold its breath as country’s most promising thoroughbred horses & some of our best jockeys compete for their shares of some of NZ’s richest sporting purses - the $1,000,000 DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka Million 2YO and the $1,000,000 Karaka Million 3YO Classic - with Group status races run in support.
Off the track, the party is just as rich with the who’s who of racing mixing with an influx of Auckland’s social set in any number of sell-out precincts on course.
The racecourse absolutely buzzes from the get-go and, once the horses have packed up their saddles, all racegoers are welcome to converge in Cuvée**, the Cavallo Club** or The Winning Post Bar** where we carry the party on 'til late with one of our favourite bands and SWEET MIX KIDS.
Don't miss out on Auckland's million dollar party
From a relaxed general admission approach, through to the party atmosphere of the Garden Party, the easygoing Cavallo Club, indoor dining of Silks, your own private function or more - this night has something for everyone.
Event schedule*
3.00pm - General admission gates, Ascot Stand & the Garden Party open; Roaring Meg Pick the Winner entries open
3.30pm - All other hospitality precincts open
4.26pm - First race (of six) - Group III $70,000 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy
5.10pm - Race 2 - $100,000 CollinsonForex Karaka Cup
THEN - Exhibition gallop by 2020 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic winner, Concert Hall
5.50pm - Race 3 - Group II $100,000 Westbury Classic
6.20pm - Roaring Meg Pick the Winner competition entries close
6.30pm - Race 4 - $1,000,000 Doubletree by Hilton Karaka Million 2YO
THEN - Roaring Meg Pick the Winner competition winner's name drawn (dais)
7.10pm - Race 5 - Group III $70,000 Brighthill Farm Concorde Handicap
7.45pm - Race 6 - $1,000,000 Karaka Million 3YO Classic (last race)
THEN - All bars close shortly after the last race except for the below areas which racegoers are then welcome into**:
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The Cavallo Club (outside on the Newmarket Lawn) where Taye Williams will be performing a short live set and bars will be open and/or
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Cuvée (Ground floor, Ascot Stand - home of the Garden Party) where one of our most-requested bands will get the party going before we light up the night then hand over to Sweet Mix Kids who will help us close the night on a high and/or
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The Winning Post (Ground Floor, Ascot Stand) where extra bars, toilets and seating will help take some of the load off what we expect will be a very busy Cuvée area
* Please note timings are approximate & may be subject to change
** Racegoers (minimum of a General Admission ticket required) can get free entry into these areas after the last race (relevant ticket required for entry prior); dress code applies and will be enforced; R18; entry may be refused depending on numbers in the space(s) and intoxicated persons will not be permitted or tolerated at any time.
"This highly-anticipated event calls for luxurious fashion with a touch of glamour."
Make sure you're across the dress code as it is enforced in all areas on course, with the exception of General Admission.
BEST DRESSED FILLY
Style Spotters will also be out roaming for the night's best dressed... with the winner (as judged by Facebook votes on their photo) taking home a $100 Friday.Candy voucher.
Fancy being in to win a $1,750 trip to Queenstown?
Thanks to Roaring Meg, one lucky racegoer is going to win just that.
Simply select which horse you think will win the $1m DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka Million 2YO, put your entry in the corresponding entry box by the information kiosk and cross your fingers that your pick wins the race. If it does, you're in the draw to WIN!
The competition winner's name will be drawn from the dais immediately following the race presentation.
Entry Ts & Cs apply.
Restricted listed $1M Karaka Million 3YO Classic
Restricted listed $1M Double Tree by Hilton Karaka Million 2YO
Group 2 Westbury Classic
Group 3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy
Group 3 Brighthill Farm Concorde Handicap
CollinsonForex Karaka Cup
Want to see more reasons why you should come celebrate the Karaka Million 2021 with us?
View photos from last year's event...
With two million dollar races & group races in support, this truly is NZ's richest night of racing.
The two $1,000,000 features are only open to those horses sold through New Zealand Bloodstock's national yearling sale and they qualify through either stakes money won (2-year-old race) or rating (three-year-old race). Keep reading...
The hottest spot on course... in association with Leefield Station
A sell-out since its launch in 2019, this is a fantastic spot to soak up the evening's electric atmosphere.
Tickets $95 per person & are first-in, first-served.
Gather the squad & pop the bubbles!
If you’re looking for people-watching prospects & an excuse to let your hair down on Auckland’s million dollar night, the Garden Party is the precinct for you.
Tickets $65 per person or 10 for $600
The lads from Boys Get Paid are returning to the Karaka Million for a fourth year to run the country's biggest-ever Punters Club.
Their aim? Beat the bookies and get everyone who's involved sorted with a payday!
If you want to have some experts do the selecting for you, then click the button below to learn more.
New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Million proudly supported by:
Event information
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You're able to bring your own picnic food & unopened, non-alcoholic beverages into outdoor general admission (public) areas on course & can purchase alcoholic beverages from bars on site. There are a number of food outlets on site too
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Children under 15 years get free general admission
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Senior citizen general admission rates apply at the gate on the day
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Tickets are non-refundable
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A dress code is in place in all hospitality areas and certain other areas including the Ascot Stand and at the after-race functions on course. While we hate turning people away, the dress code will be enforced as required and entry will be refused if it is not adhered to. Please ensure anyone you are purchasing tickets for is aware of this
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All bars close shortly after the last race, except those in The Cavallo Club, Cuvée & the Winning Post Bar. All guests on course are welcome into those areas however entry restrictions apply including: R18, dress code applies, intoxicated persons will not be permitted or tolerated, entry may be refused depending on numbers in the space(s)
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We are a fully-licensed venue and BYO alcohol is not permitted
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We encourage responsible drinking
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Intoxicated persons will not be granted entry into Ellerslie Racecourse
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We strongly encourage you to taxi to the track and leave your car at home. Don’t drink and drive, use our preferred taxi supplier Auckland Co-op Taxi who will drop off / pick up at the main entrance. Call 09 300 3000 to book
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Ellerslie Racecourse is located close to public transport networks including the Greenlane Train Station which is a 600m walk
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Free car-parking is available on course on a first-in, first-served basis. Any cars left overnight in the Southern Motorway carpark will be towed as there is a car fair taking place the following day (Sunday)
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Promotional photographs, social media content & film footage will be taken at this event. By entering the racecourse, event-goers consent to use of their image by the Club & New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing for promotional purposes
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Event terms & conditions apply