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The Kiwi

The Kiwi

The 2026 The Kiwi slot race ran at Ellerslie on Saturday March 7, 2026, and was won by the even money favourite Well Written!

The Kiwi 2025 Results

Ellerslie R9 - THE NZB KIWI (L)
Final Race time: 
1st
3. Well Written (2)
J: Matt Cartwright 58kg
11111 T: Stephen Marsh
1.20WIN
1.02PLACE
2nd
11. Belle Cheval (11)
J: Mick Dee 56.5kg
31311 T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson
13.00WIN
2.20PLACE
3rd
8. He Who Dares (13)
J: Opie Bosson 57kg
24522 T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson
17.00WIN
2.80PLACE
4th
6. Asakura (14)
J: Dean Yendall 58kg
2X112 T: Mitchell Freedman
21.00WIN
3.20PLACE
5th
13. Lollapalooza (12)
J: Michael McNab 56.5kg
25227 T: Graham Richardson & Rogan Norvall
31.00WIN
4.20PLACE
6th
10. L'Aigle Noir (7)
J: Joe Doyle 57kg
X1374 T: Lance O'Sullivan & Andrew Scott
81.00WIN
8.50PLACE
7th
2. To Bravery Born (5)
J: Rory Hutchings 58.5kg
6X187 T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson
201.00WIN
17.00PLACE
8th
9. Panther (4)
J: Craig Grylls 57kg
2X122 T: Lance O'Sullivan & Andrew Scott
23.00WIN
3.50PLACE
9th
5. La Dorada (6)
J: Ben Thompson 58kg
00413 T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson
20.00WIN
3.10PLACE
10th
7. Zivou (1)
J: Warren Kennedy 58kg
26116 T: Roger James & Robert Wellwood
51.00WIN
6.00PLACE
11th
1. Romanoff (10)
J: Ryan Elliot 60kg
33198 T: Pam Gerard
201.00WIN
17.00PLACE
12th
12. War Princess (9)
J: Wiremu Pinn 56.5kg
12104 T: Peter and Trent Didham
126.00WIN
12.00PLACE
13th
4. Affirmative Action (3)
J: George Rooke 58kg
11230 T: Pam Gerard
35.00WIN
4.60PLACE
14th
14. Convinced (8)
J: Samantha Collett 55kg
18 T: Kris Shailer
201.00WIN
17.00PLACE
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz/racing. Data retrieved: 21/08/2026 10:33:56 PM (Pacific/Auckland)

The Kiwi Info

  • 2026 The Kiwi Date: Saturday the 7th of March 2026
  • Race Sponsor : New Zealand Bloodstock (NZB)
  • Track Location: Ellerslie Racecourse, Auckland, New Zealand
  • Distance: 1,500m
  • Conditions: 3YOs - Set Weights + Penalties
  • Status : Restricted Slot Race
  • Prize Money (NZ): $4million + $1million in bonuses
  • First Run: 2025
  • Reigning The Kiwi Winner: Well Written (2026)

Looking for the latest The Kiwi betting odds, insider racing tips and form for the Ellerslie slot race this March? The TAB NZ have all the best betting guides and statistics to make informed bets on the next The NZB Kiwi race this autumn!

The Restricted The Kiwi race – officially known as the NZB Kiwi for sponsorship purposes – is a recently created middle-distance test for New Zealand’s top three-year-old racehorses. It is contested at Auckland’s Ellerslie Racecourse on a Saturday in early March as the highlight of Champions Day and was held for the first time in 2025 conducted by the Auckland Racing Club.

The NZB Kiwi slot race is an exciting new addition to New Zealand’s horse racing calendar.

It is the richest race for three-year-olds in the Southern Hemisphere with the inaugural prize money set at a staggering $3.5 million plus bonuses and runs alongside a host of other top-level New Zealand races including the time-honoured Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m).

The Kiwi prize money in 2026 has been boosted to NZ$4 million.

This groundbreaking event is New Zealand’s first thoroughbred slot race.

To improve your chances of predicting this year’s The Kiwi winner, access the latest The Kiwi odds and tips online at the TAB NZ.

TAB NZ provides in-depth analysis, form guides, and betting insights to help you navigate the competitive field of three-year-old contenders.

Whether you’re a seasoned punter or new to betting on the horse races in New Zealand, our comprehensive The Kiwi race coverage has everything you need.

The NZB Kiwi slot race is just around the corner so sign up now and place your bets with TAB NZ where the smart punters go to enjoy the racing!

Back this year’s The Kiwi winner now at TAB NZ! 

The Kiwi Fast Facts

  • Inaugural The Kiwi winner: Damask Rose (2025)
  • Last The Kiwi favourite to win: Well Written ($1 in 2026)
  • Last The Kiwi winning filly: Well Written (2026)

 

Bet on the next NZB Kiwi race now!

The Kiwi Results

The Kiwi winners, jockeys, trainers, barriers, and weights carried to victory dating back to the race’s inaugural running in 2025 are detailed below.

The Kiwi Betting Info

The Kiwi betting is open months ahead of the brand-new, lucrative slot race at the TAB NZ.

We offer pre-acceptance The Kiwi betting odds throughout the year that are known as futures The Kiwi odds online.

Betting on The Kiwi field is available following final acceptances once all the official The Kiwi slot holders are confirmed.

Betting on The Kiwi favours the locally trained champions from the best New Zealand horse racing stables.

The Kiwi race betting focuses on any proven Group 1 winning horses and those proven over the middle-distance feature races in New Zealand and Australia.

The Kiwi race tips centre on proven stars that have good lead-up form in similar distance events, and horses with previous experience at the Ellerslie track who may have the advantage heading into the multi-million dollar showdown.

Expert Tips on the 2026 The NZB Kiwi

Stay tuned for our expert tips and The Kiwi betting predictions ahead of this year’s running at Ellerslie on Champions Day.

Favourite
No. 3 Well Written
Ellerslie R9 – THE NZB KIWI (L)
Final Race time: 
1st
3. Well Written (2)
J: Matt Cartwright 58kg
11111 T: Stephen Marsh
1.20WIN
1.02PLACE
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz/racing. Data retrieved: 21/08/2026 10:33:56 PM (Pacific/Auckland)
Best Each Way Bet
No. 11 Belle Cheval
Each Way
Ellerslie R9 – THE NZB KIWI (L)
Final Race time: 
2nd
11. Belle Cheval (11)
J: Mick Dee 56.5kg
31311 T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson
13.00WIN
2.20PLACE
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz/racing. Data retrieved: 21/08/2026 10:33:56 PM (Pacific/Auckland)
Best Roughie
No. 5 La Dorada
Ellerslie R9 – THE NZB KIWI (L)
Final Race time: 
9th
5. La Dorada (6)
J: Ben Thompson 58kg
00413 T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson
20.00WIN
3.10PLACE
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz/racing. Data retrieved: 21/08/2026 10:33:56 PM (Pacific/Auckland)

The Kiwi Tips

The Kiwi tips on which horse will win the next edition of The Kiwi are flooding in as the countdown to the latest running of the Auckland 1500m race heats up.

The Kiwi race tips on what horse will win the event this year will be highly sought after by smart punters and racing fans every season.

When looking at The Kiwi race tips it is important to consider factors including:

  • What horses in The Kiwi field are proven over the distance?
  • Who the key New Zealand trainers and jockeys are and what horses they have in The Kiwi field this year?
  • The Kiwi barrier statistics and where your The Kiwi betting selections are drawn.
  • The Kiwi horses that have a good past record at the Ellerslie track.

How long does it take to know if you placed a winning The Kiwi race tip? The event itself is takes around one and a half minutes for competing horses to run the 1,500m trip depending on track conditions.

The official The Kiwi winner and winning The Kiwi trifecta are known shortly after unless there is a protest or a photo-finish The Kiwi result.

Who holds The Kiwi race record? The race record for The Kiwi was set by Well Written who saluted in the second edition in 1 minute 28.34 seconds in 2026.

What are the best The Kiwi lead-up races to look at when placing a The Kiwi bet?

When placing a bet on the NZB Kiwi slot race, it’s essential to consider key lead-up races that often feature future contenders. Some of the best lead-up races to watch include:

  • Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas: This race is a significant indicator of form for three-year-olds and often features horses that perform well in the NZB Kiwi slot race.
  • Group 2 Avondale Guineas: Historically, this race has been a strong predictor of success in the New Zealand Derby and is likely to be relevant for the NZB Kiwi as well.
  • Group 2 Waikato Guineas: Another important race for three-year-olds, providing insights into the form and potential of horses leading up to The Kiwi.
  • Group 3 Manawatu Classic: This race is also worth noting, as it showcases emerging talent among three-year-olds.

The Restricted Listed Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) run at Ellerslie at the end of January also serves as a lead-up race into The Kiwi field.

In 2025 Damask Rose completed the Karaka Millions 3YO / The Kiwi double.

In 2026 Well Written won the six races on the trot including the New Zealand 1000 Guineas / Auckland Guineas / Karaka Millions 3YO / The Kiwi quartet!

By keeping an eye on these lead-up races, you can make more informed betting decisions and increase your chances of picking a winner in the NZB Kiwi slot race

Australian-Trained Horses in The Kiwi

Betting on the Australian-trained horses in the field is a popular bet with the Ben, Will & JD Hayes trained Evaporate, third in last year’s Group 1 Caulfield Guineas race in Melbourne, second in the inaugural edition behind the Kiwi trained filly Damask Rose in 2025.

In 2026, the Australian-bred Well Written saluted at event money.

The Kiwi Tips for a Trifecta

The Kiwi tips for a trifecta cover the first three horses to officially go past the finishing post in The Kiwi race results.

The horse to finish on top of The Kiwi trifecta is your The Kiwi winner, the runner who outlasted all their rivals and finished in the fastest time.

Placing a The Kiwi trifecta exotic bet on the race is a great way to add to the thrill and potentially be rewarded with a generous pay-out.

A The Kiwi trifecta is only successful if the three horses in your bet finish in the exact order you predict. Punters may choose instead to box their trifecta bets on The Kiwi to cover more finishing options and increase the chances of winning.

Adding the favourite into your The Kiwi trifecta bet is a top tip with the opening edition’s top fancy, Evaporate, running second.

Key The Kiwi Statistics and Insights

Place an informed bet on this year’s The Kiwi by considering the following key statistics and insights:

  • Win Rates: Horses with high win rates in similar races are strong contenders for The Kiwi. Our The Kiwi race betting tips available at the TAB NZ Punters Lounge provide detailed win rate statistics.
  • Place Percentages: Evaluate horses with consistent place percentages, indicating reliability and competitiveness. The Kiwi race tips offer comprehensive data on place percentages.

The Kiwi is a restricted set weights plus penalties event for horses aged three-years-old.

Here are some fun facts about the NZB Kiwi slot race:

  • First of Its Kind: The Kiwi is New Zealand’s first thoroughbred slot race, adding a unique and exciting element to the country’s racing calendar.
  • Richest 3YO Race: With a current prize pool of $4 million in 2026, increasing to $4.5 million by 2027, it is the richest race for three-year-olds in the Southern Hemisphere.
  • Slot Auction: Slots for the race are sold through an auction, with the inaugural auction in 2024 raising over NZ$6.225 million for nine slots.
  • Bonus Challenge: The Kiwi Bonus Challenge offers an additional $175,000 to the top three horses with the highest points accumulated before the race, adding an extra layer of competition.
  • International Participation: Slot holders can choose any eligible horse, regardless of where it is trained, including internationally, making it a truly global event.
  • Ellerslie Racecourse: The race is held at the iconic Ellerslie Racecourse in Auckland, which has recently undergone a $55 million upgrade.
  • Celebrating Breeding Excellence: The race showcases the best of New Zealand’s world-class breeding industry, featuring premier three-year-olds.
  • Part of Champions Day: The NZB Kiwi is a highlight of Champions Day at Ellerslie, which also includes other prestigious races and vibrant off-track activities.

The Kiwi betting takes place on the event which is held at Auckland’s Ellerslie Racecourse on a Saturday in early March.

The Kiwi odds are offered on the esteemed three-year-olds event, and the field is set to attract a host of quality young thoroughbreds many of which may be eyeing a trip across the Tasman to Australia for the autumn majors down under.

The Kiwi is set to become one of New Zealand’s most popular horse races with racing enthusiasts keen to see who the next The Kiwi champion will be after the inaugural edition in 2025 was won by the filly Damask Rose.

It is already becoming a key event in New Zealand’s racing calendar attracting the best three-year-old horses, jockeys and trainers from across the country and Australia.

Winning The Kiwi race is a significant achievement in the racing community, and the event attracts lots of attention from punters both locally and internationally in Australia.

The Kiwi race is run over 1500m and has the potential to eventually be upgraded to a Group 1 race in the same vein as Australia’s All-Star Mile.

The Kiwi is held on the same date Australia hosts the now Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m) and Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington in Melbourne, and the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) and Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Randwick in Sydney.

2026 Champions Day at Ellerslie is set to be an unforgettable event on March 7, 2026. This spectacular day promises a thrilling mix of top-tier racing, hospitality, style, and entertainment. The highlight of the day is the new The NZB Kiwi slot race, boasting a staggering NZ$4 million in stakes as of 2026, making it New Zealand’s richest annual sporting event.

The lucrative race meeting features a stellar lineup of races, including the prestigious Trackside New Zealand Derby, the Auckland Cup, the Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes and the Sistema Stakes.

Off the track, the event will host the 21st edition of The Ned Prix de Fashion, New Zealand’s national fashions in the field final, where style icons compete for over $15,000 in prizes.

With activities for families and a variety of hospitality options, Champions Day at Ellerslie is shaping up to be the event of the season!

Feature races on Champions Day at Ellerslie: 

  • NZB Kiwi Slot Race: This is the highlight of Champions Day, featuring a 1500m race for three-year-olds with set weights and penalties. With a current prize pool of $4 million, it is the most lucrative annual sporting event in New Zealand.
  • Trackside New Zealand Derby: One of the most prestigious races in New Zealand, this race is a key event on Champions Day, attracting top three-year-old thoroughbreds.
  • Auckland Cup: A time-honored race that is a staple of New Zealand’s racing calendar, featuring some of the best stayers in the country.
  • Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes: Named after the legendary racehorse Bonecrusher, this race is a significant event for middle-distance runners.
  • Sistema Stakes: A premier race for two-year-olds, showcasing the future stars of New Zealand racing.

Get the best Champions Day at Ellerslie odds, racing stats, previews, form and insider tips on races like the New Zealand Derby now at the TAB NZ!

The Kiwi Eligibility

The NZB Kiwi slot race, set to be held on Champions Day at Ellerslie, is open to three-year-olds that meet specific eligibility criteria. Eligible horses include those that are:

  • Bred in New Zealand: As determined by the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) in accordance with the New Zealand Stud Book and Register of Non-Stud Book Mares Regulations.
  • Sold through New Zealand Bloodstock Sales: Horses that are sold through the ring at a Thoroughbred sale conducted by New Zealand Bloodstock Limited or its subsidiary, Gavelhouse Ltd, or those that are passed through the ring and sold within 30 days at not less than the passed-in price.
  • Conceived in New Zealand: Horses that were bred in New Zealand are also eligible.

These criteria ensure that the race showcases the best of New Zealand’s world-class breeding industry, featuring premier three-year-olds. The selection of horses for the race is ultimately up to the Slot Holders, who can choose any eligible horse, regardless of where it is trained, including internationally.

Where can you bet on The Kiwi?

The best place to bet on this year’s The NZB Kiwi race is through the TAB NZ online.

The Kiwi Odds

The NZB Kiwi odds and online betting tips on The Kiwi horse race in New Zealand are dominated by proven horses out of key lead-up races including the Karaka Millions 3YO, the locally trained runners in the race and those of outstanding Kiwi pedigree from the nation’s leading studs.

Where can I find the latest The Kiwi odds?

For the latest odds and updates on The NZB Kiwi, TAB NZ is your go-to source. They provide real-time odds fluctuations, ensuring you have the most current information to make informed betting decisions. It’s crucial to monitor these odds closely, as they reflect the market’s perception of each horse’s chances, influenced by factors like form, barrier draw, and track conditions.

How to Place a Bet on The Kiwi

Want to know how to make a bet on The Kiwi? Visit the TAB NZ racing page to access the latest The Kiwi betting odds and options.

It is simple to learn how to place a bet on The Kiwi race online.

You can place a The Kiwi bet online anytime markets are live.

There are more ways than ever to get involved in betting on The NZB Kiwi.

From seasoned punters analysing form guides to casual racing fans drawn to the excitement, The Kiwi is a race for everyone.

Whether you’re diving deep into the latest The Kiwi race field, joining a sweepstake with friends, or simply enjoying the atmosphere of the auutmn Auckland racing, the brand-new slot race has it all!

This sizzling autumn racing event showcases New Zealand’s finest thoroughbreds and attracts attention from all over the country as one of the biggest races of the year!

How to Bet on The NZB Kiwi in 2026?

1. Log in or sign-up with TAB NZ.

2. Make a secure online deposit using one of the TAB NZ safe deposit methods.

3. Check out The Kiwi betting guide, The Kiwi form guide and our expert The Kiwi tips.

4. Choose a The Kiwi bet to place such as Win, Place, Each-Way or The Kiwi Trifecta. There are many more The Kiwi betting options available so make sure to check out our The Kiwi betting markets.

5. Select which The Kiwi horse you want to bet on from the early markets, The Kiwi nominations or The Kiwi field.

What makes betting on The Kiwi so popular?

The fact that The Kiwi is the richest race in the Southern Hemisphere for three-year-old thoroughbreds, is one of the leading races run during the Ellerslie Autumn Racing Carnival and one of the key March horse races in Australasia make it a must watch and must bet on racing event.

Betting on The Kiwi slot race has gained immense popularity due to several key factors including its exclusivity as the nation’s first ever slot race.

With only fourteen slots available, the race is highly exclusive. Slots are reserved for graduates of New Zealand Bloodstock Sales and New Zealand-bred horses, adding a layer of prestige.

For the best online betting on The NZB Kiwi, consider tipping a horse to win both The Kiwi and another major race over the carnival in a summer double!

What makes The Kiwi so special?

Horse racing has a long-standing tradition in New Zealand, and The Kiwi slot race has quickly become a highlight of the racing season, further embedding itself in the cultural fabric of the nation.

New Zealand and international racing fans, including those in Australia, are set to tune into the thrilling 1500m autumn event every season to see if their bets on The Kiwi race won!

The Kiwi currently offers NZD$3.5 million in prize money plus bragging rights with jockeys, trainers and owners from across the country and further abroad keen to add their names to the list of The Kiwi champions.

What are the popular betting markets for The Kiwi?

When it comes to betting on The Kiwi, there are a number of more popular betting options with punters including:

Exotics: These include Quinella, Trifecta, and First Four, where you predict the specific order of finishers, offering potentially higher payouts but requiring more precise predictions.

Win & Place: Bet on a horse to win or finish in the top places. This is one of the most straightforward and popular betting options.

Each-Way: A combination of win and place bets, providing a safety net if your chosen horse doesn’t win but finishes in the top positions.

What races will runners out of The Kiwi target next?

After competing in The Kiwi slot race, runners often target other prestigious races in the New Zealand and Australian racing calendars. Some of the notable races they might aim for include:

  • Australian Guineas: A Group 1 race held at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne over 1600m, it’s a key target for top three-year-olds.
  • Rosehill Guineas: Another Group 1 race in Australia, held at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse in Sydney over 2000m, it’s part of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.
  • New Zealand Oaks: For fillies, this Group 1 race at Trentham Racecourse is a significant event.

The Kiwi Barriers

The NZB Kiwi barrier draw and allocated The Kiwi starting gates play a key role for many punters when deciding on what horses to bet on in the big race.

What is the most successful The Kiwi barrier draw?

Barrier 8 produced the inaugural The NZB Kiwi winner Damask Rose in 2025.

Barrier 2 produced the second The NZB Kiwi winner Well Written in 2026.

Breakdown of winning The Kiwi barriers from 2025:

  • Barrier 2 – 1 (latest Well Written in 2026)
  • Barrier 8 – 1 (latest Damask Rose in 2025)

How many fillies have won The Kiwi?

The inaugural running of The NZB Kiwi was won by three-year-old filly Damask Rose in 2025, followed in 2026 by the flying filly Well Written.

The Kiwi Form

We offer a complete The Kiwi form guide and expert analysis on every horse in The Kiwi field in addition to insider The Kiwi racing tips and betting odds.

Our The Kiwi form guides include:

  • The Kiwi race preview and predictions
  • Racing analysis on the event and runners
  • Previous runs, barrier trials and lead-up statistics
  • Key information on all horses in the race like trainer and jockey form
  • Runner commentary

Whether you are just starting out tipping horses in The Kiwi or you are an expert The Kiwi tipster, our form guide gives you all the statistics and information you need to make a smart bet on The NZB Kiwi.

How to Read The Kiwi Form Guide

Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how to interpret a horse’s form and performance indicators when looking at this year’s The Kiwi form guide:

  • Recent Performances: Review the horse’s last few races, focusing on finish positions and the quality of competition faced.
  • Track and Distance Records: Check the horse’s performance on similar track conditions and distances to gauge suitability.
  • Jockey and Trainer Stats: Consider the success rates of the jockey and trainer combination.
  • Weight Carried: Analyse how the weight carried in previous races compares to The Kiwi, as this can impact performance.
  • Barrier Position: Evaluate the horse’s barrier draw and its historical performance from similar starting positions.

The Kiwi Results

The Kiwi results are known when the event takes place in March annually.

You can bet on The Kiwi race results weeks ahead of race day with our futures The Kiwi markets here at the TAB NZ.

Betting on The Kiwi results entails picking The Kiwi winning horse and we can help you place an informed bet on The Kiwi field with our The Kiwi tips and form guide.

Other The Kiwi race results include the winning jockeys, trainers, successful barrier and finishing time.

The complete The Kiwi finishing order shows what position every horse in the field ran.

Some punters even like to place bets on what horse will finish last in The Kiwi results!

The Kiwi exotic results show how all the exotic The Kiwi bet types resulted like The Kiwi Quinella, The Kiwi Exacta, The Kiwi Trifecta, and The Kiwi First Four.

The Kiwi Jockeys

Securing a ride in The Kiwi field is a highly sought-after achievement for jockeys around New Zealand and Australia. Winning this important autumn race is a nice campaign goal for many of Australasia’s top riders looking to secure a big race trophy during the carnival.

What jockeys are riding in The Kiwi field is determined by the owners and trainers of the horses, and official The Kiwi jockey announcements are made in the weeks and days leading up to the race.

The inaugural The Kiwi winning jockey was Blake Shinn aboard Damask Rose in 2025.

Matt Cartwright won the second edition of The Kiwi aboard Well Written in 2026.

The Kiwi Trainers

The inaugural The Kiwi winning trainers were Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson with Damask Rose in 2025.

Stephen Marsh is the latest The Kiwi winning trainer having prepared the even money favourite Well Written for her 2026 victory.

The Kiwi Winners

All past The Kiwi winners throughout history going back to the first edition in 2025 are detailed below.

Damask Rose (2025): Promising three-year-old filly Damask Rose, trained by Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, won the opening edition of The NZB Kiwi in 2025. Sired by Savabeel out of the dam Sombreuil, she had already enjoyed a significant win in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) before beating home the Aussie galloper Evaporate with Blake Shinn aboard as a $5.20 pop.

Well Written (2026): Stephen Marsh’s superstar filly Well Written jumped at $1 and saluted as effortlessly in the second running of The Kiwi as her short odds suggested when securing her sixth straight turf triumph with a narrow victory from barrier 2 carrying 58kg. She came via a string of wins in the country’s feature races including having saluted in that year’s NZ 1000 Guineas, the Auckland Guineas and Karaka Millions 3YO.

The Kiwi FAQ

What is a slot race?

In New Zealand horse racing, a slot race is a unique type of race where individuals or companies purchase a “slot” to secure a starting position for a horse. Unlike traditional races where horses qualify based on their performance, slot races require slot holders to buy their entry. For example, in the NZB Kiwi slot race, each slot has a minimum reserve price of NZ$450,000 (+ GST if any), and there are 14 slots available for purchase.

Slot holders can choose any eligible horse to fill their slot, regardless of where the horse is trained, including internationally. This format adds an exciting strategic element to the race, as slot holders must carefully select the best horse to maximize their chances of winning big!

The NZB Kiwi slot race, held on Champions Day at Ellerslie, is New Zealand’s first thoroughbred slot race and is marked as the Southern Hemisphere’s richest race for three-year-olds.

What is The Kiwi prize money?

The inaugural The Kiwi race boasted a base prize money of NZ$3.5 million in 2025, which will increase to $4.5 million by 2027.

The 2026 The Kiwi was worth NZ$4 million in total stakes.

Additionally, there is an extra $1 million in bonuses available each year. The prize money distribution for the race is designed to reward the top performers, with significant amounts allocated to the winners and placegetters.

Moreover, the NZB Kiwi Bonus Challenge offers an additional $175,000 to the three horses with the highest points accumulated before the race. The winner of this challenge receives $100,000, the second placegetter gets $50,000, and the third placegetter earns $25,000.

This substantial prize pool makes the NZB Kiwi slot race not only the richest race for three-year-olds in the Southern Hemisphere but also an exciting and lucrative opportunity for participants!

The Kiwi prize money distribution is as follows:

What is venue for The Kiwi?

The Kiwi slot race is held at Ellerslie Racecourse in Auckland. This premier racetrack has recently undergone a $55 million upgrade, including the installation of a StrathAyr track, making it one of the top racing venues in New Zealand. Ellerslie is renowned for hosting some of the country’s most iconic race days, including the Christmas Carnival and the Karaka Millions, and now, the inaugural The Kiwi slot race on Champions Day.

Who sponsors The Kiwi in 2026?

The Kiwi slot race in 2026 is sponsored by New Zealand Bloodstock (NZB) and so is officially called the NZB Kiwi. NZB is a prominent name in the international thoroughbred industry, renowned for its excellence in breeding, sales, and racing. Their involvement underscores the prestige and significance of this inaugural slot race.

This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team.