The Aotearoa Classic is a Group three horse race for four year old horses held on Karaka Million night in late January each year at Ellerslie Racecourse, Auckland, New Zealand. The Karaka Million race night is held on the eve of the National Yearling Sales Series at Karaka.
History
The first edition of the race was held Saturday 27 January 2024 when Desert Lightning won from Legarto and Rudyard. The 2025 edition was a listed race and it attained Group Three status in 2026. It was reported that the 2026 Aotearoa Classic was the highest race for turnover in New Zealand for January with $1.2 million bet on it via the New Zealand TAB and it's betcha app.
Recent results Year Stake Winner Sire Dam Jockey Trainer(s) Time Second Third2026 $1,040,000 Tuxedo 57.5Tivaci (Aus) Ball Gown Opie Bosson Shaune Ritchie & Colm Murray 1:36.06 (soft)Hinekaha 55.5Knobelas 55.52025$1,000,000 Orchestral 55.5 Savabeel Symphonic Craig GryllsRoger James & Robert Wellwood 1:35.99 (soft)Mary Shan 55.5 Mosinvader 57.52024 $1,000,000 Desert Lightning 57.5 Pride of Dubhai (Aus) Isstoora (Aus) Vincent Colgan Peter & Dawn Williams1:32.53 (good) Legarto 55.5Rudyard 57.5
See also Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes Otaki-Maori Weight for Age Thorndon Mile Zabeel Classic Thoroughbred racing in New Zealand
References