Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) today announced a partnership with Elsdon Park, with the New Zealand stud signing on to sponsor the newly created $1m open 4YO race to take place on TAB Karaka Millions night.
To be known as the Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic, the race will be run over 1600m for $1,000,000 under set-weight conditions on TAB Karaka Millions night (27th January 2024), one of the highlights of the ATR calendar.
Elsdon Park sponsored the Group 2 Royal Stakes at the New Year’s Day Races in 2023, held at Te Rapa Racecourse whilst Ellerslie was under construction, and it’s pleasing to officially welcome Elsdon Park to the ATR stable for the 2023/24 season.
“Elsdon Park is a significant player in the thoroughbred breeding industry making them a natural fit for that night in particular which showcases the best of New Zealand racing to an international audience,” says ATR chief executive officer Paul Wilcox.
ATR sponsorship manager John O’Malley is also delighted to welcome Elsdon Park into the fold.
“We are thrilled to have Elsdon Park’s support of the all-new $1m 4YO race on TAB Karaka Millions night.
“The race, one of the innovations to come from the $20.3m stakes injection from the TAB NZ/Entain strategic partnership, is an exciting addition to what’s already the glamour night of racing in New Zealand.”
Elsdon Park general manager, Kerrie Cox, is equally excited to be joining forces with ATR.
“This is an exciting race meeting that we had previously singled out as being one we really wanted to be involved with.
“To be a part of one of New Zealand’s biggest racedays, with a $1 million race that should attract a quality international field, and on the eve of our National Yearling Sale Series, is something we are delighted to now be a part of.”
Elsdon Park’s owner, Lib Petagna, echoed those sentiments.
“The newly formed TAB NZ and Entain partnership provides a significant boost to our industry and this meeting, with its domestic and global coverage, provides a unique opportunity to build our brand and partner with ATR on this exciting initiative.”|
The $1,000,000 Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic will be run on Saturday 27th January 2024, as a part of the TAB Karaka Millions. The TAB Karaka Millions sees the who’s who of the New Zealand racing and social set take to the racetrack to cheer on the thoroughbreds running for the biggest prize money in New Zealand racing.
