The NZB Kiwi will return to Champions Day at Ellerslie on Saturday 6 March 2027, with prizemoney increasing by $500,000 to $4.5 million for its third edition.
Every runner in the 2027 NZB Kiwi will receive at least $175,000 (6th – 14th placings) in prizemoney, further strengthening the value of the race for owners, trainers and Slot Holders.
The $1 million NZB Kiwi Bonus Eligible Race Pool will also continue for the 2026-27 season, providing an additional incentive for three-year-olds progressing towards The NZB Kiwi. A horse that wins a designated Bonus Eligible Race and subsequently finishes in the first three in The NZB Kiwi can earn an additional $600,000 for first, $250,000 for second or $150,000 for third.
The same New Zealand-based Bonus Eligible races used last season will continue in 2026-27, whilst the Group 1 NZB Kiwi 4YO Bonus will not continue in 2027 following NZTR funding outcomes.
NZTR GM – Racing Mitch Lamb commented on the race’s continued support, including major sponsor New Zealand Bloodstock.
“We thank NZB’s Sir Peter Vela and the Vela family. Their contribution has been hugely important to the race, and we value that support immensely.”
“We’re also grateful for the NZB Kiwi Slot Holders’ investment into the concept. With the lead-up to the third edition now underway, we’ll all be keeping an eye on the new crop of three-year-olds emerging across New Zealand and Australia,” Lamb said.
The most recent NZB Kiwi winner, Well Written (AUS) (Written Tycoon), has continued to underline the strength of the race, kicking off her season in style with victory in the Group 1 $400,000 Proisir Plate (1400m) at Ellerslie.
Lamb said New Zealand racing fans will look forward to following the star mare in Sydney over the Spring.
“Her victory in the season’s opening Group 1 added another major achievement to her record.”
“We’re looking forward to seeing her continue her campaign in Sydney, when she lines up in both the Group 1 Epsom Handicap and Golden Eagle next month.”
NZTR will provide regular NZB Kiwi updates as the season progresses. For more information about the 2027 NZB Kiwi, Champions Day or Slot Holders, click here.
2026-27 Bonus Eligible Race Schedule
View the full 2026-27 Bonus Eligible Race Schedule below and here.
| Date | Race & Distance | Club & Venue |
| Monday 26 October 2026 | Group 2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) | Waikato Thoroughbred Racing at Te Rapa Racecourse |
| Saturday 7 November 2026 | Group 1 Barneswood Farm 54th New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) | Canterbury Jockey Club at Riccarton Park |
| Saturday 14 November 2026 | Group 1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai 54th New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) | Canterbury Jockey Club at Riccarton Park |
| Saturday 26 December 2026 | Group 2 Shaw’s Wire Ropes Auckland Guineas (1400m) | Auckland Thoroughbred Racing at Ellerslie Racecourse |
| Saturday 9 January 2026 | Group 2 Levin Classic (1400m) | Wellington Racing Club at RACE Trentham |
| Saturday 23 January 2027 | Listed TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) | Auckland Thoroughbred Racing at Ellerslie Racecourse |
| Saturday 23 January 2027 | Group 3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1200m) | Auckland Thoroughbred Racing at Ellerslie Racecourse |
| Saturday 6 February 2027 | Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) | Waikato Thoroughbred Racing at Te Rapa Racecourse |
| Saturday 20 February 2027 | Group 3 Eagle Technology Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m) | Auckland Thoroughbred Racing at Ellerslie Racecourse |