News

Prominent owner David Archer’s silks have been carried to victory in some of New Zealand’s most prestigious races, and in March, he is hoping he can tick off another - the $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m).

NZTR has confirmed a lucrative new $500,000 Group 1 4YO Bonus that will be available to the first horse that wins a New Zealand-based Group 1 race in its four-year-old season, that runs in the 2026 $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m).

Matamata trainer Pam Gerard has doubled her representation in the $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m), with Slot Holder Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) announcing Affirmative Action (AUS).

Last month’s $600,000 Group 1 Barneswood Farm 53rd New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) is proving to be the early form race for the $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m), with runner-up Lollapalooza (NZ) (El Roca) announced in the 2026 $4m NZB Kiwi (1500m).

The Canterbury Jockey Club have announced Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) winner Romanoff (NZ) (Belardo) as their representative for the $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) at Ellerslie on Champions Day, 7 March 2026.

New Zealand racing’s hottest property, Well Written (AUS) (Written Tycoon), is locked in for the $4m The NZB Kiwi (1500m), after connections of the unbeaten filly signed up for the TAB slot, held by Entain New Zealand.

NZTR is pleased to confirm the final list of 10 New Zealand stakes races that will form part of the $1 million Bonus Eligible Race Pool attached to The NZB Kiwi (1500m), the Southern Hemisphere’s richest three-year-old race.