NZB Unveil Stunning New Karaka Millions Trophies

[Wandering Eyes]

Just one week out from the iconic TAB Karaka Millions Raceday, where NZB graduates will take to the track for their share of $4.6m in stakes, NZB has unveiled new custom made trophies for winning connections of the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) races.

Crafted by master jeweller Nicola (Nic) Cerrone, director and creative mind behind Melbourne-based Cerrone Jewellers, the trophies are stamped with his signature artisan craftmanship that has earned him a loyal following for more than 50 years.

The ownership group in both sale graduate races will receive a 35cm tall trophy to keep, with the winning trainer and jockey of both races receiving minis.

“We are delighted to reveal the distinctive new Karaka Millions trophies, a fitting year with the celebration of our 100th National Yearling Sale,” commented NZB’s Jessie Gower.

“The TAB Karaka Millions are iconic races and these trophies reflect that well. The unique design is inspired by the KM icon that can be found against every Karaka Millions eligible horse, be it in a racebook or catalogue. I’m sure all connections will be eyeing these ones up.”

The new trophies add an extra layer of excitement in what is shaping up to be another spectacular night of racing.

The live barrier draw for the two TAB Karaka Millions races will be held at the Karaka Sales Centre on Wednesday 21 January from 10.15am, and broadcast live on Trackside 1. 

The 2026 TAB Karaka Millions 2YO and TAB Karaka Millions 3YO will be run at Ellerslie on January 24, as part of a star-studded twilight card that also features the $700,000 Group One Sistema Railway (1200m), the $1m Group Three Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m), the $250,000 Group Three Almanzor Trophy (1200m) and the $100,000 Jo Giles Stakes (1400m).

TAB Karaka Millions night serves as the perfect curtain-raiser for the 100th edition of the New Zealand National Yearling Sale, which gets underway the following day. Book 1 of Karaka 2026 takes place on January 25 and 26, followed by Book 2 on January 27 and the new Karaka Summer Sale on January 29.

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