24 Jan
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100 Ascot Avenue, Remuera, Auckland
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Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) has confirmed Affirmative Action as its slot runner for the 2026 running of the $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m), New Zealand racing’s premier slot race at Champions Day at Ellerslie.
The NZB Kiwi has firmly established itself as one of the most valuable and prestigious races on the domestic calendar, and Auckland Thoroughbred Racing Chief Executive Paul Wilcox believes Affirmative Action is certainly a horse worthy of running in ATR’s slot on racing’s biggest stage.
“Affirmative Action is in the top echelon of New Zealand three-year-olds,” says Wilcox.
“He’s already proven himself at the elite level, and when you look at his Group 1 2000 Guineas performance in November – sitting three wide, looming to win at the top of the straight, and only being beaten by a nose. It was a run that really stood out.”
The gelding’s profile, data, and racecraft made him an especially compelling proposition for ATR as it assessed its slot options for the $4 million showpiece.
“From a data perspective, he has a rating that makes him a genuine leading chance.”
“But it’s not just the numbers, it’s the tactical speed he has, his ability to position in running, and his demonstrated liking for Ellerslie that really appealed to us. When you combine all of that, he ticks a lot of boxes very quickly.”
Affirmative Action will represent ATR in the NZB Kiwi in partnership with Ballymore Stables, and will be ridden by George Rooke on raceday, adding further experience and confidence to the slot selection. ATR is looking forward to partnering with Ballymore Stables and raising the profile of this race across the wider industry.
The confirmation of ATR’s slot horse comes as anticipation continues to build for Champions Day on Saturday 7 March, with the NZB Kiwi now firmly entrenched as a major race for both Ellerslie and the wider New Zealand racing industry.
“We’ve been very supportive of the NZB Kiwi concept from day one” says Wilcox.
Beyond the NZB Kiwi, Champions Day will again deliver one of the strongest race cards of the season, featuring three Group 1 races alongside a programme of seven elite black-type races, drawing the spotlight firmly onto Ellerslie.
“It’s a massive day for us and for New Zealand racing. The team understands the importance of getting it right — not just on the track, but for everyone who walks through the gates.”
“We’re out to put on a great spectacle, and having a horse like Affirmative Action representing ATR in the NZB Kiwi adds another layer of excitement to what’s shaping up to be a special day.”
With a $4 million purse, a rising star in Affirmative Action, and a star-studded Champions Day card around it, the 2026 NZB Kiwi is set to be a race to watch at Ellerslie.
Feature races across Champions Day (10 races in total):
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