SHAW'S COMMITS TO GROUP ONE RAILWAY FOR FIVE YEARS

Shaw’s has signed a five-year partnership with Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) as naming rights sponsor of New Zealand’s most prestigious sprint.

From 2027, the Group One Railway (1200m) will be run as the Shaw’s Railway. The race is one of the feature events on TAB Karaka Millions at Ellerslie.

The partnership runs through to the 2031 edition, which gives Shaw’s a long-term home on one of the biggest racedays in New Zealand.

It builds on Shaw’s existing sponsorship of the Jimmy Schick Shaw’s Auckland Guineas, run at Ellerslie’s SkyCity Boxing Day Races in loving memory of Jimmy Schick.

“The Auckland Guineas showed us what’s possible at Ellerslie, and the Railway takes it to the next level. Five years gives us time to make this race our own” says Jonny Schick, Director at Shaw’s.

ATR Chief Executive Paul Wilcox welcomed the expanded partnership.

“Shaw’s has been a wonderful supporter of Ellerslie through the Auckland Guineas, a race that carries special meaning in honouring Jimmy Schick. We’re delighted they’ve chosen to grow that relationship by sponsoring the Railway, one of the great races on the New Zealand calendar and a highlight of TAB Karaka Millions.

“A five-year commitment gives the race real stability and a strong identity for years to come. Long-term partnerships like this are exactly what the sport needs, and we look forward to the first running of the Shaw’s Railway in January.”

Shaw’s races at Ellerslie this season:

• Group 2 Jimmy Schick Shaw’s Auckland Guineas, SkyCity Boxing Day Races, 26 December 2026
• Group 1 Shaw’s Railway, TAB Karaka Millions, 23 January 2027

For more information about TAB Karaka Millions Raceday at Ellerslie, click here.

Media contact: John O’Malley, Partnerships Manager, Auckland Thoroughbred Racing, [email protected]