24 Jan
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100 Ascot Avenue, Remuera, Auckland
- 09 524 4069
Auckland’s most glamorous night out is ready to hit a new high note.
The TAB Karaka Millions, returning to Ellerslie Racecourse on Saturday 24 January, has long been the glittering centrepiece of the city’s summer social calendar. This year, the twilight race meeting is doubling down on its reputation as a true lifestyle event, with UK DJ and global social media sensation John Fisher (aka BOSH) landing in Auckland as a major drawcard for racegoers.
Fisher, who goes by ‘Big John’, has amassed a huge following of more than 1 million fans across Instagram and Tik Tok. Also the father of British heavyweight boxer Johnny Fisher, he’s known for his catchphrase “bosh”, meaning “life is good”, and is also a huge fan of racing – even owning his own racehorse, a 2-year-old filly called Bosh Soldier.
“The TAB Karaka Millions has evolved into so much more than a race meeting,” says Auckland Thoroughbred Racing CEO Paul Wilcox.
“It’s an event where world-class racing meets fashion, entertainment and hospitality, and that’s what makes it such a powerful part of Auckland’s summer.”
Held on the eve of New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale, the TAB Karaka Millions attracts an international mix of owners, breeders and industry leaders, alongside Auckland’s social set. The result is a uniquely electric atmosphere where entertainment, fashion and champagne-fuelled catch-ups sit comfortably alongside elite thoroughbred racing.
On the track, the stakes are as high as ever, with not one but three $1 million-plus races anchoring the night, including the TAB Karaka Millions 2YO and 3YO features, alongside the Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic and the Group 1 Sistema Railway.
Off the track, style and spectacle take centre stage. The Tan in the City Style Spotter Award returns, offering every racegoer the chance to be crowned best dressed and win a coveted prize pack, with finalists featured across Ellerslie’s social channels and voted on by the public after the event.
“The lifestyle element is a huge part of the Karaka Millions experience, people come for the racing, but they stay for the atmosphere.”
“It’s about creating a night that feels special the moment you walk through the gates.”
Once the final race has been run, Ellerslie seamlessly transforms from racetrack to dancefloor.
The iconic Birdcage Bash afterparty will feature a spectacular 15-minute laser light show, before Fisher takes to the decks for a high-energy DJ set straight after the last race. With a huge fan base across Instagram and TikTok, his appearance has already generated excitement well beyond traditional racing audiences.
“Big John brings a global following and a real sense of fun to the event and his appeal to a younger crowd means introducing the TAB Karaka Millions to an entirely new audience which is incredibly important for the future of the sport.”
Across the night, Fisher will immerse himself in the action – from joining competition winners for a drink and to watch a race from the dais to hosting a meet and greet with the crowd, and capturing content with fans before closing out the evening behind the decks.
From million-dollar racing to laser-lit celebrations, the TAB Karaka Millions continues to redefine what a night at the races can be.
“We’re incredibly proud of what this event has become. It showcases the very best of racing, while also delivering an unforgettable summer night out for Auckland.”
Feature races across Karaka Millions (six races in total)
