THE MILLION-DOLLAR RACES
Guests from New Zealand and around the world will descend on the Auckland Racing Club this Saturday for the Karaka Million.
The late-afternoon race has two $1 million races this year — one for 2-year-old thoroughbred horses and one for 3-year-olds.
Millionaires from as far away as Ireland, come here for the races and the New Zealand Bloodstock sales the following week.
Among the international guests of note — and expected to splash the cash — are Tommy Heptinstall, owner of thoroughbreds from Australia, and John Magnier, owner of the Irish Coolmore thoroughbred stud.
The Million is the first social gathering when everyone is back in town for a catch-up after the summer holidays.
This year, organisers will be hoping a new breed of sporting stars show up.
Last year New Zealand’s richest family, the Harts, were out in force. A handful of Rich Listers are expected on Saturday night. Former supermodel Kylie Bax, 45, will be there to show off her racing expertise, as will former
Lord of the Rings’ horse trainer Chris Rutten. There may be stars from from the cricket and rugby codes — Brendon McCullum, Stephen Donald, Ali Williams and former All Black coach Sir Steve Hansen are known to show interest in racing syndicates.
Meanwhile, Breakfast’s Matty McLean, former jockey Lance O’Sullivan and wife Bridgette and their new generation of racing socialites, daughters Caitlin and Georgia are also confirmed to attend.