La Dorada won the Karaka Millions last season and will have an army of new supporters in the NZB Kiwi on March 7. Photo / Kenton Wright
The People’s Horse now has a name.
The One New Zealand Warriors, the Blues and the Auckland FC will unite with racing fans across the country behind last season’s Karaka Millions winner La Dorada, who has been confirmed as “the People’s Horse” for the $4 million NZB Kiwi at Ellerslie on March 7.
Selected to represent the clubs and the winners of the NZB Kiwi Golden Ticket campaign, La Dorada is set to be one of the darlings of New Zealand’s richest-ever horse race.
Trained by Te Akau Racing, La Dorada established herself as the country’s premier juvenile last season, winning the $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO before claiming the $550,000 Group 1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes.
That saw her crowned Champion 2-Year-Old at the New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards.
She has backed that up in her three-year-old campaign, taking out the $400,000 Group 2 Levin Track Supporters Levin Classic and finishing a brave third in the $1.5 million TAB Karaka Million 3-Year-Old, underlining her consistency at the highest level.
Her name, La Dorada – Spanish for “the Golden One” – provides a fitting connection to the NZB Kiwi’s Golden Ticket campaign, which has given everyday New Zealanders the opportunity to secure a direct share in the country’s richest and most exciting race.
Those winners will now stand shoulder-to-shoulder with three of the country’s biggest sporting brands in cheering home a genuine black-type performer.
“The People’s Horse” initiative is being led by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) in a bid to engage wider sporting audiences and connect new fans to racing by partnering with high-profile football clubs and creating a genuine ownership experience for the public.
NZTR chief executive Matt Ballesty said La Dorada was the perfect embodiment of the concept.
“The People’s Horse initiative is about connection – bringing new audiences into racing and giving everyday New Zealanders a genuine stake in our biggest event,” Ballesty said.
“La Dorada is an elite-level performer with a proven record in the biggest races of her generation. She represents excellence, opportunity and shared experience – exactly what the NZB Kiwi is all about.”
Warriors coach Andrew Webster is a keen racing fan, and said the team were excited to find out which horse they would be cheering for on March 7.
“A few of the players and I follow the racing game closely and know some of the better horses that are running around in New Zealand,” Webster said.
“When we found out La Dorada would be our horse for the NZB Kiwi, they were pretty excited and thought, ‘Gee, we might have a chance here’.
“Our fans are awesome, and I know they’ll be keen to get behind the race and get around La Dorada when she goes around in the NZB Kiwi.”
Blues lock Sam Darry is hoping La Dorada can provide a pre-match boost for the team in the hours leading up to their Super Rugby Pacific clash with the Crusaders at Eden Park.
“The boys are pretty excited to be part of something different with the other footy clubs, and now that we know we’re backing La Dorada – the lads are up for it,” Darry said.
“It’d be nice to notch up a couple of wins on Saturday!”
Auckland FC defender Jake Girdwood-Reich hails from Australia, but he’s happy to trade the green and gold of his homeland for the Te Akau tangerine in the NZB Kiwi.
“Being from Aussie, I’m pretty keen on the racing, so to experience being part of such a big race like this one is unreal.
“I’ve heard La Dorada’s got a decent chance, so I know myself and a few of the other boys and the coaches are looking forward to cheering her home with the other clubs and the fans. I can’t wait!”
Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis said the stable was delighted to see La Dorada take on the mantle of the People’s Horse.
“La Dorada has been a special filly from day one, since I bought her at Karaka,” Ellis said.
“Winning the TAB Karaka Millions and a Group 1 as a 2-year-old, then training on so well at 3, shows her class and durability. We’re incredibly proud that she’s been selected as the People’s Horse, and we, together with her owners, are excited to represent the Warriors, the Blues, Auckland FC and the Golden Ticket winners on race day.
“To have three runners in the NZB Kiwi is a tremendous achievement for Te Akau trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, and our team. After winning the inaugural race with Damask Rose, we’d love nothing more than to go back.”
– LOVERACING.NZ News Desk