Nick Becker, Karl Budge and Cameron George will join forces next month
Auckland’s three biggest sports franchises are uniting to take a stake in New Zealand’s richest sporting event.
The Warriors, the Blues, and Auckland FC have joined the ownership group of ‘The People’s Horse’ in the $4m NZB Kiwi at Ellerslie Racecourse on March 7.
‘The People’s Horse’ will occupy the 14th and final slot in the lucrative 1500m race and the three clubs will be joined by nine winners of the NZB Kiwi “golden ticket” competition. As well as getting to mix and mingle with their sporting heroes on course at Ellerslie, the punters – and the three clubs – could all take home up to $100,000 if their horse crosses the line in front, given the $1.2 million available as the first prize.
The initiative is part of a wider promotion – “Footy, Fillies and Fans” - given the Blues, Warriors and Auckland FC all have home matches during the first weekend of March
Warriors’ chief executive Cameron George has an extensive equine background and was one of the key drivers behind the idea. He is looking forward to being on the same team with the Blues and Auckland FC.
“They’ve all got great leaders and good people involved, and to share in that experience is great for our clubs, but also great to help grow a new sporting event in New Zealand and Auckland,” said George.
Auckland FC CEO Nick Becker said there was no shortage of racing fans at the club.
“There’s definitely a couple of the Aussie boys in the team who love it.
”It’s a bit of a national way of life over there. But across the coaching group, some of the players, myself, the team in the head office, we’re all big racing fans. We’re keen to get along there and it’s a big race day, so it’s exciting.”
New Blues CEO Karl Budge was delighted to see the three codes associate in this way, pointing out that the more people that attend live sport in the isthmus, the better it is for everyone.
“When it comes to backing something that’s great for Auckland sport and our fans, we’re absolutely on the same team,” he said.
“The NZB Kiwi has quickly become one of the standout events on the sporting calendar, and our players and staff are excited to be part of it. It’s a unique blend of sport, entertainment and atmosphere that really captures what Auckland does best.”
The NZB Kiwi was launched in 2025, with most of the 14 slots available for runners in the race going via auction for around $700,000. The 14th and final slot is held back each year by NZ Thoroughbred Racing, to be used for promotional purposes, which is 2026 will be the new People’s Horse concept.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing CEO Matt Ballesty is proud of the innovation.
“It puts racing in front of passionate sporting fans and invites them to be part of the action on the biggest stage,” he said.
“The NZB Kiwi is already the biggest race on our calendar, and it’s a great example of how our sport can grow by bringing people together.”
It’s a lucrative event. Aside from the $1.2 million bounty for first, second place is worth $600,000, while even the sixth to 14th places will all claim $125,000.
The “Footy, Fillies & Fans” weekend will kick off with the Warriors, who launch their NRL campaign against the Sydney Roosters on the Friday.
On Saturday afternoon, the NZB Kiwi is the highlight of Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s “Champions Day” that also includes three group one races and the Auckland Cup. The Blues then host the Crusaders in the fourth round of Super Rugby Pacific on the Saturday night, before Auckland take on Perth Glory on the Sunday afternoon, a match that will have added spice given last weekend’s defeat in Western Australia.