The creation of New Zealand's biggest race night at Ellerslie has caused a shuffling of the feature race deck. Ellerslie confirmed their long-rumoured dream scenario of two $1 million races plus four group races in the support card for the new Karaka Million meeting, which will move to a Saturday night twilight spot on January 27. The changes mean several other major races have been moved to ensure the best pathway to Ellerslie's richest events both on Karaka Million night and also for Cup week in March. On the staying front, the $100,000 Avondale Cup moves from mid-February to New Year's Day to replace the City of Auckland Cup, while the $100,000 Karaka Stayers Cup, which has been held on Karaka Million night, comes earlier on January 14. "Both the Auckland Racing Club and the New Zealand Racing Board are thrilled with the new programme for the Karaka Million meeting," Ellerslie racing boss Craig Baker said.

Source: New Zealand Herald July 04, 2017 16:52 UTC