New Zealand Bloodstock’s Karaka Million racing series has been expanded with a new event and increased prize money.

In addition to the existing $1 million Karaka Million two-year-old feature, yearlings entering the series at the 2014 Karaka Sales will be eligible for a richer $250,000 Karaka 3YO Mile, an increase of $150,000, plus the $100,000 Karaka Stayers’ Cup.

The cup will be an open 2200m event with a purse of $100,000 on offer and will be held for the first time in January 2014 and until 2018 will be open to all Karaka yearling sale graduates, whether they have ever been entered in the Karaka Million or not.  From 2018, this race will be restricted to Karaka Million series eligible horses, with this year’s yearlings then five-year-olds.

“It has always been our ambition from day one to grow the series at every chance we get, and one obvious target has been to provide more opportunity for the huge selection of quality middle-distance and staying prospects bred here in New Zealand that go through the Karaka Sales,” NZB Co-Managing Director Petrea Vela said.

“We are thrilled to be in a position to be able to take the Karaka Million event to the next level and provide a great show for owners, trainers, breeders and buyers alike.”