Elsdon Park secures naming rights to Group One 2YO race on Champions Day

Elsdon Park is strengthening its partnership with Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) by taking naming rights for one of New Zealand’s premier juvenile feature races.

The Group One 2yo race on Champions Day will now be known as the Elsdon Park Stakes, set to run on 6 March 2027 at Ellerslie Racecourse. This builds on Elsdon Park’s current sponsorship of the Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic, run on TAB Karaka Millions, to be held on 23 January 2027.

The new partnership also covers Ellerslie’s two key lead-up races for two-year-olds in summer. The Elsdon Park Sprint (2yo 1100) will be run at the SkyCity Boxing Day Races, and the Elsdon Park Stakes Prelude on Saturday, 30 January.

“We’re very proud to deepen our partnership with ATR through the Group One two-year-old Elsdon Park Stakes. Being part of the biggest day on New Zealand’s racing calendar is a real privilege and something we’re very excited about. For us, it’s also about celebrating the breeders behind the horses. Every great racehorse starts with a breeder’s vision and belief, and we want to use these races to shine a light on the people who play such an important role in the success of our industry says Elsdon Park owner, Lib Petagna.

Elsdon Park is also backing the people behind the horses. The winning stable team of both the Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic and the Group One Elsdon Park Stakes will each receive a $1,000 Prezzy Card

“It’s important to celebrate the dedicated teams that provide care for these racehorses. We hope this initiative gives those teams an opportunity to take a moment, reflect on their achievements and celebrate the success they deserve”

ATR Chief Executive Paul Wilcox welcomed the expanded partnership.

“Elsdon Park has been a great supporter of Ellerslie through the Aotearoa Classic, and we’re delighted they’ve chosen to grow that relationship. Taking on naming rights for a Group One, along with both lead-up races, shows a real commitment to creating a strong platform for two-year-old racing in New Zealand.

“The stable prizes are a great touch. They recognise the people who do the hard yards behind every winner, and it’s exactly the kind of thing that makes a partnership like this special.”

Elsdon Park races at Ellerslie this season:

• $80,000 Elsdon Park Sprint: SkyCity Boxing Day Races, 26 December 2026. The winning stable team receives a $500 Prezzy Card.
• $750,000 Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (Group Three, 1600): TAB Karaka Millions, 23 January 2027. The winning stable team receives a $1,000 Prezzy Card.
• $120,000 Elsdon Park Stakes Prelude (Group Three, 1200): Family Raceday, 30 January 2027. The winning stable team receives a $500 Prezzy Card.
• $450,000 Elsdon Park Stakes (Group One, 1200m): Champions Day, 6 March 2027. The winning stable team receives a $1,000 Prezzy Card.