The TAB Karaka Millions meeting at Ellerslie on Saturday witnessed a remarkable surge in turnover, reaching an unprecedented $9.5 million. This figure exceeds the previous highest meeting record, notably the 2022 New Zealand Trotting Cup meeting, by $2 million. Notably, the record-breaking total was achieved in just six races, less than half of the Trotting Cup meeting, which featured 13 races.

Year-on-year turnover for the TAB Karaka Millions experienced a substantial 66% increase. Particularly noteworthy is the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO race, the final event on Saturday's card, which set a new record for the highest wagered on a single New Zealand race, boasting a turnover of $2.6 million. This surpasses the $2.1 million wagered on the 2022 NZ Trotting Cup. The average turnover per race during the meeting was almost $1.6 million.

Cameron Rodger, the Managing Director – New Zealand for Entain Australia and New Zealand, the operators of TAB, expressed that Saturday's meeting's phenomenal results are a testament to a year of dedicated hard work. The substantial energy and figures at Ellerslie provide considerable confidence for the racing industry's future endeavors.

Rodger emphasized that the successful event serves as a positive start to the week of yearling sales at the New Zealand Bloodstock sale complex at Karaka. He sees it as a momentum boost for the industry, following the recent launch of The NZB Kiwi slot race and a revamped summer racing calendar.

More than 48,000 TAB customers engaged in betting during Saturday's meeting, marking a notable increase from 36,000 the previous year, 35,000 in 2022, and 30,000 in 2021. Rodger highlighted that the growing number of customers participating reflects the spreading awareness that racing is making a significant comeback.

In summary, the TAB Karaka Millions meeting's record-breaking turnover and increased customer engagement indicate a positive trend for the racing industry in New Zealand.