Sky Sport to broadcast horse race The NZB Kiwi

Sky Sport has confirmed it will broadcast The NZB Kiwi live on March 7, allowing New Zealanders across the country to tune into the sporting event.

Taking place at Auckland’s Ellerslie Racecourse on ‘Champions Day’ and with a prize pool of $4 million, the event now stands as the richest sporting occasion in Aotearoa. It attracts nationwide attention, massive crowds and international interest.

Richest horse race in Aotearoa

Sky Sport will partner with Entain Group to deliver the broadcast from 5pm on Sky Sport 1 & Sky Sport Now, and will also be simulcast on Trackside.

The 90-minute special will involve two races, the New Zealand Derby, which is a Group 1 race covering 2400 metres, followed by The NZB Kiwi which is 1500 metres and the richest horse race in Aotearoa.

Joining Sky’s coverage is Glen Boss, one of the most celebrated jockeys in Australasian racing history. He’s a three-time Melbourne Cup winner with the champion mare Makybe Diva, four Cox Plate wins, two Golden Slippers and more than 90 Group 1 victories.

Alongside Boss, Sky Sport will bring together some of New Zealand’s most respected sports broadcasters to front the coverage, with Jeff Wilson, Ash Tulloch and Tia McDougall.

It’s a cultural moment

Sky’s head of sport content Gary Burchett says the broadcast will capture not just the racing action, but the spectacle, entertainment, fashion and personalities that define The NZB Kiwi.

“At Sky Sport, we are always looking for events that are of national significance to New Zealanders. The NZB Kiwi is not just a race, it’s a cultural moment.

“The atmosphere, the entertainment, the stories and the personalities all make for brilliant television. The NZB Kiwi has captured New Zealand’s imagination in record time, and we’re excited to help grow this into a new national tradition.”

An important milestone

NZTR chief executive Matt Ballesty says the broadcast partnership was an important milestone for the event and the sport.

“Bringing a mainstream sports broadcaster on board has been a key growth objective for 2026, and it marks a significant step forward, not just for The NZB Kiwi, but for racing more broadly.

“This distribution opportunity aligns perfectly with the new sports audience we’ve been building around the race, with coverage created for sports fans as much as racing fans, particularly the younger audiences that are critical to the future of the sport.”

The NZB Kiwi takes place in what will be a jam-packed weekend of events on Sky Sport, says Burchett.

“This weekend is a perfect example of the incredible breadth of sport we’re able to deliver. From world‑class racing at Ellerslie, to the Warriors’ season opener, Super Rugby Pacific clashes, A‑League football and the start of the Formula One season.”

Key live sport fixtures on Sky

NRL Premiership: Warriors v Roosters

The Warriors kick off their 2026 NRL campaign with a blockbuster season opener at Go Media Stadium against the Roosters on March 6.

Sky Sport 1 has live coverage from 7pm Friday, with free‑to‑air delayed coverage on Sky Open from 9:30pm.

Super Rugby Pacific

Immediately following the NZB Kiwi on March 7, Sky Sport 1 will cross live to Eden Park for Round 4 of Super Rugby Pacific. The Blues will be hosting Crusaders at 7pm.

Other Super Rugby matches this weekend:

• Chiefs v Moana Pasifika – March 6, 7pm on Sky Sport 2.
• Hurricanes v Waratahs – March 6, 9:30pm on Sky Sport 2.
• Highlanders v Force – March 7, 4pm on Sky Sport 2

Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix

All eyes will be on Kiwi driver Liam Lawson as he lines up on the grid for the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Lights out for the main race is just before 5pm on March 8, live on Sky Sport 1. It will also be live-to-delayed on Sky Open.

A-Leagues

Auckland FC v Perth Glory- March 8, 2:30pm on Sky Sport 3

Wellington Phoenix v Adelaide United- March 6, 9pm on Sky Sport 4

T20 World Cup Final

Coverage from March 9, 2am on Sky Sport 1