Haunui Farm, a Karaka nursery, has achieved a significant milestone with five of its graduates competing in the $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) at Ellerslie, the richest race for three-year-olds in Australasia. The contenders include Romanoff, He Who Dares, L’Aigle Noir, War Princess, and Lollapalooza, all showcasing strong form ranging from Group One winners to promising emerging talent. Haunui’s Mark Chitty highlighted the dedication required to run the farm year-round and expressed pride in their clients and breeding success.

Among the top-rated graduates is Romanoff, a Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas winner, bred by Marie Leicester and sold for $75,000. Other notable horses include He Who Dares, sold for $825,000, and War Princess and Lollapalooza, both Group 3 winners. L’Aigle Noir’s story stands out due to veterinary intervention that helped overcome breeding challenges, resulting in a promising racehorse. Despite strong competition, Haunui remains optimistic about their chances in this prestigious event.