Auckland racing boss primed for mega sporting weekend in the 09

An epic weekend of Auckland sport gets underway at Go Media Mt Smart Stadium tonight.

The Warriors game against the Sydney Roosters not only begins their 2026 NRL campaign, but kicks-off “Footy, Fillies and Fans”.

The concept is the brainchild of Warriors CEO Cameron George, who rather than opting to  compete against rival codes, proposed collaboration with the Blues, Auckland FC and Auckland Thoroughbred Racing.

Tomorrow’s Champions Day at Ellerslie is the second event of the four-pronged feast of 09 sport, followed by the Blues hosting the defending Super Rugby Pacific champion Crusaders at Eden Park tomorrow night, with Auckland FC providing the capstone when they host Perth Glory in football’s A-League Sunday afternoon.

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing CEO Paul Wilcox was onboard as soon as Cameron George mooted the idea.

“I told Cameron this is really cool and it just grew.”

“He obviously spoke with [Auckland FC CEO] Nick Becker and then Budgie,” referring to new Blues CEO Karl Budge.

Wilcox says on his first day in the role, Karl Budge told George, Becker and Wilcox that the Blues were in.

Champions Day is one of the major events for Auckland Thoroughbred Racing, featuring the $4-million NZB Kiwi race.

Despite the magnitude of the raceday, Paul Wilcox was adamant it should be part of the city wide sporting extravaganza.

“The moment you think that you're bigger or have got everything sorted is the moment you're on your way down.”

“It's great for the city, so it was an extremely easy decision,” he said.

Wilcox also hopes that other cities around New Zealand and the world will try and emulate what Tamaki Makaurau is doing this weekend.

“There's an awesome opportunity for Waikato, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, even the regional towns.”

Even though it is yet to take place, Wilcox is already keen to go again next year.

But as for the inaugural event, his message to Auckland sports fans could not be any clearer.

“Bring it on!”