SUMMER OF RACING RETURNS TO ELLERSLIE
Fillies, fashion and fun return to Ellerslie this summer for Auckland Racing Club’s 2016/17 Season, which promises to be the biggest to date.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to flock through the iconic Ellerslie gates for a season of world-class thoroughbred horse racing, fashion and entertainment.
With 23 racedays throughout the season and nine feature racedays including New Zealand Herald Boxing Day Races and New Year’s Day Races as well as the back to back Saturdays of Auckland Cup Week, Ellerslie has something for everyone.
Whether you’re a racing fan keen to be track side and close to the action, or soaking up the hospitality and party atmosphere in one of the many entertainment areas, Ellerslie definitely is the place to be during summer!
BARFOOT & THOMPSON TWILIGHT SUMMER NIGHT
The December party season kicks off with the Barfoot & Thompson Twilight Summer Night Races on Wednesday, December 7. This midweek soiree makes the most of the longer summer afternoons, matching the heart pounding excitement of six races with an after party in Cuvee that lasts until after the sun goes down. It provides the perfect chance to catch-up with friends or host clients and colleagues before the Christmas break. In fact, it’s the perfect alternative to the work Christmas party!
If you miss out this Wednesday, don’t worry. Book tickets to the Barfoot & Thompson Twilight Summer Night on Friday, February 3.
NEW ZEALAND HERALD CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL
The end of December welcomes Ellerslie’s iconic Christmas Carnival – a trifecta for fashion, entertainment and some of the best thoroughbred horse racing on offer.
Held across three racedays and with a history that dates back more than 150 years, the Christmas Carnival provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate the festive season with family and friends.
The carnival starts with the landmark New Zealand Herald Boxing Day Races, which has sold out for the last two years. Boxing Day combines the best of summer fun with an exciting day of racing. With lots of sponsor activations and family entertainment planned, make sure to plan ahead and buy tickets in advance.
For those that love dressing up, Fashions in the Field is an event steeped in tradition and makes The New Zealand Herald Boxing Day Races one of the most fashionable racing events in the country. If you’re planning your outfit, read the advice of Ellerslie’s friends and resident fashionistas over the page.
Two further racedays are held over this period – the New Zealand Herald Summer Raceday on Thursday, December 29 and the New Zealand Herald New Year’s Day Races on Sunday, January 1. In particular, New Year’s Day will be a sensational racing day, so if you’re a keen punter welcome the start of 2017 at Ellerslie.
KARAKA MILLION TWILIGHT
Celebrating its 10th year, this international show-stopping raceday on Sunday, January 29 is the day for racing fanatics and syndicate hopefuls. It’s also a chance to witness one of New Zealand’s richest races, the $1,000,000 Karaka Million.
In January each year, the hammer goes down at the National Yearling Sales in Karaka when hundreds of finely bred one-yearold horses are sold to new homes in the hopes of becoming the ‘next big thing’ in thoroughbred racing.
One year later, the top 14 qualified youngsters from the 2016 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales come to Ellerslie and race head-to-head.
Once the racing is over all that’s left is an unmissable party that has become the must-attend event of Auckland’s social calendar. After six exhilarating races are played out and you heart is left thumping with excitement, a live band will play out the night.
MORE TO COME…
The racing continues long into the summer and reaches a climax with Auckland Cup Week starting on Saturday, March 4 with Vodafone Derby Day. This year it features the season’s top fashion event Viva Prix de Fashion showcasing the best of the traditional Derby Day black and white.
The following Saturday will mark the pinnacle of Auckland Cup Week and the racing season with Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup Day. Best-in-class racing, culinary delights, stellar entertainment and top VIP hosting will be the priority of the day with tickets to the highly anticipated Mumm Racing Village expected to sell-out fast.
Whether you’re attending for a day of pampering, the nail biting thrill of thoroughbred racing or some relaxed family fun, there is an Ellerslie raceday perfect for everyone this summer season. So dress to impress and be part of the iconic atmosphere and thrill of trackside entertainment.
“Whether you’re a racing fan keen to be track side and close to the action, or soaking up the hospitality and party atmosphere in one of the many entertainment areas, Ellerslie definitely is the place to be during summer!”