Auckland covers for Melbourne crowd
IT’S no secret New Zealanders love the Melbourne Cup almost as much as those over the ditch.
On Tuesday, November 3, Ellerslie Racecourse will play host to the country’s largest Melbourne Cup party, with horse racing, competitions, fashion events, and food and drink – all whileMelbourne stays quiet.
Usually, the often-dubbed ‘‘race that stops a nation’’ attracts crowds of more than 100,000 to Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne.
Despite the city’s recent postlockdown freedom, there will be no crowds allowed at horse racing’s premier event, New Zealand’s privileged Covid-19 status making it one of the few places where large crowds can gather to enjoy large sporting events.
While the Auckland event is pressing ahead, Paul Wilcox, chief executive of Auckland Racing Club, admits he was worried it could be stymied.
‘‘It’s a crazy time, particularly for Flemington. That’s their major carnival and it’s so unfortunate they still have those restrictions.
‘‘When the second lockdown came around in Auckland, I was nervous, but thankfully the community rallied and abided by the restrictions to enable us to be where we are today. Fingers crossed things stay that way.’’
If Auckland had faced another lockdown, the situation could have been very similar to what is happening in Melbourne, he says. Ellerslie’s racing would have still gone ahead but there would be no people on the racecourse.
‘‘It would have been aweird situation but at least we would have still had the sport that we love.’’
Luckily, it’s a Plan B that Auckland has managed to avoid and now, Wilcox says, ticket sales are booming.
‘‘We’re experiencing very strong sales at the moment, and now there will bemore than 5000 people attending, which is great.’’
Formost of 2020, sartorial choices haven’t extendedmuch beyond pyjamas or sweatpants, so the chance to show fashion bona fides will be at the forefront of many racegoers’ minds.
Everybody is more excited this year, says Hannah Marinkovich, Auckland Racing Club’s fashion ambassador.
‘‘With the travel restrictions this year meaning the racing fashion community is unable to hop over the ditch, I’m hoping to see everyone competing at Ellerslie instead,’’ she says. ‘‘I think people are going to have a new-found appreciation for dressing up and celebrating, including myself. I planned my Melbourne Cup outfit in the second month of lockdown.’’
This year, the event will feature the Newmarket Style Spotter competition, where the best-dressed woman and man on the course will each win a $1000 voucher.
In terms of what can be expected from this year’s fashion-forward community, Marinkovich advises people to prepare for outfits that are quintessentially ‘‘Down Under’’ in their boldness.
‘‘I think Australia and New Zealand have amuch more modern take on racing fashion than places like Ascot.
‘‘I think we like to push the boundaries more and havemore fun with it.’’
It’s ‘‘wonderful’’ that fashion has grown to be such a strong element of racing culture, says Marinkovich.
Elsewhere in New Zealand, the Otago Racing Club has a meet on at Wingatui Racecourse, just outside Dunedin, with punters being encouraged to dress up for the Fashion in the Fields event.
There are also ticketed parties all over the country, including in
Queenstown, Wellington and Hamilton.
Therewill be plenty for New Zealanders to cheer on with eight locally bred horses lining up in the cup, including the Chris Waller-trained Verry Elleegant, Surprise Baby, and The Chosen One.
Ellerslie will open its gates at 11am, with the first race kicking off at 12.05pm and the final race taking place at 6.09pm.
While Ellerslie will have a 10-race card, the ‘‘11th race’’ of the day will be a 5pm screening of the day’s centrepiece – the Lexus Melbourne Cup.
Wilcox says there will be plenty happening to satiate racegoers’ appetites for sport, entertainment and fine food and drink. ‘‘Obviously the major part is the racing itself, but there’re heaps of other stuff going on,’’ he says.
Investment bank Jarden, which is sponsoring the Auckland Melbourne Cup event, will be hosting competitions and events, while the onsite hospitality offering will be partnering with the likes of Gordon’s, Moet, Taco Loco and The Rolling Pin to deliver bites and beverages to attendees.
After the last race, those who aren’t ready to call it a day are invited to join the official on-site after party in Cuvee bar, where a live band will keep the celebrations going.