A beginners’ guide to Cup Day Transport
From picking a winning horse to putting together the perfect outfit, here is all you need to know before heading to the Wellington Cup Day at Trentham tomorrow.
Fashion in the Field
It’s not too late to throw your hat, or fascinator, into the ring for the Fashion In The Field competition and get recognition for your keen eye and sense of style.
Late registrations can be made from 11am until 11.45am at the entrance to the fashion veranda.
Fabulous field fashion is arguably the heart of the cup. Sue Le Gros, owner of Wellington fashion store Honour and a keen cup-goer, likes to think of the day as ‘‘a big garden party with horses’’.
Women and men should think about their whole outfit, from top to toe and wear something ‘‘gorgeous and comfy’’, she says. But ‘‘don’t ever think you are overdressed’’.
Race etiquette
For any first-time cup-goer, there may be no better advice than to ‘‘start the day with style and end it with dignity’’.
Karyn Fenton-Ellis, the master of ceremonies for Fashion in the Field, says you should ‘‘think about the races like a long-distance event’’.
If you are unsure about your bet, then be sure to place it early, at least 10 minutes before the race to avoid the scramble of more seasoned punters at the end.
Regarding off-track entertainment, Fenton-Ellis advises you to ‘‘drink sparingly and eat regularly’’.
Honour the dress code and maintain it throughout the event. ‘‘Carrying your clothes is not necessarily the best look,’’ FentonEllis says. Common sense won’t go amiss, so don’t throw things on the race track or run out onto the course. Be nice to the staff.
What to bring
‘‘Water is your best fashion accessory,’’ Fenton-Ellis says. Keep it handy on the day.
It could get hot so bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat; but don’t forget a jacket in case the weather turns foul.
Bring a designated driver, or catch the train if you are planning on enjoying the champagne.
Weather
‘‘Saturday is looking pretty good’’ for the cup, says Metservice meteorologist Tom Adams. ‘‘Pack some sunblock.’’
Tomorrow should be dry with some sun peaking through in the morning. Clouds will increase throughout the day and the temperature will reach a maximum of 18 degrees Celsius.
Gale-force winds are unlikely but a northerly wind will be picking up. ‘‘Saturday is the good day before it returns to custard,’’ Adams says. It takes 40 minutes on the train from Wellington to Trentham station. Trentham station is on Racecourse Rd, opposite the racecourse.
Trains leave every thirty minutes, at 5 minutes past and 35 minutes past the hour.
Metlink will also run extra express services in the morning, departing Wellington Station at 11.03am and 11.33am, and two additional trains in the evening, departing Trentham station at 6.20pm and 6.50pm.
It takes about 40 minutes to drive from Wellington to Trentham and there is parking for members off Racecourse Rd and free parking off Alexander Rd.