Kicking into gear
Christchurch sisters and Show Pony Millinery owners Carrie Broomhall and Liv Kinley said headwear was the ultimate accessory to complete any race day outfit. The pair, whose parents met at a racecourse, spent their lives ‘‘being trotted along to race meetings up and down the length of the country’’, so it was natural that they ended up designing modern fascinators, headpieces and hats.
The 2018 fashion judges are Westfield Stylist Luke Bettesworth, owner of style consultancy Signature Style, Jackie O’Fee, and radio DJ Paul Flynn from The Hits’ drive show.
Other entertainment on offer will come from Kiwi reggae band Sons of Zion, who will headline on the Lindauer Lawn Rooftop, and DJ duo Sweet Mix Kids.
Addington marketing and promotions assistant Darlene Loader said 220 security staff would be on site. Kitchen staff were preparing 2500 baby carrots, 500 kilograms of ham and 750kg of chicken. Hospitality tickets sold out at the start of the month, and there are only limited Lindauer Lawn tickets available. About $1.7 billion is gambled on New Zealand horse and greyhound races through the TAB each year.
The favourite for the NZ Trotting Cup race is former Canterbury horse Tiger Tara, who now resides in Australia. He finished third and second in the last two Cups behind Lazarus, who was sold to a North American syndicate earlier this year.
Tiger Tara will face strong challenges from Dream About Me, Thefixer and Cruz Bromac. ChristchurchNZ destination and attraction general manager Loren Heaphy said Cup and Show Week was an opportunity to ‘‘celebrate all that’s amazing and unique about our region with our residents and visitors’’.
Turnout to Cup and Show Week events peaked at 194,000 in 2008. Last year, Riccarton Park Racecourse had 22,000 people through the gates over the week, while Canterbury A&P Show attendance reached about 100,000.
Tomorrow is forecast to be warm in Christchurch, with a high of 16 degrees C expected, along with some morning cloud and light winds.
A strict alcohol ban – bounded by Lincoln Rd, Moorhouse Ave, Blenheim Rd, Matipo St and Wrights Rd – will be enforced, and there will be a heavy police presence from 9am to 10pm. Onsite parking will be limited, so punters are recommended to take public transport. The venue will offer a free drop-off bus service from 5.30pm.