Today’s Ellerslie races
Bit of colour and personality order of fashion day
General admission is free First race at approximately 3.13pm Last race 6.59pm — after-party from 7pm event at Ellerslie Racecourse is now free, and tickets for premium areas are selling at discounted prices, giving punters who otherwise may not have been able to a chance to access the more glamorous side of the races.
Those who purchased tickets to last weekend’s races had been refunded, George said, and food from the cancelled event was donated to the Auckland City Mission.
“Everyone was inconvenienced by what happened on Saturday but it’s no one’s fault, it’s just an unfortunate scenario.
“We just want to make it as easy as possible for Aucklanders to attend the race day tomorrow night.
“After a rough few days it’s one way we can show the public that we appreciate their support and on top of that we provided everyone with refunds who purchased tickets for Saturday.”
George issued a challenge to the bosses of Auckland, imploring them to let workers knock off early.
“Bring your team to the races, it’s a free gate, have your team meeting here tomorrow afternoon,” he said.
George, who is also on the Warriors’ board, said weather was the biggest obstacle to overcome when putting on a sporting event in Auckland. Those stuck over what to wear to the Auckland Cup should embrace the chance to “break out a bit of colour and show some personality”, according to a regular Fashions in the Field judge.
Janetta Mackay said both men and women should look to be expressive with their fashion choices at Ellerslie this afternoon.
“Smart daywear is the code, beyond that you can have a lot of fun.
“You don’t want to look like you’ve come straight from the office, add a bit of colour.”
Men should look to spice up their suits with a different hue, Mackay said. “What’s on trend is very much things like a blue-suit look, maybe break out some tan shoes and the coloured tie and the handkerchief,
“For us it’s all about the weather. “We’ve got the best racetrack . . . we’re the best of the best. If we had good weather on Saturday we would’ve been packed to the rafters.”
A patch of fine weather meant the track had “improved remarkably well”, said George, after torrential rain just kind of accessorise it and look well groomed.
“For women, really avoid looking like you’re off to a cocktail party, that is not the look, so not too short, not bombarded Auckland during the weekend.
“This is great drying-out weather, it’s really going to be a perfect night for racing.”
Gates open at 2pm, with the first race — the Crombie Lockwood 1200m — scheduled for about 3.13pm, with too low-cut but you can certainly have a lot of fun.
“There’s definitely a trend towards a longer length for women.”
Mackay was at Flemington for last the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup taking place about 6.21pm.
Seven races will be run, with the last beginning at 6.59pm.
In addition to the racing, other entertainment will be on offer for punters who make their way to Ellerslie tonight. In attendance will be year’s Melbourne Cup, and said bright colours were very popular there.
“Red for the women, but then the classics are always popular.”
If the weather turns sour as it did last weekend, Mackay said preparing in advance would help racegoers avoid any inconvenience.
“Serious fashion competitors will often have a backup outfit. Be prepared to have something that will suit a jacket, or a little wrap thrown over the top, but if you’re in a marquee or the stand you won’t have to worry too much.
“Avoid spiky heels, they’re never good on wet grass.
“A great tip for anyone is make sure you’re comfortable in your shoes and you’re going to look as good at the end of the day as you will at the start.” Barfoot & Thompson ambassador and Silver Fern Maria Tutaia.
The Mumm Garden Party will feature Jupiter Project playing from 7pm-9pm after the races.
Performances will also be taking place at the Pop-up Globe theatre, which is in the racecourse gardens.