Christmas coming to the races
The Wanganui Jockey Club hosts Christmas at the races this year on Saturday, November 30 at their Cup Day festivities.
In what is becoming one of the biggest events in town, tickets sold out earlier than ever this year as the club looks to back up from what was an outstanding event last year celebrating 170 years of racing.
The club welcomes a new sponsor of the Wanganui Cup this year with the Steelform Roofing Group taking over the reigns from Cambridge Thoroughbred Lodge after over 23 years of sponsorship. The club acknowledged the great support of CTL by accepting owners Elizabeth and Peter Martin as special Life Members.
The Steelform Roofing Group has supported and sponsored racing in the region for many years and will now sponsor both the Wanganui and Waverley Cups. Last year Waverley stayer Glory Days trained by Bill Thurlow was the winner of both races which was a rare feat. Wanganui Steelformers has also been a local long term sponsor with owner Chris Back also being on the club’s Board.
The Eulogy Lounge will be open to anyone over 18 and will host the Protege Hairdressing Fashion in the Field after Race 5 with all entrants to register with a gold coin between midday and 2.45pm with prizes. This year’s celebrity judge will be ex-All Black and Dancing with the Stars contestant Glen Osborne and his wife Kylee.
The Snapped! Photo booth will be on hand and The Replicants will play live covers in the lounge throughout the day. The Damn Raucous Brass band which recently toured
China will also be playing on the move around the facilities, and with the Whanganui Community Choir will be here too to add to the Christmas atmosphere and will also sing the national anthem before the Wanganui Cup.
The Riding For the Disabled Dash will be after Race 3 and the pro jockeys will get a chance to put the RDA working horses through their paces and their moment in the limelight. The Repco Mascot race is always a crowd favourite and will be followed by the individual GG Glory races.
The main entrance on Ingestre St will be open to the public from 10.30am with a $10 gate admission.
Racing is from 12.29pm to 4.34pm with eight races scheduled.
River City Cabs will be oncourse to get you home safely.
The WJC thanks all members, sponsors, stakeholders and supporters over the years that have contributed to the longevity and success of the club.