The 2018 summer racing season gets underway today with the Melbourne Cup. With so many events around the country, we’ve compiled a list of must-attend racing season events for your social calendar.
OMF Melbourne Cup Day at Ellerslie
OMF Melbourne Cup Day offers guests a welcome excuse to dress up to enjoy the great hospitality and entertainment. Witness the Melbourne Cup live on the super screen and, what’s more, experience a thrill offered nowhere else in the city that day – live horse racing. Add to that the best in fashion, live coverage from Flemington and one fully-subscribed on-site after party and you’ve got Auckland’s biggest & most authentic Melbourne Cup Day party.
Where: Ellerslie Racecourse
When: 6 November 2018
Westfield Riccarton Style Stakes and the Hits Body Art
Addington Cup Week is an institution on the Canterbury social calendar. What better excuse for the ladies to glam up and the men to look sharp than at Cup Day? Whether you’re into couture or using your body as an art canvas, there is a competition you will want to be a part of.
Where: Addington Raceway
When: 13 November
Show Day Races
Show Day at Addington is truly a great day out for everyone and a fantastic way to celebrate Canterbury’s Anniversary Day.
Where: Addington Raceway
When: 16 November
Fashion in the Field
The stakes are high in this hotly contested fashion competition, which gives racegoers the chance to showcase their style and potentially earn themselves some great prizes.
Where: Riccarton Park, Christchurch
When: 17 November
Christmas at the Races
Join the excitement of Christmas at Alexandra Park this festive season on one of their most sought-after nights of the year. If you’re looking for a fantastic and easy to organise Christmas Party, with delicious food, stunning decor and entertainment, then look no further!
Where: Alexandra Park, Auckland
When: 30 November
Christmas at the Races Eagle Technology Raceday
The festive season is full of days & nights spent with colleagues, friends & family, kicking up their heels and celebrating the year that was. It also marks the start of our popular Christmas at the Races series.
Where: Ellerslie Racecourse
When: 1 December
Christmas at the Races presented by Barfoot & Thompson
A Christmas party spent trackside combines the best an end-of-year party has to offer – food, wine, summer, the social scene, sport and entertainment.
Where: Ellerslie Racecourse
When: 8 December
Barfoot & Thompson Twilight Summer Night
Kicking off late afternoon & leading into a warm summer’s evening, there’s plenty of entertainment on offer – whether it’s out on the track or from around the bar. An event not to be missed, think your standard race day – glamorous & stylish – but at the same time fast-paced and action-packed.
Where: Ellerslie Racecourse
When: 13 December
Out the Gate Raceday
Horse power meets horsepower on a day never seen before in New Zealand. Every general admission ticket purchased goes into the draw to win a Harley Davidson with all gate proceeds going to Wood For The Trees Charitable Trust. Featuring performances by Tiki Taane, The Remnants of Hello Sailor and more.
Where: Ellerslie Racecourse
When: 16 December
Boxing Day Races
Auckland’s great summer celebration. With an air of excitement in all four corners of the racecourse; the most colourful fashion, high-octane racing, hospitality & family entertainment combine to bring you one of our favourite occasions. Running for over 160 years, this is an event where no one misses out on the fun.
Fashions in the Field, an event steeped in glamour & tradition, returns to the Boxing Day Races 2018. One of the most competitive fashions in the field events in the country, this runway-based competition is free to enter & open to anyone aged 18yr+.
Where: Ellerslie Racecourse
When: 26 December
New Year’s Day Races
With an air of excitement in all four corners of the racecourse; the high-class thoroughbred racing, hospitality & free family entertainment combine to bring you one of our favourite occasions.
Where: Ellerslie Racecourse
When: 1 January 2019
Summer Raceday
There is nothing like a kiwi summer’s day out at the races! Bring the family with your favourite summer accessories – jandals, deck chairs, sun umbrellas, shorts and a picnic and enjoy the great outdoors in a relaxing and fun atmosphere.
Where: Ellerslie Racecourse
When: 13 January 2019
New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Million
Thousands of entertainment-seekers converge on course each year for an incredible combination of socialising, racing & entertainment. A staple date in many an Aucklander’s calendar, the Karaka Million draws a stylish crowd from far & wide, here to celebrate an extraordinary event.
Where: Ellerslie Racecourse
When: 26 January 2019
Avondale Cup & Guineas Day
The unofficial Auckland Cup Week warm-up Always a form-setter, the Avondale Guineas & Cup Races are fantastic lead-ins for Auckland Cup Week’s big events.
Where: Ellerslie Racecourse
When: 16 February 2019
Vodafone Derby Day
Join top-class horses, trainers, jockeys & fashionistas as they converge to settle scores & confirm their reputations as the best in the country. Follow the ‘black and white’ dress code and enjoy a day of glamour.
Where: Ellerslie Racecourse
When: 2 March 2019
Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup Day
The big race, the great day. One final hurrah to one incredible summer of racing. Join the crowds to cheer on racing’s athletes as they vye for Auckland Cup Week’s namesake silverware and their place in the history books. Dress to the nines and incorporate a touch of blue into your ensemble for this massive farewell to the summer of racing.
Where: Ellerslie Racecourse
When: 2 March 2019
