New Zealand Trotting Cup Day
Tuesday 10 November | Addington Raceway
YOUR TUESDAY PLANS ARE SORTED
Cup Day is the excuse to dress up, round up your mates and spend a Tuesday at Addington. Thousands of people head to the track for a day of racing, fashion, food, drinks and live music, with the $700,000 New Zealand Trotting Cup at the centre of it all.
There's plenty happening beyond the racing, whether you're checking out the Fashion Competition, spending the afternoon with the DJs in The Infield, or finding a spot trackside to watch the action.
Never been to the trots before? No problem. You don't need to know anything about racing to have a good day out. Although by the end of it, you might just have a favourite horse.
Gates open at 11.00am. Event concludes at approximately 7.00pm.
What's On
There are ten races across the afternoon, with the $700,000 New Zealand Trotting Cup as the one everyone's there to see. You can get close to the action trackside, watch from the grandstands, or follow it from wherever you've based yourself for the day. You don't need to know the form. Pick a horse, find a spot for the Cup and get involved.
The Kirin Hyoketsu Infield is Cup Day's festival zone, right in the middle of the track. George FM are taking over with DJs through the day, Savage live, then Lee Mvtthews after the last race. Watch the racing from inside the track, then stick around when the music takes over.
Cup Day is the dress-up one. Some people go all in, some keep it simple, and plenty are just there for the people-watching. The Fashion Competition runs in the Public Village, with Best Dressed, Best Suited and Power of Colour. You can enter, or just watch everyone else make an effort.
Grab something to eat, find a bar, head trackside for a race, or catch up with your mates between races. There are food and drink options around the course, so you can make a day of it without needing to plan every minute.
From $30 / person
From $80 / person
$170 / person
Cup Day Fashion
Cup Day is one of those days where people actually make an effort. Dresses, suits, colour, hats, headpieces. Some go all out, others keep it simple.
There's no need to enter the Fashion Competition or dress like you are. But if you've been looking for an excuse to wear the outfit that's a bit much for literally anywhere else, this is probably it.
The Cup Day Fashion Competition takes place in the Public Village, so you can head along and watch, or put your own outfit in the mix. There are three categories this year: Best Dressed, Best Suited and Power of Colour, and anyone with a Cup Day ticket can enter.
The Go Media NZ Trotting Cup
The New Zealand Trotting Cup is run over 3200 metres from a standing start, with $700,000 on the line.
It's the race the best pacers in New Zealand spend all spring trying to get into, and the last three have gone back across the Tasman.
This year, New Zealand wants it back.
The stuff that's good to know before you head in.
Catch a bus, taxi or rideshare to Addington. The main entrance is by Wolfbrook Arena, with a drop-off area accessible via Twiggers Street and Jack Hinton Drive.
There are two free public car parks, but spaces are limited. If you're driving, allow extra time to find a park, or consider leaving the car at home.
Gates open at 11am, with the first race scheduled for 11:50am. The NZ Trotting Cup is scheduled for 5:48pm, followed by the last race at 6:22pm. Race times may change.
There are food vendors and bars around the course, so you won't need to bring your own. Outside food and drinks aren't permitted, and food and drink purchases are EFTPOS or card only. No cash.
Cup Day is fully ticketed. Have your QR-coded ticket ready to scan at the gate. Under 18s need a parent or legal guardian, and The Infield is strictly R18.
Once you're inside, you're in for the day. There's no re-entry if you leave, and gates close to new arrivals at 4:30pm. Make sure you've got everything you need before heading in.
Cup Day is a dress-up occasion, but you don't need to enter the Fashion Competition to be part of it. Wear something you feel good in, and remember you'll probably be on your feet for a fair bit of the day.
Christchurch weather can be unpredictable in November. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a layer for later in the day. Keep your essentials together so you don't need to leave and come back, as there's no re-entry.
SEE YOU TUESDAY?
Go Media NZ Trotting Cup Day. Tuesday 10 November. Addington Raceway.