The second day of New Zealand’s richest racing carnival, Auckland Cup Day, is a magical end to a magnificent carnival. It’s a day of top-class racing and high stakes, with an atmosphere to match. Check out our guide to Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup Day.

 

Wherever there is high caliber racing, there’s fashion to match! Ellerslie warmly encourages racegoers to don their very best. While it is not compulsory, consider adding a ‘touch of blue’ to your outfit to help celebrate the namesake race’s long history with Auckland City (this will also just help to narrow down options!) If you’re not a fan of blue (or lover of monochrome) no need to panic, something as simple as a blue clutch or pair of shoes is perfect.

 

Send out summer in style and indulge in Cuvee, a lively area with the very best hospitality on offer. If you’re after something more low key, why not pack a picnic and enjoy prime views of the track in the General Admission area on the public lawn? Fancy a little more privacy? Consider hiring a private marquee on Ellerslie’s Champagne Lawn.

 

Alongside the glistening hospitality, they’ll be plenty of family friendly entertainment to keep the little ones entertained including free pony rides, a petting zoo and organised games.There will even be swing ball sets to use - talk about a Kiwi classic! Children under the age of 15 will enjoy free general admission.

 

Fittingly, the feature race on Auckland Cup Day is (you guessed it!) the Group One Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup, worth $500,000. It doesn’t stop there though! The very best two-year-olds in the country will be seeking Group One glory in the Sistema Stakes while others will battle it out in the Group One Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes. They’ll be a pretty exciting undercard too, with high stakes attracting top level stables and horses.

 

It’s not just jockeys, owners and trainers in to win big in the Auckland Cup - you could too! Pick the winner of the Auckland Cup and you will go in the draw to win 100,000 air miles from Hawaiian Airlines - Aloha! To enter, simply complete an entry form upon arrival and put your form in the box corresponding to the horse’s name you think will win.

 

As Ellerslie themselves put it, this will be the final hurrah to an incredible summer of racing. See you on-course!

 

Secure your tickets here.