With two public holidays framing a weekend, Easter is the perfect time to enjoy some time off with your nearest and dearest. It’s not all hot cross buns and chocolate bunnies though (however, both are still very important!), there’s also some great racing on around the country! Check out our breakdown of the days below…

 

This Easter, Ellerslie Racecourse will celebrate the 145th running of the $200,000 Manco Easter Stakes. The race is run over 1600m and is open to horses three years or older. In addition to black type racing, the Crewcut Backyard Bash Cricket Final taking place on course is sure to keep you entertained! This will be Ellerslie’s final salute to the elite equine athletes of the 2018/2019 racing season.

 

The Riverton Easter Carnival is one of Southland’s annual highlights, with locals flocking to the racecourse on the Saturday and Easter Monday. Pack a picnic (with plenty of choccy!) and take your younger family members along to Riverton Racecourse for the perfect family day out. The little ones will be fully entertained, with an abundance of free children's entertainment on offer at both days.

 

Enjoy all things Easter this Easter Monday, including an Easter egg hunt! A bouncy castle and plenty of kids activities will keep the junior members entertained, while you enjoy the live music and perhaps a flutter or two! Alternatively, leave it up to the professionals and join the punter’s club, to be led by Ted Mclaughlin.

 

Holidays, chocolate and racing - it doesn’t get much better than that!