Are you ready to LOVE Summer RACING? With more than 65 race meetings over the course of the next two months, we’re set for one stellar silly season trackside (say that fast three times...) So many race days, so little time - check out our key summer racing dates: 

 

Wellington Christmas at the Races - Saturday 7 December 

 

‘Tis the season to be jolly! Join Wellington Racing Club for their Christmas at the Races event for a day filled with festivities. From fine hospitality to fashion in the field, Trentham Racecourse’s famous ‘Great Santa Run’, to the Group 1 Captain Cook Stakes, it’s a day not to be missed. 

 

Need to know: Gates open at 11 am, hospitality precincts open at 11.30 am, first race approx 12.45 pm. 

 

 

 

As Te Rapa Racing puts it themselves, SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Cup Day brings the glitz and glamour to Hamilton. Live it up in the Garden Bar, book your own gazebo site, or ‘pay what you want’ (you read that right!) and kick back in the general admission areas. It’s Waikato’s biggest Christmas party and the perfect place for colleagues and friends to celebrate the year. 

 

The Deets: Gates open at 11 am, bars open at 11.30 am, first race set to run at around 12.15 pm. 

 

 

Looking for a last-minute Christmas do idea? Look no further! The finale of Awapuni’s three Christmas at the Races events, this day is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit. Place a bet on any Santa’s Pick horse throughout the day and you’re in the draw to win a trip for two to Singapore with The Races, including a VIP experience at the Kranji Mile 2020 - now how’s that for a Christmas prezzie?! 

 

Take note: Gates open at 11 am, first Race approx 12.50 pm. 

 

 

Let your Christmas Day celebrations roll on and head down to the Big E for their Boxing Day Races. For the racing enthusiasts, enjoy high-octane racing including the Group 1 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic. For the party seekers, live it up in The Paddock or Cuvee, with a lineup of DJs, great food and a buzzing vibe. For the fashionistas, dress to the nines and strut your stuff in the Hawaiian Airlines Fashion in the Field competition. For the families, the Infield Family Zone is the place to be, with plenty of free activities to keep the junior members of your raceday crew entertained including PONY RIDES (we wonder if there’s an age limit on these?!) 

 

 

The important stuff: Gates open at 10.30 am, hospitality precincts open from 11.30 am, the first race to be run around 12.30 pm. 

 

 

SkyCity New Year's Day Races at Ellerslie - Wednesday 1 January 

A day where there’s something for everyone - brilliant racing - tick, free family entertainment - tick and stunning hospitality - tick! Pack up a picnic (and nurse a potentially sore head from the night before) on the general admission lawn or kick off 2020 in style in The Turf on Champagne. You’ll be welcomed with a Bloody Mary before enjoying relaxed live music and a gourmet BBQ lunch trackside.  

 

Get organised: Gates open at 11 am, hospitality precincts open from 11.30 am, the first race to be run around 12.45 pm. 

 

 

AKA - the ultimate summer family day out! Think relaxed atmosphere, live music and entertainment galore.  Kids entry is free and there’s the More FM Kids Go Racing area to keep the little ones entertained and out of your hair (which won’t require a fascinator at this easy-going event). It's the perfect place to kick back with the family. 

 

Good to know: Gates open at 10.30 am, Free children’s entry (under 17). 

 

 

The first of three race days, Classic Day sets the scene for the NZCIS Wellington Cup Carnival. As Wellington Racing Club puts it themselves, it a day of timeless classics and sophisticated indulgence. Featuring the Group 1 Levin Classic, it’s the perfect day for racing enthusiasts to enjoy great racing in a relaxed atmosphere. 

 

Timings: Gates open at 11 am, the first race at approximately 12.45 pm. 

 

 

 

There’s no party like it! Between the show-stopping fashion, The Edge Festival Zone, stunning hospitality and Group 1 racing, you’ll enjoy a day full of unmissable entertainment. Oh, and did we mention Stan Walker and Ladi6 will be performing? 

 

Plan your visit: Gates open at 10.30 am, first race set to run at approximately 12.15 pm. 

 

New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Million - Saturday 25 January 

 

Million-dollar racing, electric atmosphere and celebrations heading well into the night - the Karaka Million is the pinnacle of New Zealand racing and for good reason! Attracting racing enthusiasts and party seekers from across the country and abroad, we’re ending our Summer Racing carnival with an absolute bang! 

 

FYI: Gates open at 3 pm, the first race at approximately 4.10 pm, free general admission and parking, R18 event. 

 

Fascinators at the ready - Summer Racing is here!