Fascinators at the ready – summer racing is upon us! Over three balmy months, eight premier meets and more than 70 dazzling racedays, racegoers will descend upon racetracks around the country for the ultimate summer day out. Let us introduce to you our premier summer racing events:   

Rydges Wellington Captain Cook Stakes Day, Trentham Racecourse – 5 December

‘Tis the season to go racing! Make it a Christmas party to remember and join Wellington Racing Club for the ultimate day of festivities. Combining fine hospitality, fabulous fashion, and Group 1 racing – Captain Cook Stakes Day has it all. Always wanted to have a hit out down Trentham’s home straight? Don’t forget your Santa suit – the annual great Santa run will be back again this year.

SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Cup Day, Te Rapa Racecourse – 12 December

It’s the day that brings all of Waikato out to play, and this year will be no different with general admission tickets selling out in November! Think festive feasts, party precincts, fashion in the field and some serious black type racing. With limited hospitality tickets still available, don’t go leaving your run to late.

SkyCity Boxing Day Races, Ellerslie Racecourse – 26 December

A favourite on Aucklander’s social calendars for over 160 years, Boxing Day Races combines everything a great raceday should– fashion, entertainment, and high-octane thoroughbred racing. Party it up in The Paddock or pack up the Christmas leftovers and kick back in the infield family zone. Boxing Day Races is the day for anyone and everyone to enjoy.

SkyCity New Year’s Day Races, Ellerslie Racecourse – 1  January

Kick off the new year the right way – trackside! Pack up a picnic (and nurse a potentially sore head from the night before) on the general admission lawn or spend the first day of 2021 in style in The Turf on Champagne. Racing enthusiasts rejoice, with SIX black type races featuring on the 10-race card, including the Group 1 Sistema Railway. With free children’s entertainment and entry for those under 15, be sure to bring along the next generation to this stunning summer event.

Group 1 Glory Day, Trentham Racecourse – 16 January

Love your racing? Wellington Racing’s Group 1 Glory Day is the raceday for you! With not one but two Group 1 races (plus a pretty exciting card of supporting group races), witness some of New Zealand’s most elite thoroughbreds battle it out for ultimate bragging rights. It’s a day to appreciate the timeless class of racing and sophisticated indulgence of Wellington Racing Club’s signature hospitality.

New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Million, Ellerslie Racecourse – 23 January

Think fast-paced, high stakes and high energy - Karaka Million has an electric vibe that’s truly like no other racing event. Kicking off in the late afternoon, kick up your heels in the Garden Party, indulge in the Italian-inspired Cavallo Club or sit back and enjoy the afternoon indoors from Silks. Throw a couple of million-dollar races into the mix and you’ve got yourself one of the most exciting nights on the New Zealand racing calendar.

NZCIS Wellington Cup Day, Trentham Racecourse – 30 January

An iconic summer event for Wellingtonians; Trentham racecourse buzzes from the get-go. With a raft of entertainment (think live music, craft beer village and fashion in the field), stunning hospitality and high-octane racing, there really is no party like Wellington Cup Day.

Legends Day, Te Rapa Racecourse – 13 February

Sunline, Bonecrusher, Mufhasa - celebrate the legends of the Te Rapa Turf at Legends Day. With the running or New Zealand’s richest Weight For Age race – the $400,000 Herbie Dyke Stakes - and the BCD Group Sprint, the race cards will be star-studded and the action on the track, second to none.

You know the dates – now to get them in the diary! We’ll see you out there.

Check out our full list of summer racing events at loveracing.nz/summer.