We may not be in the Bay for this Saturday’s Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m), but Te Rapa Racecourse is stepping in and gearing up to stage the middle-distance talents of Kiwi racing to round out the Spring Carnival.

The Livamol Classic has both revealed and celebrated stars of the turf in years gone by, going back to the likes of Balmerino, Solvit and Castletown, to more recent figures in Xcellent, Jimmy Choux and Melody Belle.

This year’s feature includes a multitude of elite-level performers in Campionessa, El Vencedor, No Compromise and One Bold Cat, while emerging prospect Snazzytavi and Australian visitor Rolls inject plenty of intrigue into the race.

The 10-race card will also feature the Gr.3 Valley D’Vine Spring Sprint (1400m), a key form race for the summer months, with subsequent Group One winners Mercurial and El Vencedor featuring in the top four 12 months ago.

For those taking the opportunity to attend a surprise Group One race day in the Waikato, Te Rapa Racing has swiftly put together an exciting hospitality package, with the Top Of The Track offering the best seat in the house from the Lodge Lounge.

Courtesy of caterers Kerr and Ladbrook, a buffet lunch and afternoon tea will be provided, as well as a beer and wine drinks package, for $150pp.

Otherwise, Te Rapa will offer free entry to race-goers with the Flemington Lounge open to the public, as well as owners and trainers.

While the racing action will take place at Te Rapa, The Grand Tour will still head to the sunny Hawke’s Bay for a ‘Virtual Race Day”, with Monstavision big screens showcasing the scenes in the north, as well as across the remainder of New Zealand and Australia.

Hospitality bookings, live entertainment, as well as the popular TAB Punter of the Year, will go ahead as planned, with betting facilities available across the venue.

Get on track to Te Rapa or Hastings to enjoy the thrills of spring Group One racing!

What: Livamol Classic Race Day

Where: Te Rapa Racecourse, Ken Browne Drive, Te Rapa, Hamilton, 3200 and Hastings Racecourse, 300 Prospect Road, Ruareka, Hawke’s Bay, 4122

When: Saturday 12 October, 2024