Waikato Thoroughbred Racing is gearing up for their biggest raceday of the year this Saturday, with the SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Cup Day bringing the heat on and off the track.

The Grand Tour Racing Festival will be bringing the party to the Public Village, courtesy of crowd favourites, DJ’s Thomas Hill and Sean Hill. A highlight of season three has been The Grand Tour Stables, featuring a secret rave room, a disco bronco, wagering clairvoyant and more. Tickets are almost sold out - head to thegrandtour.nz to secure yours today.

If you’re heading down to Te Rapa see some top-quality thoroughbreds on display, the nine-race card is stacked full of stakes-level racing, with the Gr.2 CAL Izuzu Stakes (1600m), Gr.3 J Swap Sprint (1400m), and the feature event, the Gr.3 SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Cup (2400m).

In the Cup, a mix of up-and-comers and experience have assembled, with recent form coming out of the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) last month with placegetter Canheroc. The Odyssey and Quality Time come out of a stellar running of the Gr.3 Counties Cup (2400m), while Group Three performer Nest Egg shouldn’t be discounted over this range.

The CAL Izuzu was anticipated to bring together a selection of high-class mares and the field has not disappointed, with Group One winners Snazzytavi and Campionessa leading the charge. Hi Yo Sass Bomb and Bella Waters have more than enough talent to push the top pair, while Moonlight Magic returns from a Group One-performing campaign in Queensland.

If speed is what you’re after, the J Swap Sprint has just that with a capacity field set to take their place, with Telegraph winner Mercurial contesting the quality of Lux Libertas, Dusty Road and Karman Line, just to name a few.

Off the track, The Ned Prix de Fashion at Ellerslie in the New Year is fast-approaching, and Te Rapa will offer a spot in the famed final for the winner of the Adashiko Fashion Stakes. The top eight placegetters are lucky enough to receive a prize pack courtesy of Adashiko, so there’s never been a better time to get dressed up and strut your stuff on raceday.

While The Grand Tour will bring the noise to Te Rapa, a quieter raceday experience is on offer for all age-groups, even the youngest supporters of the game. The public grandstand and lawn are open to families, providing the perfect view of the racing, with access to food and beverage outlets throughout the afternoon.

The popular Gazebo Sites, Nation On The Hill and Tinsel Terraces options have all sold out for the day, but the Racing Pass ($30pp) will give access to the Flemington Lounge on Level 1, ideal for the racing enthusiasts wanting the perfect view of the all-important winning post.

Te Rapa can’t wait to see a big crowd for their favourite meeting ahead of the Christmas break, so head down and enjoy the action from 11am this Saturday, 14th of December.

What: SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Cup Day

Where: Ken Browne Drive, Hamilton

When: 14 December, 2024 – Gates open at 11am

All the details can be found here.