Racing fans will get their chance to get close to some of the best New Zealand racehorses to have graced the turf at Legends Day at Te Rapa this Saturday, February 8, with plenty of current stars also set to be in action on the track.

Nine ‘living legends’ will head to the Hamilton venue this weekend where they will each parade and lead out a respective field on the nine-race card, and new for this year is the petting area near the stables, where racegoers can greet the former stars.

The nine legends include – 10-time Group One winner and former New Zealand Horse of the Year Mufhasa, three-time Group One winner Bostonian, New Zealand Champion Three-Year-Old of his year Catalyst, seven-time Group One winner and former New Zealand Horse of the Year Seachange, three-time Group One winner and former Hong Kong Horse of the Year Werther, Hong Kong Derby hero Ping Hai Star, Australian Champion Jumper Tallyho Twinkletoe, New Zealand Derby victor Rangipo, and Group One winner On The Rocks.

Waikato Thoroughbred Racing chief executive Andrew Castles is looking forward to having the former stars on course this Saturday.

“It is great to have those legends,” he said. “It is a concept that has developed and grown over the last few years.”

While the nine living legends will be a major part of the day, the centrepiece will be the quality racing on offer, which includes the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m), Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m), Gr.2 Legacy Lodge Waikato Guineas (2000m), Gr.2 David and Karyn Ellis Fillies Classic (2000m), and $350,000 Sir Patrick Hogan Karapiro Classic (1600m).

“Those ex-champion racehorses bring people to the races, but equally the high-quality horses across the card will do that as well,” Castles said.

“It is a wonderful day’s racing with the Legacy Lodge Waikato Guineas back into that card. There are two Group Ones, two Group Twos and the Sir Patrick Hogan Karapiro Classic, so it is a high-class card.”

Legends Day is building to be one of the race meetings of the summer, with Australian raiders Here To Shock, Bosustow and Numerian adding to the local talent.

General Admission for the meeting is free, however, if you are wanting to make more of the day, there are a number of hospitality packages still available, including the Lodge Lounge, where tickets are $175 per person, which includes a gourmet buffet meal, beverage package, in room MC, and premium track views.

Make the most of the long weekend and head to Te Rapa on Saturday for a legendary day of racing.

What: Legends Day

Where: Te Rapa Racecourse, Ken Browne Drive, Hamilton

When: Saturday, February 8 – 11:30am

Find out more at waikatoracing.co.nz/legends-day