Rotorua Racing Club has proudly valued tradition and community spirit since its inception in the late 1800s, and that will continue on Saturday with their premier race meeting, Campbell Infrastructure Rotorua Cup and ITM Stakes Day.

Located at Arawa Park Racecourse, Rotorua Racing Club hosts a number of meetings through the winter period and are consistently well-supported by the local community, a reflection of what the club offers in return for patrons.

“Our community is right in behind our racedays, they make them special and make the heritage around the Rotorua club,” the club’s chief executive Damian Radesic said.

“(On Rotorua Cup Day), we’ve got a lot of family entertainment, kids entertainment throughout the day and lots of fabulous prizes to be won courtesy of the tourism industry around Rotorua.

“In one of the sponsors lounges, there is a concert happening after the races finish, which you can still buy tickets to for $95 + GST per person.

“It is a great family day out, there is realistically something for everyone on offer.”

The kids’ entertainment will include a bouncy castle, face painting and a variety of games, all completely free of charge for the young racing fans. General Admission to the races will also be free, unless patrons wish to purchase a hospitality ticket for the Balmerino Lounge, where a buffet lunch, finger desserts and a drinks package will make the raceday experience a breeze.

On the track, Arawa Park has undergone its annual course renovation, and an eight-race card will be highlighted by the Listed Campbell Infrastructure Rotorua Cup (2200m) and Gr.3 Rotorua ITM Stakes (1400m).

The Cup was won last season by subsequent Group Two winner Bella Waters, while the ITM Stakes went the way of Karman Line, who is likely to defend her title after strong recent form.

Preceding the meeting on Friday night, Rotorua Racing Club will recognise and acknowledge their sponsors with an evening event. A number of guests will attend the evening, including newly-appointed New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing chief executive Matt Ballesty, all of whom will be welcomed with a special powhiri on the club grounds.

“Matt Ballesty is coming along to the sponsors evening to give us an overview of how things are going a couple of months in,” Radesic said.

“At the evening, we will also be donating $2,000 to Jackie Robinson, who has stage four bowel cancer and is fighting an uphill battle. Jackie has been instrumental in fighting her cause and we wish her and her family well, so we thought we would offer some support.

“She is doing a non-funded medication that she is currently receiving, so the $2,000 will go towards that.”

It’ll be a day that captures the essence of what makes Rotorua Racing Club special – a celebration of family, community and heritage.

What: Campbell Infrastructure Rotorua Cup and ITM Stakes Day

When: Saturday 10 May 2025, from 11.00am

Where: Arawa Park, 274/278 Fenton Street, Glenholme, Rotorua

Tickets: General Admission is free.  Balmerino Lounge tickets are just $95 + GST per person and can be purchased here.