A new season of racing is upon us, and there is no better way to kick off the new term than watching our country’s best jumpers battle in out at Riccarton Park for this year’s Grand National Festival of Racing.

This week-long celebration of winter racing will commence on Saturday, August 2, with the Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge Koral Steeplechase (4250m), Avon City Ford Sydenham Hurdles (3100m) and Gr.3 Winning Edge Presentations Winter Cup (1600m).

The Koral has been a key lead-up to the Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge 150th Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) for many years, often giving an insight on how runners will handle the beautiful, but challenging course that spans around the edge of Riccarton Park Racecourse.

Last year’s Koral was taken out by phenomenal chaser West Coast, who went on to take out his third consecutive National seven days later. The Awapuni hero has made the journey south in pursuit of a fourth crown, and he’ll line up on Saturday, with the big intrigue around the booking of Irish hoop Willie McCarthy, who has travelled from his base in Victoria to partner the gelding.

 

McCarthy will be taking over the ride from Shaun Fannin, West Coast’s long-term pilot, who finds himself attempting to dethrone the star aboard his own horse, Wellington Steeplechase (4900m) winner Jesko.

 

The Koral will be far more than a one or two-horse race, and the same can be said for the Sydenham, with a stacked line-up of hurdlers accepting into the $50,000 feature. Last year’s victor and two-time National Hurdle winner Berry The Cash will take his place, alongside another former National winner in Happy Star, Northern winner Lord Spencer, and rising stars Dictation and Never Look Back.

 

Headlining the flat racing card will be the Winter Cup, a time-honoured southern feature having its 128th running.

 

The southern contingent will be well-represented, with a number of local hopes including Lord Darci, Royal Valour and Epee Beel.

 

Coming to spoil the party will be the likes of Bradman, Cork and Our Jumala, who have travelled across the Cook Strait in pursuit of the $110,000 purse.

 

The best of Canterbury’s hospitality will be on show throughout the week, with options to suit all racegoers.

 

Riccarton Park have put together a wonderful ‘Suite Package’, which offers a place in a fully self-contained hospitality suite on the top level of the grandstand, the perfect view of the course with in-room televisions also on offer. A starter, followed by range of lunch options are available, to be enjoyed alongside a selection of wines, beer and non-alcoholic beverages.

 

Other ticketing options include the Raceday Bundle ($80, which includes a buffet meal, racebook and a drink, or the General Admission Festival Ticket, which offers access to the member’s area for just $25.

 

Riccarton Park truly comes to life during National Week, so be a part of the magic of winter racing with the Canterbury Jockey Club this Saturday, 3rd of August.

 

What: Grand National Festival of Racing - Winning Edge Presentations Winter Cup

Where: Riccarton Park

When: Saturday 2 August, gates open 10.00am