Clubs & Courses
Canterbury Jockey Club
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Canterbury Jockey Club
The Canterbury Jockey Club is one of New Zealand major racing organisations. Its headquarters is the historic Riccarton Park Racecourse where there has been racing since 1855. The course is situated just minutes from the Christchurch city centre and International Airport and offers racing fans a beautiful country setting complemented by modern, elegant facilities. There is also a major training and stabling facility as well as the racing opportunities. For over 165 years the Canterbury Jockey Club has been at the forefront of New Zealand racing conducting some of the most prestigious races in the country. Riccarton Park is home to 31 racedays each season with highlights including the New Zealand Cup Meeting in November, Grand National Festival of Racing (Jumps Racing) in August and the four day Autumn Racing Season.
The Club's racing calendar is defined by:
- The iconic Martin Collins New Zealand Cup over the staying test of 3200 metres.
- Group 1, Al Basti Equiworld New Zealand 2000 Guineas over the classic distance of 1600 metres.
- Group 1, Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas for the three-year-old fillies.
- Group 3, TAB Mile over 1600 metres for the Open horses
The Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge Grand National Steeplechase and the Hospitality New Zealand Canterbury Grand National Hurdle are the features of the Grand National Festival of Racing which is held in August.
Riccarton hosts 23 Group, Listed and Prestige Jumping Races each year. On 11 of these races the Club pays well above the industry funded minimum stake.
19 of the Club's 31 racedays are Feature, Premier or Iconic race meetings. Racing is conducted every month of the year.
11 days of racing are now held on the Polyrack from May to December each year.
Membership: There are 5 types of memberships:
$305 City Member – all Riccarton Park racedays
$235 Young City Member – under 30yrs (receive 2 tickets)
$40 Provincial Member – North Canterbury, Amberley, Hororata and Riccarton Turf racing at Riccarton Park
$345 City and Provincial Member
$275 Provincial and Young City Member
For more information, please contact Alison Robin via email alison@riccartonpark.co.nz or tel: 03 336 0040
Hospitality
Each suite has a superb vista of racing with the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps beyond. You can choose from 12 suites, each catering for 10 to 80 people. For more information check out our website racing.riccartonpark.nz/hospitality
Contact details
Open/close
Canterbury Jockey Club
165 Racecourse Road Sockburn, Christchurch
8042 PO Box 11-137, Sockburn, Christchurch 8443T: 03 336 0000
F: 03 342 6114
E: enquiries@riccartonpark.co.nz
CEO: Tim Mills
W: www.riccartonpark.nz
All meetings
Open/closeDate | Course | Meeting Name/Type |
---|---|---|
Wed 15 Jan 2025 | Riccarton Park | Industry |
Sat 25 Jan 2025 | Riccarton Park | Feature |
Wed 19 Feb 2025 | Riccarton Park | Industry |
Wed 5 Mar 2025 | Riccarton Park | Industry |
Sat 22 Mar 2025 | Riccarton Park | Feature |
Sat 12 Apr 2025 | Riccarton Park | Other |
Sat 26 Apr 2025 | Riccarton Park | Other |
Sat 3 May 2025 | Riccarton Park | Other |
Sat 21 Jun 2025 | Riccarton Park | Other |
Featured meeting
New Zealand Cup Meeting – November
This is arguably the greatest week of racing in New Zealand, embracing everything that is great about Christchurch and Canterbury.
Eight Group and Listed races dominate the 30 races held over the three days (Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday).
At this meeting Riccarton Park becomes the focal point of spring racing with the very best three-year-olds travelling to Christchurch seeking to emulate some of the greats of the Australasian turf by winning either of the Guineas races.
Grand National Festival of Racing – August
A three day meeting (Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday) held in the first week of August. Horses, trainers and owners travel the length of New Zealand to race over steeplechases, hurdles and the flat. The Wednesday now conducted on the Polytrack.
Riccarton Park Christmas at the Races - December
The Christchurch home of thoroughbred racing provides you with wonderful options for your end-of-year celebration. Twilight racing action with a live band and all the festive fun you need for a great evening out.