Monday, 5 March 2007
Media release
Newmarket Business Association

Cars and buses giveway to the clip clop of horses

The unusal sight of horses will replace the usual cars and buses down New Zealand's busiest shopping strip, Broadway, tomorrow lunchtime.

Commencing at 12.30pm on Tuesday 6 March, Newmarket will host the annual Auckland Cup Week Parade of Champions down Broadway - starting under the motorway viaduct from Clovernook Road and finishing at George Street alongside the Domain.

"Over 35,000 vehicles travel down the arterial road of Broadway every day but tomorrow the traffic drone and diesel buses will be replaced with that beautiful clip clop of horses' hooves. It's going to be a great spectacle which is only going to get bigger every year," said Cameron Brewer, General Manager of the Newmarket Business Association.

"Forget the Boobs on Bikes, the Hero Parade, and the children's Santa Parade, the Auckland Cup Week Parade of Champions is a event for every Aucklander young and old."

In its second year, the 30 minute parade will showcase past and present champions from the racing industry. It feature a colourful mix of horses, jockeys, bands and personalities infused with fashion and entertainment. Ellerslie ambassador Bridgette O'Sullivan will accompany the Auckland Cup itself.

2007 marks of 150 years racing at Ellerslie while last year's parade marked the first time horses paraded down Broadway since the World War Two.

"We encourage everyone to come and enjoy this spectacle in Auckland's fashion capital. There'll be plenty of models on floats dressed by Newmarket's many fashion houses. It will effectively be a mile-long catwalk.

"There were no traffic problems last year and we expect none this year. It's a rolling traffic closure down Broadway, and so cars are able to keep moving," said Mr Brewer.

The Auckland Cup will be raced at Ellerslie at 5.50pm the following day - Wednesday 7 March 2007.

ENDS

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