Show-stopping racing set for New Year’s Eve

Excitement is ramping up for Auckland harness racing’s biggest race of the year - the $250,000 Trillian Trust Auckland Cup on New Year’s Eve.

Known as the race of champions, in the past it has been won by sporting greats such as Cardigan Bay, Young Quinn, Christian Cullen, Elsu and Themightyquinn.

Alexandra Park is again promising some of New Zealand’s best racing combined with a growing number of free off-track attractions.

Racing Manager Regan Cotter says the Auckland Trotting Club’s focus is now well and truly on the big one – an afternoon of exhilarating Group One racing on 31 December.

“For the Auckland Cup itself, we’re confident the field will be one of the best and most competitive we’ve had in years. The Group One National Trot will also be a real battle of the titans.

“With over $800,000 in stakes on offer for the big day, we can’t wait to see all the action on track under the glorious Auckland sun. New Year’s Eve simply promises to be one mouth-watering event with many fighting it out for Group One glory,” says Mr Cotter.

Trackside presenter Michael Guerin believes the Auckland Trotting Club has gotten its Auckland Cup concept spot on, delivering top level racing but with the relaxed feel of a summer holiday meeting.

He says the move back to a 3200m standing start Auckland Cup has been a massive success. He agrees the National Trot will also be a show-stopper and believes it will be “the strongest trotting race in New Zealand so far this season.”

Alexandra Park Sales & Marketing Manager Joel Reichardt says the interest and anticipation in this year’s Auckland Cup Day has been huge, with dining packages nearly all sold out.

He says they’re expecting possibly the biggest crowd they’ve seen for some time if the weather is fine, helped by the fact that general admission, car-parking, race books and entertainment – both on and off the track - are all free.

With the gates set to open from 2pm, there will be food trucks, ice creams, a bouncy castle, face painting and much more. Then after the last race there will be a fireworks’ display and a performance by band Split Second.

“This is a perfect family event as there’ll be so much for parents and so much for children to all enjoy. We’ve brought back the fireworks which promises to be awesome, and will be set off just on dark, so people don’t have to wait around until midnight to celebrate New Year,” says Mr Reichardt.

For further information on 2017 Auckland Cup Day, visit www.alexandrapark.co.nz

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