New Year’s Eve Auckland Trotting Cup aims for families

New Year’s Eve Auckland Trotting Cup aims for families

‘A fantastic afternoon of racing, food and family fun’ is how the Auckland Cup is being promoted this year in the lead up to the premier race day at Alexandra Park on New Year’s Eve.

The gates open at 2.00pm, with the racing starting from 2.30pm on Saturday 31 December. The Auckland Trotting Club says the spectacle of some of the country’s best harness racing, as well as plenty of off-track attractions will ensure a big crowd and a fun day.

“This is set to be an action-packed afternoon and evening and we just can’t wait. We’ve put a big emphasis on making the day really family friendly this year. We’ve got food trucks, ice cream, face painting and an in fact a whole children’s entertainment area,” says Alexandra Park chief executive Dominique Dowding.

As Auckland harness racing’s biggest race of the season, the $250,000 Trillian Trust Auckland Cup is known as the race of champions. In the past it has been won by sporting greats like Cardigan Bay, Young Quinn, Christian Cullen, Elsu and Themightyquinn.

“The combination of New Zealand’s best horses and drivers, superb racing, plenty of hospitality, and lots for the kids makes for a special occasion. With the evening winding up at after the last race at around 8.00pm, it’s an ideal starter for whatever festivities people have planned for later on,” says Ms Dowding

Alexandra Park Sales & Marketing Manager Joel Reichardt says “We’re promoting Alexandra Park as a fantastic place to kick off your New Year’s Eve celebrations. The intimate nature of Alexandra Park always ensures an exciting atmosphere and of course there’s our free general admission and free parking. We’ve also got some great dining options on offer.”

The spacious Tasman Room, with stunning floor-to-ceiling windows for a fantastic view of all the racing action, is putting on a sumptuous buffet dinner starting from 5.00pm at $60 per person for the buffet only and $99 per person for the full beverage package.

The Alex Bar & Eatery will be open as well offering more casual dining options, as is the Lyell Creek Lounge where you can also just walk up and enjoy a fantastic meal close to the track.

Bookings are only essential for the Tasman Room - phone (09) 631-1165, email dining@alexandrapark.co.nz or visit www.alexandrapark.co.nz

Racing media personality Michael Guerin says the Auckland Cup is looking incredibly even.

"The Cup sees glamour mare Dream About Me taking on her older half-brother and former Cup winner, Christen Me, a real rarity worldwide. While the 2016 National Trot will be a beauty and the three-year-old Sales Series race sees the giant horse who could literally be harness racing's next big thing in Ultimate Machete,” says Mr Guerin.

“Alexandra Park has something for everybody from a lovely dining experience through to a more casual racing one, and of course there’s plenty going on for families of all ages,” says Ms Dowding.

“This is only the second year we’ve run the Auckland Cup back on its traditional New Year’s Eve day after a decade-long absence. We’re expecting the public to again respond really positively and turn out in big numbers on Saturday,” she says.

For further information visit www.alexandrapark.co.nz.

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