MEDIA RELEASE

16 January 2014

Wine & Racing Festival to boost renaissance of NZ racing

The Trentham Wine & Racing Festival will open the Wellington Cup Carnival at the Super Saturday meet this weekend in a summer that has already seen Kiwis flocking to race meetings around New Zealand.

But with the inclusion of Wine & Racing Festival, this is no ordinary race meet says NZ Racing Board Executive GM of Strategy and Transformation Monique Cairns.

“This is becoming a key date not only on the racing calendar but on the social calendar too.

“With a range of New Zealand’s globally renowned vineyards, as well as craft beer and cider makers, represented there, festival goers will be in for a treat. Add to that live music and some of the best racing New Zealand has to offer, and it will be a fabulous day.

“We’re seeing a real renaissance of people hitting the races this summer. It’s always been a favourite Kiwi pastime, and it’s fantastic to see initiatives like the Wine & Racing Festival bringing even more New Zealanders out for a day at the races.

“Many people don’t actually realise that the first day of the Wellington Cup Carnival features racing of the highest calibre – so it’s fitting that we are launching the TAB Triple Trio with a guaranteed prize pool of $1 million at this meet,” said Ms Cairns.

Highly popular overseas, Triple Trio punters need to select the first three horses in any order in three consecutive races. For as little as $8 anyone could cash-in and enjoy a huge pay day.

There will also be a guaranteed Triple Trio prize pool of $1 million at the Wellington Cup the following Saturday.

Wellington Racing Club’s Julia Shardlow said that while the Wellington Cup Day the following week was still the main draw card in terms of numbers, the Wine & Racing Festival tends to draw quite a discerning crowd that want to enjoy top racing with less bustle and premium quality wines.

“The Wine & Racing Festival is a real draw card. I’ve heard people say that other wine festivals, while wonderful, can be a bit hectic. We’re offering another option with the added attraction of the excitement of racing. And the tickets are only $15 online or on the day.

“It actually flies a little under the radar, but people who have been before know what a great day it is and come again,” said Ms Shardlow.

Tickets are available at www.trentham.co.nz.

ENDS

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