Friday, 15 November 2013

Record ticket pre-sales for 150th New Zealand Cup tomorrow

Ticket sales are at record levels ahead of tomorrow’s 150th running of the New Zealand Cup at Riccarton Park Racecourse.

By last night only 4,000 tickets remained for the Christchurch Casino New Zealand Cup, which promises to be a stunning spectacle on a beautiful Spring day at Riccarton Park Racecourse.

Christchurch City Council Events Development Manager, Richard Attwood says at current sales levels it is likely the event will sell out.

“New Zealand Trotting Cup Day at Addington was a great day and since then tickets pre-sales have spiked for New Zealand Cup and Show Week’s other major racing event at Riccarton Park.

“People really want to capture the magic of the week and enjoy this historic race and a special day,” he says.

Originally called the Canterbury Jockey Club Cup, the New Zealand Cup is one of the oldest and most popular races in New Zealand, having been run each year since 1865 and twice in 1870.

Among those who will be making a bee-line for Riccarton is former supermodel Kylie Bax-Poros. The Vogue cover girl owns a boutique stud operation in Cambridge with her husband, renowned fashion photographer Spiros Poros, and is an ambassador for New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing.

“Even if you are new to the sport of horse racing you should head to Riccarton Park racecourse.

“There will be a great vibe and a real sense of occasion. And there will be plenty of off-field entertainment to keep you occupied in between races,’’ says Mr Attwood.

A guest judge for Fashion in the Field, also sure to draw a crowd, is musician and model Brock Ashby from X-Factor band Moorhouse.

Christchurch costume and fabric artist Jenny Gillies has been commissioned to create a spectacular costume to mark the historic day.

“It will be beautiful, colourful, fun, with a nod to fashion and reflect the beauty of the grounds and gardens at Riccarton Park,’’ she says.

To add to the stakes, Melbourne Cup winning trainer Gai Waterhouse will be represented here for the first time by three-year old filly Role Model in tomorrow’s other feature race at Riccarton Park, the New Zealand Bloodstock 41st New Zealand 1000 Guineas.

Entry to tomorrow’s race day is restricted to those aged over 18. The gates will open at 9am, with the corporate areas opening at 11.30am. The first race is at 12.20pm.

Forecasters are predicting fine weather with temperatures of up to 25 degrees for tomorrow in Christchurch.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.nzcupandshow.co.nz

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ENDS

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