Monday, 18 November 2013

Records set for New Zealand Cup and Show Week

New events and historic racing action have cemented New Zealand Cup and Show Week as the country’s most popular Spring festival and led to record-breaking pre-event ticket sales.

The nine-day festival ended on Saturday and while final attendance figures are not yet available, indicators suggested this year’s festival has been a big hit with the public.

“It’s been a fantastic week. There’s been a great vibe at all the events and the weather has stayed fine which has encouraged people to come out in large numbers and enjoy themselves,’’ says Christchurch City Council events development manager Richard Attwood.

“All pre-event ticket sales have been up on last year and the new events we added to the festival line-up for that extra dash of colour and excitement have gone down really well with the public,’’ he says.

Those events – the central city street party, Fashion for a Cure, and the Urban Assault Challenge – will now become permanent fixtures of New Zealand Cup and Show Week.

Mr Attwood says it appears the festivities in the city have also helped boost hospitality and retail activity, with restaurants, bars and retail owners reporting excellent business throughout the week.

“The signs are very positive sign for New Zealand Cup and Show Week in Christchurch going forward,’’ Mr Attwood says.

Saturday’s historic 150th running of the New Zealand Cup at Riccarton Park has been one of the highlights of New Zealand Cup and Show week but there have been many other memorable moments.

Excited crowds watched history being made at Addington Raceway during the running of the prestigious Christchurch Casino New Zealand Trotting Cup on Tuesday 12 November. Terror To Love achieved his third New Zealand Cup in three years, just the third horse in history to achieve this milestone. Top Canterbury harness racing driver Ricky May also earned a place in the record books with his seventh New Zealand Trotting Cup win. The aptly named Spring Cheer ridden by Rosie Myers won the 150th New Zealand Cup at Riccarton Park, cheered on by large crowds.

Fashion has also been at the forefront of the week’s festivities with the best dressed at the races competition. This year fashionistas were competing for the best-dressed ladies’ and men’s awards in the Westfield Riccarton Style Stakes at Addington Raceway and Fashion in the Field at Riccarton Park.

Two first-timers won the prestigious Addington awards - Peter Grooby and Claire Foley stunned the judges, including Lindauer raceday ambassador Colin Mathura-Jeffree, to take out the top spots on Tuesday.

Saturday’s Fashion in the Field at Riccarton Park was given an added touch of glamour from super-model and NZ Thoroughbred Racing Ambassador, Kylie Bax Poros on field for the day, while guest judge Brock Ashby from X-Factor band Moorhouse proved a crowd pleaser. Maria Wright and Deacon Henry won the best-dressed competitions.

More than 100,000 people made their annual pilgrimage to the Canterbury Agricultural Park for one of the region’s most loved events, the Canterbury A&P Show.

For the latest news and pictures from the events go to: www.nzcupandshow.co.nz

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ENDS

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