Set a fashionable pace on Cup Day

Christchurch’s Cup and Show Week is under starter’s orders as Addington Raceway and Riccarton Park gear up for the country’s biggest week in horse racing.

More than 20,000 people are expected to pour through the gates at Addington to watch the Christchurch Casino New Zealand Trotting Cup on Tuesday, 13 November.

Join the well-dressed at the Cup Day races.

Fashionistas can also join the race for top honours, vying for a win in the Westfield Riccarton Style Stakes Fashion and The Hits Body Art competitions.

One of the country’s most popular bands, Sons of Zion, will pump up the Cup Day party on the Lindauer Lawn Rooftop while DJ duo Sweet Mix Kids will take centre stage in the Public Village.

Anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times on-course. The gates open at 10.30am, with racing under way at noon.

Addington’s Show Day races have a more family friendly focus, with on-course children’s entertainment and activities. People are invited to bring a picnic and relax as they watch the country’s best pacers and trotters compete in the Woodlands NZ Free For All, and the Haras des Trotteurs Dominion on Friday, 16 November. Entry is via a gold coin charity donation.

A big crowd will line up for the Christchurch Casino New Zealand Cup and gavelhouse.com NZ 1000 Guineas at Riccarton on Saturday, 17 November.

Fashion in the Field will also be the order of the day as stylish racegoers eye the winner’s circle in the Mondo Travel/Millennium Hotels and Resorts-sponsored event.

Patrons will be required to wear a wristband provided on entry in order to be served alcohol during the R18 race day.

Alcohol bans will be in force in nearby streets on Cup Days at both Addington and Riccarton.

Parking will be very limited at both venues, and racegoers are urged to use public transport, take a taxi or arrange to be dropped off near the courses.

Cup and Show Week officially kicks off tomorrow with the Al Basti Equiworld New Zealand 2000 Guineas at Riccarton, and hits the finish line a week later at the same venue.

Riccarton will also host a mid-week meeting on 14 November featuring the Coupland's Bakeries Mile.

A largely fine week is forecast.

Tickets are available online and at the gate for both Addington and Riccarton.

Transport

Take a taxi or hop on a bus, or arrange to be dropped off nearby. Addington also offers a free bus service to the city from 5.30pm on Cup Day.

To plan your route and reduce travel delays, go to Transport for Christchurch.

For more information about bus services, visit metro info.

Alcohol ban areas on Cup Days

The Addington alcohol ban from 9am to 10pm on the day of the New Zealand Trotting Cup covers the area bounded by Lincoln Road, Moorhouse Avenue, Blenheim Road, Matipo Street and Wrights Road.

The Riccarton alcohol ban from 7am to midnight on the day of the NZ Cup covers the area bounded by Yaldhurst Road, Middlepark Road, Epsom Road, Main South Road, Racecourse Road, Buchanans Road, Carmen Road and Masham Road.