The Ultimate Guide to NZ Cup Day: What to Expect and How to Enjoy Every Moment
Get ready for a day of thrills, style, and unforgettable memories at NZ Cup Day! Whether you’re a racing superfan or just along for the ride, this guide has everything you need to make the most of the big day. From racing to fashion to rooftop silent discos, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Let’s dive in!
Event Schedule: What’s Happening When?
Knowing the schedule is key to making the most of Cup Day. Here’s a breakdown of the main events:
Gates Open: 11:00 AM
Get in early, grab a coffee, and soak in that buzz as the crowd starts to build.
First Race: 12:08 PM
The action kicks off at noon with the first race! This is where the excitement begins and doesn’t let up.
Renwick Farms Dominion Trot: 3:14pm
One of the top trots of the day, where the best trotters battle it out for glory. Find a good spot to watch the action up close!
New Zealand Trotting Cup Arrival with Robert Dunn: 4:15 PM
Watch the NZ Cup arrive on course with one of racing’s greats, Robert Dunn—an epic moment for fans and a nod to Cup Day tradition.
IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup: 5:46 PM
The big one! NZ’s top pacers go head-to-head in the highlight event of the day. Get ready for some serious adrenaline as they round the track and push for the win.
Race Day Essentials: What to Bring and Wear
Be prepared to make the most of the day with this quick essentials checklist.
What to Bring:
Ticket: Printed or digital. Have it ready to get through the gates smoothly.
ID: For those drinks!
Sunscreen & Sunglasses: You’ll be outside all day, so stay sun-smart.
Phone: Because there are too many memories to capture!
Cash/Card: Handy for food, drinks, and any last-minute betting.
Dress Code: NZ Cup Day is the perfect excuse to go big with your style! Whether you’re going classic, colourful, or a bit quirky, let your personality shine. Hats, fascinators, ties, and bold accessories are all welcome here—just bring whatever makes you feel your best.Tip: Check the weather the night before and bring a jacket or umbrella if it’s looking cloudy!
Entertainment Beyond the Races
Cup Day has loads going on beyond the track. Here’s a lineup of fun activities to keep the excitement going:
Entertainment
ZM Silent Disco: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM on the rooftop in ZM on the Green
Slip on some headphones and dance to your favourite tunes in the ZM Silent Disco—it’s like your own private party on the rooftop!
Photo Opportunity with the NZ Trotting Cup: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM in the ground floor foyer
Snap a selfie with the famous NZ Trotting Cup and keep a memory of the day. Swing by the ground floor foyer to get your photo with this racing icon.
“Slice of Heaven” Pre-Race Anthem: 5:25 PM
Feel the thrill as Dave Dobbyn’s “Slice of Heaven” rings out just before the NZ Cup Race. It’s the ultimate hype-up moment before the horses hit the track.
ZM After Party: After the Last Race until Late
The party doesn’t stop when the races end! Join the ZM crew at the official after party to keep the good vibes rolling well into the night.
Fashion and Photo Opportunities
Fashion Marquee: 11:00 AM - All Day
From stylish classics to the boldest trends, NZ Cup Day is a feast for fashion lovers! Head over to the Fashion Marquee to check out race-day’s best looks.
The Crossing Fashion in the Field
Registrations Open: 11:30 AM
Feeling fabulous? Register to compete in the fashion heats!
Heats Begin: 12:30 PM
Cheer on competitors as they show off their styles in front of the judges.
Winners Announced: 2:50 PM
Who will take home the top honours? Find out as the day’s best-dressed are crowned.
Smirnoff Photo Wall: All Day in the Public Village
Stop by the Smirnoff Photo Wall in the Public Village to snap and share your best race-day look. Perfect for the ‘gram and a fun keepsake from the day!
Betting Guide: How to Place Your First Bet
Never bet before? No worries! Here’s a quick guide to get you started.
Basic Bets:
- Win: Pick the horse you think will win.
- Place: Bet on a horse to finish in the top three.
- Each-Way: A combo of win and place—you’re betting that the horse will finish first, second, or third.
- Quinella: Bet on two horses to finish first and second, in any order.
Where to Bet: You’ll find kiosks around the venue, and mobile betting is an option too. If it’s your first time, don’t hesitate to ask the staff for a quick betting tip!
Tip: Keep it light, have fun, and set a budget. Racing is just as thrilling without the high stakes!
Top Tips for First-Time Attendees
Arrive Early: There’s so much to explore, so give yourself time to enjoy it all.
Pick Your Spot for the Main Race: The NZ Cup Race is the highlight, so find a good spot at least 30 minutes ahead of time.
Capture the Moments: There’s a lot to see, but don’t forget to put your phone down and take it all in too!
Know Your Zone: Each area has its own vibe, so make the most of where you are and soak up the atmosphere around you!
Follow the Action Online
Can’t make it to the races? No problem—you can still be part of the excitement!
Watch on Trackside: Tune in on Trackside 1, Trackside Premier, or stream it live on the Trackside website to follow all the Cup Day action from anywhere.
Live Updates: Follow Harness Life on Instagram and Facebook for race updates, photos, and behind-the-scenes moments.
Fan Engagement: Get involved by commenting, sharing, and tagging Harness Life on social media. Use hashtags like #NZCupDay and #HarnessLife to join the conversation and see everyone’s best Cup Day moments.