Classic racing, classic fashion and the million dollar Stella Artois Auckland Cup

All eyes will be on Ellerslie at 5.45pm today (Wednesday 4th March) to see if Six O’Clock News will be the headline for the main bulletins of the day.

 

As favourite for the Stella Artois Auckland Cup, the Cambridge-trained horse will be hoping to see off Prize Lady, who is looking to take home her third Stella Artois Auckland Cup.

 

The star-studded field for the million dollar race features a number of top international riders including past winners of the Melbourne Cup, Michael Rodd and legendary jockey, Shane Dye. Flying in from Hong Kong is former Stella Artois Auckland Cup winning jockey, Mark Du Plessis looking for more glory aboard Casa de Campo.

 

The stakes are just as high in the fashion arena with TVNZ Tonight weather presenter, Renee Wright combing the course to find a couple that best represents the glamour and prestige of the day. The Stella Artois Cup Couture winners take home a fabulous prize package which includes a luxury weekend escape to Huka Lodge and a year’s supply of Stella Artois.

 

For those whose skills lie beyond the sartorial, the Stella Artois Lounge is the place to practice another kind of style - that of pouring the perfect pint, under the guidance of champion Stella Artois Draughtmaster Kirsty Mclean.

 

And with the weather forecast looking far more favourable than during the weekend the Auckland Racing Club is looking forward to a day of celebration.

 

Chris Weaver, Auckland Racing Club CEO says, “We want to see as many Aucklanders as possible join us for the afternoon - it’s the perfect excuse for a half-day off work. The Stella Artois Auckland Cup is the marathon of the racing world and it’s three and a half minutes of heart-stopping excitement that shouldn’t be missed.”

 

The Prime Minister, John Key, Minister for Racing John Carter and Mayor of Auckland John Banks will all be on course to celebrate.

 

The National Anthem will be sung by singer/songwriter Josephine Costain before the running of the Stella Artois Auckland Cup.

 

Auckland Cup Week offers almost $5 million in stakes, fashion prizes and trophies across three action-packed race days. The celebrations at Ellerslie are part of a week-long festival of racing with a total prize purse of $7 million across the three racing codes of thoroughbreds, harness and greyhounds.

 

For the official schedule tickets and hospitality options visit www.aucklandcupweek.co.nz

 

Ends

 

CURRENT STELLA ARTOIS AUCKLAND CUP FAVOURITES

Six o’clock News

Capecover

Mr Tipsy

Prize Lady