NZ Cup and Show Week – it's all on!

Tickets are now on sale for this year’s NZ Cup and Show Week, which runs from Saturday 6 to Saturday 13 November, 2010.

Christchurch City Council Marketing Manager Richard Stokes says this year is set to be another extravaganza of racing, agriculture and fashion, with planning for the icon events well underway.

“Everything is on track for this year, with a number of exciting additions, such as fashion workshops at Ballantynes during October and new live acts confirmed.

“And of course the icon cup days and family outings to the Canterbury A&P Show will be back, as well as all the night time entertainment, premium prizes and fashion competitions that all combine to bring our city to life during early November”

The action kicks off with $1 Million Magic NZ 2000 Guineas Day on Saturday 6 November, which sees Australasia's best three-year-olds competing in the main race of the day, the New Zealand 2000 Guineas. This premium event, known as Group 1 racing, is at the heart of thoroughbred racing and is what drives and motivates trainers, owners, breeders and racegoers alike.

The Christchurch Casino New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington Raceway on Tuesday 9 November, will give punters the best excuse for dressing extravagantly during the day. And to get things off on the right foot – the Christchurch Casino will be offering bubbles, canapés, live music and high fashion from 8am at the Official Pre-Race Festival.

The Canterbury A&P Show, which attracts the week’s biggest crowds, will run from Wednesday 10 to Friday 12 November. The latest in agribusiness will be showcased, with woodchopping, trade exhibits, livestock, demonstrations, competitions, live music and premium food and wine.

Ladies can show off their racing style at the Addington’s Best Dressed and Riccarton’s Fashion in the Field competitions, while upcoming fashion trends will be displayed by Canterbury’s top emerging designers at CPIT’s PITCH fashion show.

Fashionistas will get a helping hand at Ballantynes during October with in-store styling sessions throughout the month and a racewear fashion show held on the evening of Friday 8 October.

Christchurch Casino New Zealand Cup Day at Riccarton Park on Saturday 13 November will again finish off the week’s activities with a bang.

“NZ Cup and Show Week is an event this city looks forward to and is the ideal way to shake off the winter blues and kick start summer celebrations,” says Mr Stokes.

For more information or to book tickets to this year’s New Zealand Cup and Show Week visit www.nzcupandshow.co.nz.