Continue the festive season in style at Pukekohe Park on Boxing Day, with a huge celebration of Group One racing, top-tier fashion and entertainment for all the family. You won’t want to miss this one!
There’s nothing like a Boxing Day Races party, with The Grand Tour heading to Pukekohe Park to treat the crowds with another fantastic line-up of live music from 11:30am, headlined by well-travelled DJ’s Sweet Mix Kids at 4pm.
With over $1.5 million in stakes to be won on the track through the 10-race card, it comes as no surprise that some of the country’s brightest stars will be bidding for black-type glory on Boxing Day.
A classy field has assembled for the $450,000 Gr. 1 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic (2050m), with Australian Group One winner No Compromise returning to his homeland to contest fellow elite-level victors in Aegon and Prise De Fer. The three heavy-weights will have a fight on their hands with current $2.50 favourite Campionessa and fellow top mare Aquacade in the mix, while Taranaki visitor One Bold Cat could be another for the black-book after his Gr. 3 Counties Cup (2100m) performance.
Threatening to outdo their older counterparts will be two hotly-contested three-year-old Group features, with an exciting battle first-up in the Gr. 2 Shaw’s Wire Ropes Auckland Guineas (1400m) at 3.42pm.
Any of the 12 acceptors could be worth mentioning, however last season’s Karaka Million 2YO winner Tokyo Tycoon will step-out on his favoured Pukekohe track to do battle with emerging stars including Zabmanzor, December, Just As Sharp and Pendragon. Not to be outdone by her male competitors, Gr. 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) runner-up Impendabelle has been the model of consistency and will be among the key chances alongside fellow class fillies Luberon and Quintessa.
Glamour filly Molly Bloom was the talk of the spring and delivered on her promise when storming to victory in the 1000 Guineas at Riccarton Park last month. The Wexford team will combine with top Victorian jockey Blake Shinn in the Gr. 2 Hallmark Stud Eight Carat Classic (1600m), with Tulsi, Mary Shan, Glamour Tycoon and Orchestral the in-form hopes to challenge the filly.
After a series of qualifying races, over $100,000 in stakes will be in the offing for capacity fields in both the Dunstan Horsefeeds Stayers Championship Final (2400m), and the Stella Artois 1500 Championship Final (1500m) on the undercard. A tight contest looks likely with even fields, though up-and-comer Snazzytavi and in-form mare Roccia look to be primed for their respective contests.
For all the summer fashion enthusiasts heading trackside, an amazing opportunity to claim a coveted spot in The Ned Prix de Fashion is on offer in both of the Contemporary and Classic sections, alongside some fabulous prizes. Fashion In The Field entries will close on raceday at 2pm.
Pukekohe Park has staged some of the most time-honoured racedays this year, and this beautiful venue will be open for all ages on Boxing Day. With free General Admission available, the entertainment is endless for even the youngest of our racing fans, with a bouncy castle, swing-ball, face-painting and ‘ponies to pat’ all on-course through the afternoon. GA patrons will have a relaxed outing with no ticket required, simply round up your crew and enjoy the comforts of your own picnic from the Hill Lawn, or the food and beverage selection available on-course!
Popular hospitality options in The Ned Lounge, Mini Marquees and The Lunch have sold out, however you are still able to catch all of the action from The Lane, with tickets still available from $90pp for those over 18. Ticket holders will have access to The Grand Tour Bar, as well as an exclusive food truck, comfortable seating and betting facilities, with live music through the meeting. Get your tickets here.
There’s no better place to be as a racing fan this Boxing Day than at Pukekohe Park, so continue your festive spirit and eat, drink and get racy with The Grand Tour and Auckland Thoroughbred Racing!
The grandstand will be open from 11:00am, with the first race set to jump at 12:40pm with the New Zealand Bloodstock – Karaka 2024 (1100m) for the two-year-olds.
What: Boxing Day Races
Where: Pukekohe Park, 222/250 Manukau Road, Pukekohe 2120
When: Tuesday 26th December 2023
More info at thegrandtour.nz