NZCIS Wellington Cup Day is one of Trentham’s most iconic meetings and RACE have taken the day to another level in 2025, with black-type racing, entertainment and a punters club you won’t want to miss.
The showpiece event, the $400,000 Gr.3 NZ Campus Of Innovation and Sport Wellington Cup (3200m), has attracted a representative of Australia’s biggest stable in Ciaron Maher, who will bring his Group Three winner Interpretation. The son of Galileo is likely to start favourite, over the likes of Testify Me and Beavertown Boy.
The theme of staying features continues on to the $350,000 Race With Te Akau Remutaka Classic (2100m), a special conditions race open to horses that had won no more than one race at the beginning of the season. Australian Group One performer Moonlight Magic is eligible to take her place, while in-form runners The Entertainer, Phats, Tikemyson and Titicaca are among the main dangers.
Trentham’s Group action wraps up in the Gr.3 New Zealand Bloodstock Desert Gold Stakes (1600m), open to the three-year-old fillies.
If you’re on-course and struggling to catch a winner on the card, RACE has recruited the best in the punting business in Tim Naki to give you the inside scoop as a Cup Day Ambassador, located in The Grand Tour Festival Zone.
Tim won’t be the only familiar face on-course, with award-winning Australian electronic music duo Peking Duk set to light up The Grand Tour stage, fresh off massive shows at Rhythm and Vines and New Year’s Eve at Adelaide’s Hindley St Music Hall. Catch their massive hits like Stranger, Take Me Over and Fire with a $50 General Admission ticket.
RACE have been thrilled with the response to this year’s event, with the sought after Desert Gold Restaurant and Corporate Boxes all snapped up. If you’re still after a hospitality option, Gold and Premier RACE members receive the perks of the BYO Carpark Site (from $100), where you can add a marquee or just park up for the day with a perfect view of the Trentham straight. Non-members are also welcome to take this opportunity, with the RACE Premier membership cost included.
Summer racing is the perfect opportunity to strut your stuff in the Fashion In the Fields, and RACE have mixed the traditional competition with a fresh, modern take in this year’s edition.
Decadence, poise and dignity will be rewarded in the Liberté Salon and Spa Classic Racewear of the Carnival, while a more colourful, playful look is celebrated in the Caci Upper Hutt – Avant Garde Racewear of the Carnival section. The Henkell Best Suited of the Carnival is growing in popularity every year, and finalists from each category will be put forward for the Monika Neuhauser Millinery Award, awarded for the best headwear of the Carnival.
The younger racegoers have their time to shine in the LOVERACING.NZ Colt and Filly of the Carnival, switching the dancefloor with the catwalk (temporarily) on raceday.
They say you can’t beat Welly on a good day and there aren’t many better than this one, so head down to Trentham Racecourse from 11.30am on Saturday, 18th of January to be a part of NZCIS Wellington Cup Day.
More info here.