Racing
Looking Ahead To Winter Raceday In Auckland
Looking Ahead to Winter Raceday in Auckland
Auckland's winter raceday is one of the most anticipated sporting events in all of New Zealand, and it's also an important meeting in the Australasian horse racing calendar. Every June, a host of top horses, jockeys and trainers head to the Ellerslie Racecourse for a day of racing.
It's an event with a proud history, but what can racegoers look forward to ahead of the 2025 renewal?
Dates for the Diary
The 2025 edition of Auckland's Winter Raceday will take place on Saturday, June 7. Another packed card will be in place ahead of the event, with some of the most important renewals in New Zealand racing set to take place.
It's all concentrated into one spectacular day, so here's how to make the most of your time at the Ellerslie Course.
Maximising Your Experience
Although it's interesting to watch the meeting on television, not much can match the experience of attending horse racing in person. Winter Raceday is an influential moment for the sport in New Zealand, and witnessing this tradition firsthand is a great way to feel more connected to the country's racing heritage.
A ticket to the event provides access to the course and prime viewing for each race on the card. Ahead of the off, you can also take a trip down to the parade ring to get a close-up view of the runners and riders.
This is also a time when betting on horse racing intensifies across New Zealand. The sports betting NZ outlets will provide markets on the various races throughout the day.
Those who are looking to stake on the races can research their favoured horses ahead of the event. Current form and any previous wins at the Ellerslie Course could be useful indicators.
Package Upgrades
Standard tickets provide access to the event, but there are ways to enhance your own Winter Raceday. Auckland Racing, the organisation that oversees the event, lists options for hospitality packages at the Ellerslie Racecourse.
There may be executive boxes with improved viewpoints, along with some exclusive bars and fine dining options. Costs will vary depending on the package, but those with a standard ticket can still make the most of the day.
There are bars and food outlets, and the course itself has several attractive picnic areas. It's a great party atmosphere regardless of the entrance price you happen to pay.
Ellerslie Racecourse is situated on Ascot Avenue in the Remuera district of Auckland. It's easily accessible by all means of transport. For those arriving by car, the course offers extensive parking on site. Ascot Avenue is a short ride from the Greenlane exit of the motorway, and parking there is free for racing ticket holders.
Those heading in by train should alight at Greenlane Station. From here, the course is just a short walk, and the route is well signposted. In addition to trains, there are many buses serving the Remuera district.
For dedicated horse racing fans who are traveling from further afield, Auckland airport is just over 12 kilometers away. Visitors have the option to hire a car or connect to the train network.
The Importance of Winter Raceday
Many people outside of New Zealand tend to view the islanders as a nation of rugby and cricket lovers. The national teams perform well in those sports, but horse racing is just as important for many locals. Racing took hold as soon as the first European settlers arrived, and organised events began shortly afterward.
Ellerslie Racecourse is one of the busiest tracks in the country, and it hosts a significant proportion of the biggest meetings. Globally, the Auckland Cup is the most familiar race to overseas fans, and it is run here every March. The Auckland Cup traces its history all the way back to 1874.
Other significant races that take place at Ellerslie include the Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes, the New Zealand Derby, the Avondale Cup, the Easter Handicap and the Championship Stakes. As an interesting footnote, the first automated Tote machine was installed at Ellerslie Racecourse in 1913, so the venue has played an important role in the sport's history.
Every edition of the Winter Raceday promises to deliver some top-class sport on four legs, and 2025 should be no exception. Every horse, trainer and jockey involved will be carrying out their final preparations in the lead-up to June 7 to make sure that everyone involved is in peak condition ahead of the off.
Racegoers will also play their part as the packed stands help to lift the atmosphere on raceday itself. There's another busy card to look forward to this year, and the 2025 Winter Raceday is all set for another dramatic afternoon.
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