The champagne corks will be popping, and there's excitement in store for the punters at Hawke's Bay Raceway Body1: The excitement is building. It's as if 12,000 people are under starter's orders this morning in preparation for the Kelt Capital Stakes Premiere Raceday.
HB Racing's sales and marketing manager, Kim Treweek
could hardly find time for a coffee yesterday as he rushed around finalising plans for the big day.
"It's just been hectic," Mr Treweek said while transferring from his cellphone to his radio control unit.
Marquees named Youldes, Gloaming, The Cru Bar, Festivius and Stella Artois, just to name a few, lined the north side of the track yesterday decked out with tables, chairs and totes as well as plenty of wine.
Some of the marquees will house more than 350 punters who will pay about $150 a ticket.
Mike Havoc is one of the DJs who will feature in the tents to help keep guests in high spirits, even if their betting odds aren't.
A step up in luxury are the corporate lounges. Sponsors and horse owners will be among those who will be able to watch the field from the members' stands, well protected from the elements.
Any punters wanting to bring in their own alcohol will be permitted to sit in the infield only and will be able to enter from the Southland Road gate.
Pedestrians can still cross the track between races and if you're having trouble seeing the horses on the opposite side of the track, check the big screen on the infield. Although the hospitality tents are fully booked, general admission is still available at $15.
