E: Entertainment
Apart from horses thundering down the track, a raceday at Ellerslie can also contain fashion competitions, DJs, kids' entertainment and lots of other activities.
F: Fashion
Ellerslie hosts five fashion competitions across the season with a total prize pool of more than $90,000. You can take to the catwalk for Nicolas Feuillate Fashions in the Field on Boxing Day or Viva Prix de Fashion on Derby Day. On Melbourne Cup Day, Auckland Cup Day and Diamond Day keep an eye out for our judges who will be roaming the course looking for the best dressed.
G: Garden Party
The Lindauer Garden Party provides the perfect opportunity to dress to impress and party with friends. The action is not just confined to the track so brace yourself for some flirting and frivolity amongst the raceday festivities.
H: Hospitality
Ellerslie has a range of great hospitality options from the Champagne Lawn with sweeping views of the track to Chairman's Club, where each table has its own private TV.
I: Infield
The Ellerslie Infield on Boxing Day combines the best of summer with an exciting day of racing. Bring your picnic basket or take advantage of the great food on offer. There are lots of activities for the kids as well as Ellerslie's resident DJ to keep the party pumping.
J: Jockeys
If you are looking for a way to pick a winner, keep up with what the jockeys are doing. You will see New Zealand's leading jockeys at Ellerslie and across the season some of the top international jockeys will head to Ellerslie, as well.
K: Karaka
Karaka is home to the annual New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales as well as a number of breeding and training facilities. Many an Ellerslie winner has passed through Karaka on its way to the Winners Circle at Ellerslie.
L: Ladies' Day
Racecourses all around the world celebrate a Ladies' Day. Diamond Day during Auckland Cup Week is Ladies' Day at Ellerslie - a great opportunity to dress up and enjoy a day out with the girls.
M: Marquees
Marquees provide the perfect opportunity to host your clients or staff as they provide the freedom to make the space your own and the privacy to
enjoy the day your way.
N: NZ's premier racecourse
Ellerslie is our top racecourse with some of New Zealand's most prestigious and richest races taking place over the season.
O: Owners
Look out for the owners and trainers in the Parade Ring checking out their horses and giving their jockeys last-minute chats before each race. Then watch them celebrate in the Birdcage at the end of each race.
P: Prize Money
In racing, prize money is known as stakes and over the 2014/15 season at Ellerslie there will be more than $9.3 million in stakes presented. The richest races include the $1,000,000 Karaka Million, the $750, 000 TV3 New Zealand Derby and the $500,000 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup.
Q: Queen
The ultimate racegoer, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II breeds and owns a number of race horses. She officially opened the Ellerslie Event Centre in 1990.
R: Racebook
The racebook lists all races happening at Ellerslie and across the country. Resident tipsters offer their favourite choices for each race at the top of the page - this is always
a good place to start.
S: Strapper
The strapper is the person who leads the horse into and out of the birdcage - they assist the trainer, care for the horse and help get them ready to race.
T: Track Chat with Butch
Before any raceday at Ellerslie head to facebook.com/ellerslieraces and get
the inside word from the Executive General Manager - Racing, Andrew "Butch" Castles. Butch will give you the inside word on the track as well as the horses to watch.
U: Unique
Ellerslie provides a great opportunity to catch up with friends or to host your valued clients. With 25 racedays a year, all with different formats and personalities, there is a day to suit all tastes.
V: View
Ellerslie is one of the most beautiful racecourses in the world and the best places to catch the action are Level 5, Ascot Stand and Chairman's Club.
W: Winners Circle
The most exclusive bar on course - only accessed by winning connections and race sponsors. If you are an owner or trainer this is where you want to be once your race is run.
X: Kisses
A day at the races is a great social occasion and you are sure to run into someone you know so get the air kisses ready and head to the track.
Y: Yelling
As the horses head down the home straight it is time to get your yell on enjoy the excitement of racing. Some people cheer the horse, others the jockey but a simple "come on" will do it.
Z: Zabeel
This champion sire has produced the most Auckland Cup winners.
