Racegoers dressed to impress with a fashion competition part of the action at Cup Day at Addington.
Addington Raceway turned it on for the 2025 IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup Day. Mike Thorpe went trackside to see if the old race had got its spark back after overhauling the entertainment on offer.
It never rains on Cup Day but this morning it poured down. Christchurch was soaked as the early starters began their champagne breakfasts.
By the time the first race was called, it was all blue skies and fascinators, with just enough breeze to keep the flags unfurled.
About 15,000 people filed in for the 2025 IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup Day at Addington Raceway – a new and improved layout that promised to have more action at the end of the day than before.
The “Infield” hosted those looking more for a party than a punt.
“The Infield is in the middle of the track,” said one young woman after arriving.
“Is it?” replied her friend with neither irony nor curiosity.
It is, by the way. In between races the track becomes a path for heels not hooves. One track-crosser lost a shoe. Then her balance. Then dignity. Stilettos are no match for sand.
“No alcohol! No alcohol! No alcohol!” yells a track attendant as two women cross the track – with alcohol.
“Just keep going,” says one to the other.
Alcohol is forbidden from crossing the track.
Inside the Infield is a stage, a DJ, food trucks and games. Like water pong.
“I suck at beer pong but I’m awesome at drinking beer,” says one onlooker to his friends who respond in silence.
The game is being run by a promotional team from “Hundy”, a hangover cure manufacturer. Its representatives are explaining the health benefits as they dish out prizes. Not all prizes are claimed.
“I want to go to work tomorrow feeling like s***,” says a competitor who appeared well on the way to achieving his goal.
Others are following his lead.
“I didn’t realise until I was halfway through the second one that they’re the s*** ones. I’ve been drinking the pineapples that are 6%!” notes one RTD connoisseur.
Here’s a game you can play at home – Horse Name or Crowd Chat?
“Don’t tell the boys”, “Show me masculinity”, “Always be batman!”, “Better knuckle up!” and “Anna’s had enough”. Answers below.
It’s a warm 19C. Not blazing – but hot enough that shade is welcomed. Hot enough that one racegoer will take home a perfect tan line of the tie on the back of her dress.
“You need sunscreen on your scalp,” says one young woman to another, who has 85% of her skin exposed as well as a side part in her hair. Again, no irony registers with either party.
There’s a silent disco at the Infield, 20m from the stage. They also have DJs. It seems an affront to the main act but they’re unconcerned.
In the outfield – if that’s what it’s called, is The Crossing Cup Day Fashion competition. Seven nights at some swanky accommodation in Mooloolaba is up for grabs.
“Christian Angel, could there be a more appropriate name?” asks the MC as she announces a contestant.
“Two for $1 place mats for the hat,” announces the MC of another contestant, who is proudly modelling her DIY headpiece.
“The dress is Italian, though,” she adds.
Traditionally, as the day progresses, the behaviour loosens up among the crowd. This year is better behaved. Too well behaved for some.
“I don’t know anyone who is pissed and I’m mad about it,” says one reveller.
Another strikes the jackpot.
“Free p***! I tried to pay for these and he said nah, they’re free.”
The punters are enjoying themselves too, mostly.
“I suck at betting, bro.”
“Come on Arafura! *clap* Come on Arafura! *clap* Come on Arafura! *clap*.
Arafura ran second. *clap*
Some are luckier in love.
“He doesn’t pass out – he’s always up for it,” claims a woman to a group, who nod and smile.
Some have no luck at all.
“Are you going to sell her ring, then?” asks one man of his friend. It sounds like the opposite of an engagement.
The day ends in the Infield with Shapeshifter and Savage on stage to a crowd that is ready for more than this end of the day has ever offered at Addington.
The Tuesday meet has been a poor cousin to Riccarton on Saturday in recent years. Not anymore. Cup Day at Addington is back.
Horse name or Crowd Chat answers.
“Don’t tell the boys” Horse
“Show me masculinity” Chat
“Always be batman!” Horse
“Better knuckle up!” Horse
“Anna’s had enough” Chat
Mike Thorpe is a senior multimedia journalist for the Herald, based in Christchurch. He has been a broadcast journalist across television and radio for 20 years and joined the Herald in August 2024.