70th Rotorua Cup day upon us

The Campbell Infrastructure Rotorua Cup is expected to draw thousands of people to Arawa Park. Photo / File

Thousands of people are expected to attend Racing Rotorua's flagship race day - the Campbell Infrastructure Rotorua Cup.

To be held at Arawa Park tomorrow, the $75,000 cup event will be entering its 70th year.

While the horses will be the main attraction, TRAC marketing sponsorship and events manager Don Paterson said there would also be plenty of entertainment for the crowd, including children.

"There's a good selection of different rides, bouncy castle and a magic show as well as live music in between the races with a couple of local musicians including Diane Tibble," Mr Paterson said. "It's mainly about the horses. Rotorua only gets one cup day a year."

Also on offer will be a $250 bet competition. Participants need to take a selfie photo in front of the winning post for race four to be in the draw. Further details are on the TRAC Facebook page.

There will also be a chance to win a trip for two to Australia, with a choice of Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, courtesy of the House of Travel. "Last year ... the day was almost like summer all over again. We had a huge crowd and we're hoping the weather gods will be kind to us," Mr Paterson said.

"It's a great day. People bring their blankets to sit and there [are] plenty of lounges opened so there is room for everyone."

On average crowd numbers were well over 2500, he said.

"We certainly have the number of horses to attract the same amount of people this year. People come from right around the region. We have horses coming from the South Island through to as far north as Ruakaka and with them come their supporters.

"It's also good for the local economy, for the accommodation providers and everyone goes out afterwards to the restaurants."

Rotorua Cup
What: Campbell Infrastructure Rotorua Cup.
When: Tomorrow, gates open at 10.30am with first race starting 11.42am.
Where: Arawa Park, Rotorua.
Cost: Free admission.