Chance to race into some fun

Crowds at the Arawa Racecourse Photo/File

When: Sunday, first race is at 12pm.
Where: Arawa Park racecourse
How much: Free

Racing enthusiasts are set to be thrilled for the 83rd Rotorua and Bay of Plenty Hunt Cup.

TRAC Racing Rotorua marketing and sponsorship manager Don Paterson said the free event at the Arawa Park Racecourse tomorrow included the $20,000 Sweeney Townsend Insurance Brokers Rotorua and Bay of Plenty Hunt Cup, along with other jumps races and a flat race for amateur riders.

"The event promises to attract the leading jumpers and riders from all over the northern region, plus teams from the central districts."

Mr Paterson said he was expecting a couple of thousand people to attend the event, which was was always a great day.

"It's an exciting atmosphere. Jumps racing is thrilling, with 10 horses going full-speed down the straight, jumping fences which are 4ft high - it's exciting to watch.

"It's going to be a nice day, which makes all the difference. We expect mainly families, a lot of people who traditionally might not come to the other race meetings, to come on this day, so you get a lot of the rural community. All of the lounges are thermally heated, so if it is a little nippy it should still be a fine day."

He said with the Eastern Bay of Plenty Hunt Club joining in the event there would be extra excitement. "They'll be doing a joint parade of the hounds before the race. Because they'll have 20 to 30 dogs yapping away happily. It'll be a good day out."

The event will also feature live music and kids' entertainment. Visit www.trac.co.nz.