Australasia’s biggest day of racing is coming to Cambridge.
“In a first for Cambridge, Cambridge Raceway will be holding a race meeting on Melbourne Cup day,” Cambridge Raceway chief executive Dave Branch said.
“It’s free entry and there will be free kids entertainment.”
The Raceway will offer locals the opportunity to experience the big day on course and later enjoy a quality evening of live racing, with the first harness race set to start at 6:09pm.
Live coverage from Flemington racecourse will be available to view on big screens, while The Raceway will also have beverages, food and entertainment on offer for all ages.
Darry Sherer
“The Public Bar will be open from noon and we will have all of the racing action from around Australasia on big screens,” Branch said.
“Betting facilities, bar and food will be available and there is an option to reserve a table or bar leaner at www.cambridgeraceway.co.nz.
“Corporate hospitality options will also be available.”
Following the Melbourne Cup theme, Cambridge Raceway will be holding two feature 3200m races, the same distance as the race that stops two nations.
The Melbourne Cup Day 3200m Trot and Melbourne Cup Day 3200m Pace will hold a purse of $10,000 with a $2,500 bonus on offer to the winning horse if they break the corresponding track record.
The two races will add an air of excitement to the night, with the open stand track records for both gaits having stood for more than 20 years.
Mark Roy (1997) and Taxing Times (1997) hold the track record for the pacers with a time of 4:05.4, while Ladora holds the record for the trotters after she set a time of 4:09.3 for the two miles back in 1995.
Racegoers on the day will also have a local to cheer home in the Melbourne Cup. Current Melbourne Cup favourite Surprise Baby was born and raised at Waikato nursery Rich Hill Stud and is assured of a start in the race after his win in the Gr.3 Bart Cummings (2520m) at Flemington. – Cambridge Raceway
What: Melbourne Cup Day at Cambridge Raceway.
Where: Cambridge Raceway (1 Taylor Street, Cambridge).
When: Tuesday, November 5, from noon. First live race at 6:09pm.
