Christmas is over...now what?!

With Christmas in the rear-view mirror for another year, author Kate Milliken admits to feeling a tiny bit flat… until she realised that the best is yet to come.

“The fact of the matter is, it really is hard to go wrong when it comes to Ellerslie’s mainstay racing meets,” writes Kate

Writes Kate…

“With a glass half full mentality, I’ve decided to look forward to things to come, starting with listing some of the reasons why I love these upcoming racedays at Ellerslie. They’ll be with us before you know it so if you’re interested in attending, read on!”

New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Million | 22 January

Look, I don’t miss out on any of the racedays on Ellerslie’s calendar. However, there is one day that I wouldn’t miss for anything – short of a global pandemic! – and that’s the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Million.

The one day Kate wouldn’t miss for anything – short of a global pandemic – is the NZB Karaka Million on 22 January

This is a staple on the social calendar for industry buffs, and it’s a great opportunity for those less experienced in the world of racing to brush shoulders with some of the industry’s elite.

Think of it like a day at the polo, only bigger, louder, more glamorous and staged beneath the setting sun.

Top that all off with an unmissable afterparty and you have the best entertainment Auckland summer has to offer.

Avondale Cup & Guineas Day ft. the Irish Party | 19 February

This day, whilst big in terms of racing, has flown beneath the radar a wee bit for the party set, however, with the addition of the famous Ellerslie Irish Party it’s set to become quite the St Patrick’s Day prelude.

Kate describes Ellerslie’s Irish Party as quite the St Patrick’s prelude

The Irish Party went OFF in May 2021 and with this new summer date, it’s set to be even better.

Dust off your best green threads and I hope of the luck of the Irish results in a super successful day oncourse for all.

Vodafone Derby Day | 5 March

If you’re a fashion enthusiast, then you’ll want to get Auckland Cup Week in your diaries ASAP.

Kate describes Vodafone Derby Day’s black and white outfit brief as bringing “an air of timeless elegance to any look”

World-class horses running for valuable purses aside, there is some of the finest trackside fashion on display.

If you haven’t had a chance to put your best hoof forward, Vodafone Derby Day may be your time to shine. The black and white outfit brief brings an air of timeless elegance to any look, and Vodafone Derby Day attendees prove time and time again that the monochrome theme needn’t be monotonous.

And for fashion fans, it plays host to the national fashions in the field final, The Ned Prix de Fashion (where you can break the rules and wear colour to compete in!).

And finally, my list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup Day (13 March).

“This fullstop to this season at Ellerslie is going to be the ultimate in summer parties,” writes Kate

This fullstop to this season at Ellerslie is going to be the ultimate in summer parties – there’s nothing like an impending hiatus to start the nostalgic juices flowing and we’re going to see out the summer in true raceday style.

Recently, and rightfully so, these raceday tickets have become notoriously hard to come by, with an across the board sell-out last season.

“Make sure you keep an eye on Ellerslie’s social pages & website to make sure spaces aren’t close to selling out – because trust me, Ellerslie doesn’t lie about these things!”

It’s not one to roll the dice on, so make sure you keep a watchful eye on Ellerslie’s social pages to stay up to date with on-sale dates and when spaces are getting close to selling out – because trust me, Ellerslie doesn’t lie about these things!

The fact of the matter is, it really is hard to go wrong when it comes to Ellerslie’s mainstay racing meets.

And, upon further reflection, I’ve decided I’ll (once again) attend every single one.