Experience the thrills, glamour and excitement of New Zealand’s biggest race day. Wellington Cup Day on Saturday 26January is the main event of the Pacific Jewellers Wellington Cup Carnival at Trentham Racecourse, Upper Hutt.

Wellington Cup Day promises glamour, excitement and some of the finest thoroughbred horse racing action of the season. The Pacific Jewellers Wellington Cup is New Zealand’s version of The Melbourne Cup - not so much the race that stops a nation but the race that kick-starts Wellington’s year.

25,000 people are expected to gather at Trentham to celebrate New Zealand’s biggest party at the races.

Wellington Cup Day plays host to dignitaries, VIPs, international and nationwide visitors, and Wellingtonians from the glamorous to the casual, in silk-lined marquees through to the more laid back Centre of Course. It’s a day to splash out on that new dress or suit, to spend hours on your wax lines, follicles and muscle tone, for singles to show their stuff, Mums and Dads to leave their kids behind, and join in the outrageous party that is Cup Day.

There will be plenty of music and entertainment on offer too.

The Fashion in the Field is definitely the most fashionable place to be and be seen. The Wellington Racing Club and its partners have put together a spectacular collection of prizes for their popular Fashion in the Field competition, with interest in the event expected to be stronger than ever. Categories include: Contemporary Lady of the Carnival; Traditional Lady of the Carnival; Man of the Carnival; Couple of the Carnival; Designer of the Carnival; and the Supreme Winner.

Please note that a complete BYO alcohol ban exists across the entire Racecourse, both front and back entrances.

We invite you to share in some Trentham magic this Wellington Cup Carnival. Everyone will be there - will you?

Wellington Cup Day - all you need to know
- Gates open at 9am.
- Entertainment starts at midday.
- Be part of the glamour on the day and enter the Fashion in the Field competition or do the viewing from the Fashion Village. If you want to enter Fashion in the Field, you can enter on the day before 11am at the Fashion registration desk or pre-register which includes free gate entry prior to the day.
- Huge range of food, bar and tote areas right across the course.
- Make sure you buy a racebook on arrival. The racebook lists all the races for the day including horse names, jockeys and helpful information on each horse's form (how they finished in previous races) including some suggested picks! All other non-racing activities will be listed in your racebook.
- There is strictly NO BYO alcohol permitted, but patrons may bring picnic food. Security will be checking bags at all gate entries. Note - NO BBQ's are permitted on any day.
- There is only a dress code at Trentham within the Members' areas. Minimum standard for gents is smart casual. Note - dress jeans and collared shirt are permitted however shorts, running shoes, jandals, T-shirts, singlets etc. are not permitted. Ladies - are expected to maintain a suitable standard in keeping with the occasion. In public areas most people will adopt smart casual attire. Remember to bring a hat and some sunblock.

Getting There
Train
Leaving central Wellington every 30 mins, approx time from City to Trentham is 40 mins. There is a special Tranz Metro Trentham train deal available – enquire at the Ticket Booth.

Car
Trentham Racecourse is located on Racecourse Road. Public parking is available on Racecourse Road and surrounding areas. Members, Owners, Jockeys & Trainers are invited to park in the Leger Car Park at the Northern end of the course.