The Wellington Cup dates back to the late 1800’ and to this day it remains one of the most highly anticipated events on the New Zealand racing calendar. The Wellington Jockey Club, otherwise known as the Wellington Racing Club, organized the first ever Wellington Cup race in 1867 and it’s only grown from strength to strength ever since.
Up until 1974, the Wallaceville Estate Wellington Cup Day race was run over a variety of distances, including two mile stretches from 1874-1889 and again from 1942-1973. One and a half mile stretches were run from 1890-1941, 3200 metre runs from 1974 to 2008 and now, most recently 2400 metre racing has seen the downgrade of the Wallaceville Estate Wellington Cup Day race event.
The event had lost its Group 1 status due to the horses not meeting certain criteria. The Wellington Racing Club thus made a decision to reduce the races distance to 2400 metres in order to attract stronger competition and rebuild the Wallaceville Estate Wellington Cup Day race to its former glory.
A Prestigious Race Day
The Wallaceville Estate Wellington Cup Day race is the most prestigious horseracing event on the New Zealand racing calendar. Punters from around Australasia and the globe can take part in the action with a mouth-watering selection of wagering activities running throughout the Carnival.
The Wellington Cup carnival is held over three consecutive Saturdays and attracts a he amount of attention. Young and old flock to the course and all sorts of entertainments are laid on.
Increase in Winnings
Shortly after the Wallaceville Estate Wellington Cup Day race was downgraded a group, the organizers had announced a notable NZ $50.000 increase in total prize money. This increases the Wallaceville Estate Wellington Cup Day race wings to a whopping NZ $250.000.
Opening Day
The opening of the Wallaceville Estate Wellington Cup Day propels the Carnival into a sea of premium class racing programs.
The opening day sees three group races ad sets the scene for the days to come, culminating in what’s now known as Super Saturday.
The Wallaceville Estate Wellington Cup Day Super Saturday swings into gear on the following Saturday after the opening. This is the prized day of the carnival and showcases top elite Stayers and Sprinters. The NZ $250.000 Group 1 J&N Berkett Telegraph is run over 1200 meters and is New Zealand’s richest open sprint.
Closing Day
Closing day for the Wallaceville Estate Wellington Cup Day carnival is set for the following Saturday, after Super Satruday. The closing day is more focused around fun lifestyle and entertainment events with top-notch eclectic fashion and food stalls pitches around Trentham.
The closing day plays host to top notch racing programs to end the event including the Group 1 Harcourt’s Thorndon Mile, which is a premier 1600 metre race, and the Group 3 Wellfield Desert Gold Stakes for three year old fillies.
All in all, its easy to see why the Wellington Cup Carnival attracts so much attention and why it captivates not only New Zealanders, but punters from across the globe. Make sure you brush up on your betting knowledge at your nearest horse racing tips NZ site today, and get ready for one of the biggest horse racing events in New Zealand today.
