Cure Kids Christmas Raceday

  • 29 November 2025
  • Ellerslie Racecourse

Cure Kids Christmas Raceday

When
29 November 2025
Start times
Gates open at 11:30am
First race starts at 12:29pm
Where
Ellerslie Racecourse
Ellerslie Racecourse

Deck the halls with boughs of bubbles...

Christmas party season has finally arrived - and this end-of-year party option's got a raceday twist.

Looking for a fun way to celebrate the end of the year with your crew?

Whether you’re planning a work Christmas do or rounding up your mates, this raceday delivers an easy mix of entertainment, hospitality and festive energy.

With horse racing on the track, headed up by the Group 3 Bayleys Great Northern Challenge Stakes. shared and private hospitality options, plus free entertainment to keep the little ones entertained between races and a visit from Santa – it’s a day out that ticks all the boxes.

After the last race, ticketholders can head into Cuvée (entry conditions apply), where a DJ will keep the celebrations rolling a little longer.

Timings listed are approximate and subject to change. Keep reading for more information.

Tickets & Hospitality

What's On

Free Children's Activities

Located in our general admission space, we’ve got a bouncy castle and swingball (lawn tennis) sets for the little ones to enjoy.

Plus a special visitor from the Northern Hemisphere will be paying a visit to the racecourse between 2pm-4pm where he'll roam in public and hospitality spaces.

After we race, we party

After the last race, ticketholders can head into Cuvée (entry conditions apply, see 'other information'), where a DJ will keep the celebrations rolling a little longer.

Little Ones In Tow?

Pick up a FREE colouring pack from the Raceday Office (ground floor, Ascot Stand) today.

They’re limited to one per child, and little ones will need to be with you when collecting just as they're limited editions, and so not to take home for others sorry.

In Support Of Cure Kids

One runner in six of the day's races will carry special co-branded Cure Kids x LOVERACING.NZ colours.

For every race won in those colours, NZTR will donate $1,000 to Cure Kids.

Ponies to Pat

Come meet our resident ponies on the main entrance walkway between 11.45am-2.45pm.

They love a selfie too!

You Glow Girl

Thanks to fashion partner Tan In The City, racegoers can get $5 off any tanning service at their salons.

To redeem, simply use the code ELLERSLIERACES25 when booking online or show your raceday ticket when in salon.

Book Now

This event supports Cure Kids, a charity supporting medical research to help save, extend and improve the lives of children diagnosed with serious health conditions.

Visit Cure Kids online

Open To All

The tie-up stalls at Ellerslie are open for everyone to enjoy a close-up look at the horses.

For everyone’s safety, please stick to the white-pebbled public accessways when you’re in this area and avoid entering any restricted areas unless you have the required accreditation.

Getting Here

Free overnight event carparking is accessible via 16 Derby Downs Place.

Mobility / accessible parking, drop-offs and foot traffic should enter via 100 Ascot Avenue. All cars entering off this road will need to exit the grounds via Mitchelson Street.

Learn More

Event Schedule

  • Race
    TBC
    Start
    11:30
    Name

    Gates open; bouncy castle and swingball games open on the Newmarket Lawn

  • Race
    TBC
    Start
    11:45
    Name

    Come pat ponies on the main entrance walkway

  • Race
    01
    Start
    12:29
    Name

    Independent Traffic Control 1100

  • Race
    02
    Start
    13:06
    Name

    Cure Kids 2400

  • Race
    03
    Start
    13:40
    Name

    Mondiale VGL 1300

  • Race
    TBC
    Start
    14:00
    Name

    SANTA oncourse in public and hospitality precincts

  • Race
    04
    Start
    14:15
    Name

    NHR Group 1300

  • Race
    TBC
    Start
    14:45
    Name

    Ponies to Pat head home

  • Race
    05
    Start
    14:57
    Name

    VOMO Racing For Cure Kids 2100

  • Race
    06
    Start
    15:33
    Name

    $100,000 Trevor & Corallie Eagle Memorial 3YO (L)

  • Race
    TBC
    Start
    16:00
    Name

    Time for SANTA to head off

  • Race
    07
    Start
    16:07
    Name

    Harrisons 1100

  • Race
    08
    Start
    16:42
    Name

    $120,000 Bayleys Great Northern Challenge Stakes (Gr3)

  • Race
    09
    Start
    17:18
    Name

    Prezzy Card 1300

  • Race
    TBC
    Start
    TBC
    Name

    THEN all racegoers welcome into Cuvee (ground floor, Ascot Stand) for live music 'til later

Map
Want to see where you're headed?

Racecourse Map

Click the button to view a map of the racecourse that includes hospitality precinct locations.

View the map
SkyCity Offer
Save 20% on accommodation

Trackside Today, SkyCity Tonight

If you’re heading to Auckland for the races and need a place to rest your hooves after a big day trackside, our partner SkyCity Auckland has you covered.

Racegoers enjoy an exclusive 20% off the flexible room-only rate at SkyCity Auckland hotels, with full change or cancellation flexibility until 4pm the day prior to arrival.

With three exceptional hotels – SkyCity HotelThe Grand by SkyCity, and Horizon by SkyCity – there’s something to suit every style.

To redeem, simply click the hotel links above for the discount to apply automatically or enter the Rate Access / Corporate Code ATRACING in the “special code” box when booking.

Learn more

Our thanks to

    Major Partners