SkyCity New Year's Day Races

  • 1 January 2025
  • Ellerslie Racecourse

SkyCity New Year's Day Races

When
1 January 2025
Start times
Gates open at 11:00am
First race starts at 12:10pm
Where
Ellerslie Racecourse
Ellerslie Racecourse

Kick off the new year right

The iconic SkyCity New Year's Day Races are making their return to Ellerslie in 2025

Whether you’re still riding the New Year’s high or just starting to recover, this one’s for you.

The perfect way to welcome in the new year, the SkyCity New Year’s Day Races are just the ticket if you’re a sports fan, family adventurer or just looking to unwind somewhere in Auckland on 1 January.

With thrilling stakes on the line and incredible views from every angle, it’s a prime chance to get up close to the track and witness the energy of 10 races taking place right in front of you.

Families are taken care of with free entertainment to keep the young ones smiling while the older set can kick back and take in the action.

And, if you find yourself needing to easy into 1 January, we’ve have you sorted. Grab a spot in Cuvée or on our Champagne Lawn (alternatively, do it your way in our General Admission areas), sip on something refreshing, and just relax in the sun to the backdrop of the day’s racing. It’s the ultimate low-pressure start to 2025, giving you all the fun without any of the fuss.

Plus, if you’re a TAB account holder, you can head on over to the newly-renovated TAB Winning Post where you can hang out for the day. All you need to do is check in with your TAB account details to gain entry and you’re golden (entry subject to space).

No need to go far or plan a big trip – the SkyCity New Year’s Day Races are Auckland’s backyard celebration, offering the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation to set the tone for a fantastic year ahead.

 

Please note that raceday carparking is accessible via 16 Derby Downs Place (mobility / accessible parking, ticket collection, drop-offs and foot traffic via 100 Ascot Avenue). Learn more here.

In addition to shared precincts (see ticketing below), private hospitality options are available. Contact us to learn more.

Tickets & Hospitality

Feature Races

  • Race
    TBC
    Start
    TBC
    Name

    Group 2 SkyCity Eclipse Stakes

  • Race
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    Start
    TBC
    Name

    Group 2 Rich Hill Mile

  • Race
    TBC
    Start
    TBC
    Name

    Group 2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes

  • Race
    TBC
    Start
    TBC
    Name

    Group 3 Queen Elizabeth ll Cup

Entertainment

Free children's activities

Located in our general admission space, we’ve got a bouncy castle, organised games and activities, swingball sets and more for the little ones to enjoy. Plus, under 15s enjoy free general admission.

Need a stable for the night?

If you require accommodation in Auckland to rest your hooves following a big day trackside, our partner SkyCity Auckland has you covered.

SkyCity Auckland offers a trio of exceptional accommodations that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences with SkyCity Hotel, The Grand by SkyCity, and Horizon by SkyCity.

We’re excited to offer our racegoers an exclusive 20% discount on the standard room rate at these three locations, valid until the end of March 2025. Simply click the hyperlinks above to automatically apply the discount to your booking.

For more details about each venue, please see below.

Learn more

    Our thanks to

    Major Partners