Barfoot & Thompson Twilight Races

  • 11 December 2025
  • Ellerslie Racecourse

Barfoot & Thompson Twilight Races

When
11 December 2025
Start times
Gates open at 3:00pm
First race starts at 3:40pm
Where
Ellerslie Racecourse
Ellerslie Racecourse

Twilight Racing Hits Different

Work’s winding down. Your social life shouldn’t be.

The Barfoot & Thompson Twilight Races are a summer staple – fast racing, buzzing hospitality, great crowds and a party that goes well into the night.

Think of it as your classic raceday – equal parts glam and thrill – just with a summer’s evening twist.

The racing kicks off late afternoon and rolls into a golden-hour evening, setting the tone for one of Auckland’s favourite end-of-year events.

With six fast-paced races run back-to-back, this is racing’s answer to 20/20 cricket – short, sharp and packed with energy. Whether you’re trackside, catching the action from the bar, or just soaking up the buzz, it’s an evening that delivers.

And when the final horse heads home? The infamous Birdcage Bash takes over – transforming the trackside precinct into a post-race party to remember.

Plus, for those with an eye for fashion, the Style Spotter Award will be back – with a fabulous prize up for grabs.

Timings listed are approximate and subject to change.

Things To Know

After we race, we party

After the last race and the horses have gone home to bed, the famous Birdcage Bash will kick off in Cuvée 'til late.

Entry conditions apply - see 'Other Information' for more.

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What to wear?

This is racing as the sun goes down, so it’s a little more like what you might wear to a cocktail party.

Ladies - headpieces aren’t compulsory, but you’re still welcome to wear something in your hair. A headband, bow or even some fun hair clips or embelllishments will help heighten your outfit to a raceday level.

Gents – collared shirts are expected in hospitality precincts where we also ask no sneakers, jeans, jandals etc.

A dress code applies in most areas on course and for the on-site after party. Click the button to learn more.

Dress code

Style Spotter

Dressed to slay? Fashion judges will be roaming the course looking for some of the night’s best dressed and if you're one of them, you could be in to WIN.

If your photo is selected as a finalist, it will be posted in an album on our social media accounts post-event and the person whose photo gets the most reactions will win a fantastic prize pack.

Getting here

Free 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 be need to exit the grounds via Mitchelson Street.

Learn more

Tickets & Hospitality

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Recap

Here's a taste of what to expect from when we last held the Barfoot & Thompson Twilight Races here at Ellerslie (PS it might have poured with rain but that didn't stop the party).

Event schedule (timings subject to change)

SkyCity Offer
Save 20% on accommodation

Trackside Today, SkyCity Tonight

If you’re needing a place to rest your hooves after a big night 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