Harcourts Taupō Cup Day is coming quickly as the Committee and Staff work all available hours to provide a great spectacle on Sunday 28th December.
The Committee welcomes all members, partners and friends to join us for the biggest race day ever run at Taupō.
With the $100,000 Harcourts Taupō Cup as the final event of the Inaugural Prezzy Card Northern Country Cups Bonus Series we are looking for the horse that can win the bonus. I believe we have 6 horses that have a chance to qualify. Horses had to start in a minimum of 2 races and be in the final at Taupō to secure the bonus of $50,000. The bonus winner doesn’t have to win at Taupō, but it would strengthen their chances. There are several exciting races on the card for the 28th.
The J.Swap MAAT event is for horses that were maidens as at August 16th 2025. This 1400m race is for a wonderful stake of $40,000 and the winner becomes an automatic entry for The Patrick Hogan Karapiro Classic at Te Rapa in February for a stake of $350,000. Horses that raced as maidens at Taupō in the Spring will get preference for entry.
Poverty Bay Turf Club support our big day and have a $30,000 Open Sprint over 1400m also. We welcome their members to join us at the track. We do expect a team from the Poverty Bay Turf Club so please thank them for their support at Taupō.
HOSPITALITY PACKAGES on offer, bookings through the club webpage. This year, packages are selling well so to avoid missing out, if you want your own private spot then please go onto the website to secure.
1. Members Area Mini Marquee with betting, Farriers bar, Inaflight live music, Coffee and Food Vendor, the atmosphere will be great. (Marquee, table and 10 chairs - only 5 left out of 21).
2. Members Area Grand VIP Cup Supporters Marquee. This is a very smart VIP MARQUEE with hard floor and all the trimmings where you can secure your own table of 4 or purchase single tickets and mingle with the sponsors on the day. A lovely lunch will be served with private bar and tote station in the room. Positions next to the members marquee with only 26 tickets left, seats 180pax.
3. Public Mini Marquee on the Home Straight. Great for those with families that want to be next to all the action, totes, children’s play areas, 10 food vendors, big screen inside track, Fashion in the Field and the DJ Alexi. (Marquee, table and 10 chairs).
4. Large Umbrella, Table and seating on the Home Straight. A great deal for family and friends to have their base for the day with shelter from the summer sun. Good supply available at this stage. 5. Picnic Car Park Top Bend at the 2000m chute. A spot to relax with the family and/or friends while watching the action as the horses turn into the home straight. Tote caravan nearby for punters. Only 20 available with 10 still available.
PUBLIC LAYOUT
We have put in extra shade covers and lots of bar leaners to relax around the Champagne and Public Bar areas which will see a big improvement for patrons at the track.
DJ Alexi will be playing tunes throughout the day with a dance floor in front for those that enjoy his music.
KIDS ACTIVITIES
As usual we will have face painting, several Bouncy Castles for all ages, Bean Bags to chill out and read on. On the track the kids will enjoy Sack Races and the Tug of War Challenge. This area will be situated behind the Food Vendor Court. Financial assistance from our $100 Club Supporters and Pub Charities help to make this a FREE area for the kids on the day.
FOOD VENDOR COURT
We have a great variety of food available on the day to suit all tastes along with Ice-cream, 3 coffee carts and other drinks to choose from. There will be extra seating and umbrellas to sit at while enjoying something to eat.
MEMBERS PARKING
Although both gates will be open, if you are heading to the Members Parking Area, please get in the Members Line off Centennial Road and not the Public Queue as this confuses and slows down the lines to park. Make sure you have your ORANGE CAR PASS and Swingers with you on arrival to show the gat staff. Anyone wishing to renew their membership from now on, please contact the office to collect your passes. Public GA charge is $20 per head if you have guests in the car with you, or you forget your passes. There will be EFTPOS facilities only at the entrances.
Gates open 10am for those wanting to erect a gazebo on the marked hill area.
HARCOURTS FASHION IN THE FIELD
Ther area categories for Ladies, Gents and Kids and great prizes. Entries on-line or before Race 1 at the track from the gazebo behind the Public Stands. All parade in front of the Public Stands for those wishing to view.
PRIZE BONANZA
Their area a number of great prizes to win on course during the day.
A. Kingmakers Syndication are offering 2 shares in a racehorse of 2.50% for the first 12 months. This is a great chance to get into racehorse ownership.
B. Prezzy Card is giving away 5 x $100 gift vouchers.
C. Subway also has a $100 gift voucher for a lucky patron.
D. Heritage Meats on Rifle Range Road are offering 2 x $100 Meat Pack vouchers during the day. Many more prizes to come as we lead into the day, so make sure you listen to the on-course announcers for these opportunities.
SPONSORS
Please thank our wonderful sponsors for supporting our big day of the Season. Malcolm Flowers Insurances who have taken over the day sponsorship and our race sponsors (in alphabetical order) Chris Jolly Outdoors, Cosana Honey, Harcourts Taupō, J. Swap Contractors Limited, Kingmakers Syndications Limited, Mark Hawes of Subway, Poverty Bay Turf Club and Prezzy Card.
We look forward to seeing our top trainers and jockeys and some great horses on race day. It is going to be a fabulous day for all participants, staff, Committee and our guests.
Keep an eye on our Facebook page as it is continually being updated with happenings. Nominations will be Monday 22nd, Withdrawals on Tuesday 23rd and the final fields will be open to viewing on the NZ Thoroughbred Racing website from then on.
The Committee wish you all a very Merry Christmas and look forward to seeing you on-course on the 28th of December.
Terry Campbell
President