Christchurch on course to bumper Cup Day

The roads around Addington will be busy today as thousands take time off work to head to the track for Cup Day fun, fashion and frivolity.

The well-dressed will be out in force at Addington Raceway today.

About 20,000 are expected to make their way to Addington Raceway for the Christchurch Casino New Zealand Trotting Cup - the most prestigious harness racing event in Australasia.

It is New Zealand’s answer to the Melbourne Cup and an excuse for people to get glammed up and enjoy some high stakes action.

The gates open at 10.30am and the racing gets under way at midday. Racegoers are being advised to take a taxi or a bus to the raceway but traffic is expected to be heavy on the roads around Addington, particularly on Lincoln Road and Whiteleigh Avenue, so if you’re travelling through that area today, allow some extra time.

Addington Raceway will be providing a free drop-off bus service from 5.30pm for Cup Day patrons. Buses will depart from the raceway every half hour between 5.30 and 7pm and will drop people off at either Christchurch Casino, on Victoria Street or on The Terrace in the central city.

If you are going to the races, please remember there is an alcohol ban in place on the streets around the racecourse.

The ban covers the areas bounded by Lincoln Road, Moorhouse Avenue, Blenheim Road, Matipo Street and Wrights Road and applies from 9am to 10pm.