Addington Cup Day in pictures: Brawl leads to multiple arrests, plus all the colour from the biggest day on Canterbury’s social calendar

It’s the biggest day on Canterbury’s social calendar. Thousands of keen racegoers dressed up in their flashiest frocks, fascinators and suits for the 120th running of the New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington Raceway in Christchurch. Herald photojournalist George Heard was there to capture the glitz and glamour, sights and scenes, and fisticuffs, of The Cup.

A brawl at the end of Christchurch’s Addington Cup Day has led police to arrest several punters - with women in glamorous frocks and men in suits being led away in handcuffs.

Images from trackside at Addington Raceway late this afternoon show angry racegoers face to face in physical disputes as police officers attempt to pull people apart and subdue them.

However, despite images of multiple people being led away in handcuffs, NZ Police were not critical of the behaviour at Addington Raceway in general.

NZ Police confirmed to the Herald a 31-year-old man was arrested for disorderly behaviour and resisting police, and six others were given pre-charge warnings.

“Police are happy to report that people have been relatively well behaved, with no particular issues of note,” a police spokesperson said.

“This is partly due to people are consuming enough food and water throughout the day, and police have been encouraging people to stay hydrated in the hot weather.”

With the mercury topping 25C, clear skies and warm winds added an extra cheer to today’s experience.

Around 10,00 people turned out in their finest gear to experience the sights and sounds, have a flutter, have a boogie and a beer.

A large brawl marred the end of the day. Photo / George Heard

The biggest day on Canterbury's social calendar ended in a mass brawl today. Photo / George Heard

The crowds at Addington started filling up early. Photo / George Heard

The biggest day on Canterbury's social calendar ended in a mass brawl today. Photo / George Heard

Police and St John were both out and about, urging revellers to keep up the good behaviour.

Senior Sergeant Roy Appley says the crowd has been getting better over the years, but the concern was with pre-loaders.

Punters should have a safety plan for getting home, a friend to look out for them and never drink and drive, he says.

Meanwhile, St John was telling punters to stay hydrated.

Cup Day always attracts a wide cross-section of Canterbury society. Photo / George Heard

Cup Day is a day when Cantabs feel they can let their hair down. Photo / George Heard

The excitement built up towards the big race throughout the day. Photo / George Heard

The Tuesday of Show Week is always highly anticipated. Photo / George Heard

A silent disco had the crowd grooving in the sunshine while the horses thundered past.

By mid-afternoon, there were already some casualties from the day’s festivities, with signs that drink had left a few worse for wear.

Some were seen tottering in high heels, being helped along by friends or security, while others were slumped at tables or led away by police officers.

Many were seen heading towards the central city, where more bars and pubs awaited, while some took their chances on electric scooters.

Sunscreen was being dished out as the sun beat down on the crowds.

Punters were advised to stay hydrated. Photo / George Heard

Security was on hand to help out. Photo / George Heard

It's a big day at the races. Photo / George Heard

The crowd looks on. Photo / George Heard

Music had the crowds dancing throughout the day. Photo / George Heard

The main race was well supported. Photo / George Heard

Police urged everyone to have a plan for how they were getting home. Photo / George Heard

Top fashion competition judge Nicole Rebstock spoke to the Herald earlier about what she expects to see on the catwalk and what will win her vote in the iconic annual event.

Although current fashion trends always influence what people wear at the races, classic and elegant fashion etiquette has been preserved over the years, she says.

The fashion show is always a major attraction. Photo / George Heard

The Cup was cheered on by thousands. Photo / George Heard

For some, the day was too much. Photo / George Heard

By the time the big race jumped at 5.20pm, the crowd was in high spirits, though not all were still there to witness it.

Police also had to make several arrests late in the day after a mass brawl erupted.

People were led away in handcuffs, ending the day on a sour note.

A large brawl marred the end of the day. Photo / George Heard