KEY POINTS:
Eight racegoers will find out today what it is like to steer "a 500kg motorbike with a mind of its own".
That is how some first-timers describe the sensation of driving a pacer at full speed, a thrill which will be given away at Alexandra Park.
The Auckland Trotting Club will host its initial Patrons Cup races today, giving eight members of the crowd at its premier meeting a chance to experience racing on the famous track.
Any patron over 18 years of age - as long as they are sober - who has a losing bet can go into a draw to compete in one of two four-horse Patrons Cup races.
They will be kitted out in full race driving gear then jump in dual-seater sulkies alongside professionals for a race-speed dash around Alexandra Park, complete with commentary, and the two winners get actual Patrons Cups, just like the pros.
Dual-sulky racing has been hugely popular with corporate sponsors and celebrity racers but today is the first time the experience will be given away to the public.
"It is a chance for us to say thanks to our customers," said ATC boss Graeme Running. "Everybody who has tried it here before loves it and it is something unique to harness racing, the chance to actually compete under the same conditions as the professionals."
While the dual-sulky racing has been a hit in the past, many celebrity participants, usually accompanied by nervous smiles, have been stunned by the speed and closeness of the racing.
The Patrons Cup will complement Auckland's biggest harness racing day meeting of the year, with Alexandra Park best known as a Friday night venue. The meeting will host five major races worth up to $250,000 each.
"In the past this has been a family day and we will have a lot of attractions for children on track today, with ponies and plenty of giveaways," says Mr Running. "But the Patrons Cup gives the adults a chance to have some fun too."
Racing starts at Alexandra Park in Epsom at 12.13pm, with Auckland's huge week of holiday racing continuing at Ellerslie tomorrow.
