Racing: Auckland Cup 'to stop nation'

Model Nicky Watson - aboard Pinky - adds panache to the Cup's relaunch yesterday. Picture / Martin Sykes

"Our race that stops our nation" - that's the vision for the relaunched Auckland Cup meeting.

Auckland Racing Club chief executive Chris Weaver yesterday outlined plans to move the 149-year-old year event from New Year's Day to three days of racing, fashion and entertainment held over a week in early March.

The aim of a revamp is to turn the Cup meeting into something akin to the Melbourne Cup. Higher stakes, more glamour and a meeting timed to attract the corporate dollar and bigger crowds is the strategy.

The club will keep its popular Boxing Day and New Year's meetings, but hopes moving the feature events to March will create another drawcard at Ellerslie Racing Course.

The new March Cup week will feature $2.1 million in prize money over 30 races, including a boost in the Cup's stake from $350,000 to $600,000. "And we're determined to grow the value of the race," said Mr Weaver, who also announced the stake for the Mercedes Derby had been upped $100,000 to $600,000 by foundation sponsor Daimler-Chrysler.

Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard welcomed the new carnival saying it would give the city another attractive event. He unveiled the new Auckland Cup - actually a restored Victorian silver trophy first gifted to the club in 1928.

To create a buzz at the launch held on-course yesterday, model Nicky Watson arrived on horseback in a white dress designed by IPG.

The twinning of fashion and racing aimed at drawing a younger crowd and creating a party vibe.