THE RENEWAL OF RICCARTON PARK
Cup week at Riccarton Park captures everything that is great about Canterbury.
It’s a time of renewal: fresh horses, fresh fashions, and plenty of time to celebrate. This is racing in New Zealand.
Like a rugby or cricket test match, the New Zealand Cup Meeting brings the best together from around the country – in this case, horses, trainers, and jockeys from as far away as Ruakākā and Riverton. All these participants have owners, friends, and supporters associated with them who come to Christchurch and spend. With 29 days of racing planned this season for the city, the races continue to be a major part of the local economy.
The CEO of Riccarton Park, Tim Mills, has been racing ‘since the cradle’ and loves “nothing better than a punt, a beer, and a share in a racehorse”.
Tim came to Christchurch after working at the New Zealand Racing Conference in the mid-1980s and worked for the Canterbury Jockey Club as the racing manager. In 1996, he took on the mantle of the CEO of Riccarton Park, which makes him one of the longest-serving administrators in the national racing industry, and he has been a previous recipient of the Canterbury Sports Administrator of the Year. In his time, the club has made significant advances: from the rebuild of the turf track in the late 1990s to the famed restoration of the historic Tea House, as well as numerous stabling constructions, and now – the latest string in Riccarton Park’s bow – the synthetic track.
This track is a major investment in the city, according to Tim. Local businesses have benefited from the track’s project, such as Fulton Hogan, their suppliers, and various other sub-contractors involved in the build.
It’s one of three such tracks across the country, and it’s impressive.
The track is 1900 metres in circumference and 18 metres wide, down the back straight to 16 metres wide in the home straight. This allows for starting limits of up to 14 horses from 1200m, 1400m, and 1600m starts, and 12 from the 2100m and 2200m starts.
As the track is essentially a mix of sand, wax, and fibre, the extraordinary drainage allows for the best possible racing in wet and winter conditions. This type of track means up to a dozen additional race days will be held at Riccarton Park.
Tim reiterates that it’s not just for racing – it’ll be used for trials and training six days a week and supports many in their business endeavours.
Riccarton Park is also a highly respected function centre. As a 365 day a year operation, specialist venues such as The Tea House are particularly popular.
“Something often overlooked is the contribution that racing makes to the economy, providing a wide range of business and employment opportunities. 30 trainers are all operating their own small businesses at Riccarton Park.”
This year at Riccarton Park, you can expect the best horses, food, fashion, and live music – even outstanding car park parties enhanced by the park-like surroundings. Break out of the COVID blues with a day at the races, and celebrate with camaraderie, a bit of sporting excitement, and, of course, a chance to dress up.