For immediate release

The Countdown To Auckland Cup Week Is On!
Ellerslie Announces TV3 Derby Day and Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup Day

Auckland, 18 February 2013 - Auckland Racing Club is pleased to announce key sponsorship platforms as it prepares to launch an Auckland Cup Week to remember, taking place 2-9 March 2013.

TV3 Derby Day (Saturday, 2nd March) will be a celebration of fashion, elegance and the tradition of the Group I $750,000 TV3 New Zealand Derby, attracting both national and international interest.

TV3 returns this year as the broadcast partner and naming rights sponsor of TV3 Derby Day, the opening celebration to Auckland Cup Week - the most glamorous sporting event on New Zealand’s racing calendar.

MediaWorks TV Director of Sales and Marketing, Liz Fraser, says TV3 is delighted to again be involved with TV3 Derby Day in 2013.

“TV3 Derby Day is a truly iconic Auckland event and the perfect mix of fun, glamour and sporting excellence. We’re thrilled to bring TV3 Derby Day to the MediaWorks team, our partners and clients and the people of Auckland,” says Liz.

As the broadcast partner, TV3 will air a live TV3 New Zealand Derby special feature, hosted by Hamish McKay, from 5:30pm on Saturday 2nd March.

Auckland Racing Club is also delighted to present Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup Day (Wednesday, 6th March) and the Group I $500,000 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup, with the stalwart sponsor of the Club joining ‘the ultimate half day off’.

Barfoot & Thompson Director, Peter Thompson, is a committed partner of Ellerslie, acknowledging the powerful alignment of the two trusted, Auckland brands. Barfoot & Thompson is keen to use the newly-named Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup Day as a launch pad to celebrate their 90th anniversary this year.

“We already have a strong relationship with Auckland Racing Club through our sponsorship of the very popular Barfoot & Thompson Twilight Summer Series and it is an honour to now also add Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup Day to our list of sponsorships,” says Peter.

“This new sponsorship is made extra special by the fact that we are also celebrating our 90th Anniversary this year. We are looking forward to hosting this iconic event and to welcoming Aucklanders and visitors on the day.

Cameron George, Auckland Racing Club CEO, is delighted to welcome both partnerships, confident they will further strengthen the relationship already forged between the Club and both organisations.

“TV3 could not be a more stellar partner to launch Auckland Cup Week on Derby Day and Barfoot & Thompson on Auckland Cup Day is equally fitting,” says Cameron George.

“The tradition of the Derby is steeped in our culture, celebrating everything that racing is famous for – high stakes track meets, Prix de Fashion, garden parties – it really is one of the most exciting occasions on the raceday calendar.

“And the fact that Barfoot & Thompson is using Auckland Cup Day, the city’s iconic raceday, to celebrate their 90th anniversary, is sensational. We couldn’t think of a better occasion to celebrate with them.”

- Ends -

Notes to Editor:
Auckland Cup Week 2013 promises three days of fantastic entertainment, exquisite corporate hospitality as well as the brand new Gourmet Village from the team at Taste of Auckland, three fashion competitions, the Ellerslie Punter of the Year competition and 30 top-class races (including four Group I races) with the finest horses, jockeys and trainers competing for more than $2 million in stakes and prizes.

www.ellerslie.co.nz

TV3 Derby Day Timings
• Racecourse gates open at 10.30am
• Hospitality options open at 11.30am
• First race will run at about 1.00pm (race times will be confirmed in the week prior to the event)
• Last race (of 10) will run at about 6.30pm
• Catch a glimpse of New Zealand's most fashionable racegoers and see who scoops the ultimate prize in the national fashions in the field final, Prix de Fashion (or even enter yourself!)

Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup Day Timings
• Gates open at 11.00am
• Hospitality options open at 11.30am
• First race will run at about 1.10pm (race times will be confirmed the week prior to the event)
• Last race (of 10) will run at about 6.30pm
• THEN party at the Birdcage Bash!

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