“Our Race That Stops Our Nation”

7 February 2006

Skycity Sponsorship Helps Auckland Cup Become “Our Race That Stops Our Nation”

It’s set to become the most glamorous event on the racing calendar and SKYCITY Auckland is backing it all the way. In its inaugural year, Auckland Cup Week has secured New Zealand’s leading gaming and entertainment company as a major sponsorship partner.

SKYCITY’s sponsorship will see it become the naming right sponsor for the main event – the SKYCITY Auckland Cup Race (5:45pm 8 March 2006).

SKYCITY’s General Manager Marketing Jill Birch believes Auckland will benefit considerably from the addition of this premier racing experience. “It’s fantastic to see such a major event building momentum and creating a more vibrant and exciting city”, said Ms Birch.

A dedicated supporter of world-class entertainment experiences, SKYCITY is proud to be associated with Auckland Racing Club’s newest event. “We’re delighted to be working with Auckland Racing Club to help deliver their vision of The Auckland Cup to be ‘Our race that stops our nation’”, she said.

The sponsorship deal marks the beginning of a relationship that is destined to last well into the future. “We’re very excited about the opportunity to work with the Auckland Racing Club to grow Auckland Cup Week and have it become the major entertainment event on the Auckland calendar”, Ms Birch said.

Auckland Racing Club CEO, Chris Weaver, is equally excited about the new partnership.

“Together The Auckland Racing Club and SKYCITY can create Auckland’s signature event in terms of hospitality, visitors to Auckland and party atmosphere. This relationship can grow tourism to Auckland and grow Auckland’s carnival week.

“If you want an example of how well these relationships can work you need to look no further than the partnership between Flemmington and the Crown Casino in Melbourne,” he says. Showcasing the best in thoroughbred racing with New Zealand’s finest horses, jockeys and trainers vying for the biggest prizes in the country, Auckland Cup Week has been billed as the ultimate carnival.

Jill Birch believes sponsoring premium entertainment such as this is a great fit with SKYCITY’s broad based entertainment focus.

“SKYCITY is committed to building events and tourism in Auckland. We see the Auckland Cup as having real potential to become a truly international event attracting local and overseas tourists.”

With five feature races, track-side fashions, first-class hospitality and $2.1 million dollars in total prize money up for grabs, it’s an event that’s certain to become the hot ticket for rookie punters and serious racing fans alike.

ENDS

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