Highlights from Telecom Derby Day 2011 at Ellerslie

Highlights from Telecom Derby Day 2011 at Ellerslie

Saturday 6 March
For Immediate Release
• Auckland Cup Week kicked off at Ellerslie today with intermittent rain failing to dampen the spirits of race-goers

• Glamour horse of the season - Jimmy Choux (Thorn Park ex Cierzo), ridden by Jonathan Riddell and trained by Hastings-based John Bary, won the Group I $2.2 million Telecom New Zealand Derby
o The Group I $2.2 Million Telecom New Zealand Derby is the richest race in New Zealand and the richest Derby in the Southern Hemisphere
o Riddell has now won three $1,000,000+ races this season making him known as New Zealand’s “Big Race Rider”
o Riddell donated $5,000 of his riding fee to the “Racing for Christchurch Fund”, an initiative started by Auckland Racing Club with a goal of raising $1,000,000 for the people of Christchurch.

• Auckland racing Club donated its percentage of profits from oncourse betting turnover from the Telecom New Zealand Derby, to kick start the “Racing for Christchurch Fund”. Will be in the vicinity of $23,500.

• In addition, punters oncourse were able to make donations to the appeal find in a larger than life moneybox - the 19th addition to the Resene Fastest Art Exhibition - a life-size fibreglass horse, painted in Canterbury’s red and black colours.

• Trisha Molachina (39) from Townsville, Australia won Mercedes Prix de Fashion
o She walked away with a prize package that included a one year lease on a Mercedes-Benz C200 Sports Edition Coupe
o Trisha’s outfit, in the traditional international Derby Day colours of black and white, was designed by herself and made by a designer friend
o She created her matching headpiece and wore Miu Miu
o Mercedes Prix de Fashion judge, Lulu Wilcox (New Idea Fashion Editor and freelance stylist), said “the calibre of competition was very high, however the appropriateness of Trisha’s outfit for not only the weather but the occasion of the day, set her apart.

“Trisha was polished and coordinated right down to the finer details of her outfit. She demonstrated great poise and elegance whilst on the catwalk.”

• In the infield the Telecom Carnival featured entertainment from Tahuna Breaks and The Thomas Oliver Band

• Touted as the world’s best jockey, Hong Kong-based Douglas Whyte, won his first ever ride in New Zealand on the Tony Cole-trained Treasure Hunter in race 2.

• The Group III $100,000 Darley Plate was won by Amaryllis, ridden by current 2010/11 Jockeys Premiership leader, James McDonald
o Brothers Philip and Peter Vela, as owners of Amaryllis, have won a free nomination to race sponsor Darley’s stallion, Authorized
• Wednesday 9th March is Stella Artois Auckland Cup Day.
o Featuring the Group I $1 million Stella Artois Auckland Cup, Stella Artois Cup Couture fashion competition as well as the famous Birdcage Bash after the last race, this is the perfect excuse for a half day off for many people
o Other feature races on the day include:
§ Listed $45,000 Westbury Classic
§ Listed $45,000 Mercedes-Benz Sunline Vase

• The final day of Auckland Cup Week is Diamond Day on Saturday 12th March. It’s Ladies’ Day and a great opportunity to frock up and celebrate the end of Auckland Cup Week with the biggest wrap party of the year that includes the official Whips n Spurs Summer Party and the Diamond Darling fashion competition
o Feature races on the day include:
§ Group I $200,000 Nicolas Feuillatte New Zealand Stakes
§ Group I $200,000 Auckland Diamond Stakes
§ Listed $45,000 Starcraft at Arrowfield Mr Tiz Trophy

Notes to editor:
The prize package for the winner of the Mercedes Prix de Fashion was:
• One year lease on a Mercedes-Benz C200 Sports Edition Coupe
• A trip for two to Hong Kong flying Cathay Pacific Airways
• Seven day / six night Blue Lagoon Cruise through the Fiji Islands
• Trip for two to the 2010 Melbourne Cup Carnival
• Panasonic home theatre system worth $4,500 from Rush Munro Ice Cream
• $5,000 supply of skincare products from Elizabeth Arden and Juicy Couture fragrance
• Makeover and portrait photo session by Mink Photography
• $2,000 wardrobe from Michelle (E-VET) Yvette Clothing

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