Cityscape brings you all the deets for Addington Cup Week, the biggest week on Christchurch’s social calendar. We have tips for picking a winner as well as pacing yourself on the 116th Christchurch Casino NZ Trotting Cup Day, the inside word from the fashion judges on what they are looking for, and we catch up with the artists who will keep the vibe pumping between races.

Hang on to your fascinators, everything is lined up and ready to race for Addington Cup Week. The season’s hottest social event is this year set to be the most stylish yet. Join the city’s crème de la crème at Addington Raceway & Events Centre when the action kicks off on Tuesday November 12 with Christchurch Casino NZ Trotting Cup Day and continues on the Friday with Show Day Races.

On the day, a full card of 12 races culminates in the 116th running of the Christchurch Casino NZ Trotting Cup. In between the racing excitement, there’s fabulous fashions on the catwalk, with heats and semi-finals for The Crossing Fashion Starts Here Best Dressed Competition held in The Edge Public Village, and finals in the presentation area. You’ll also find plenty of delicious treats served up by some of the city’s top international food providers, and thirst-quenching refreshments at the bar.

Amid the revelry, Addington Raceway & Events Centre will be supporting St John and Ronald McDonald House South Island.

The huge range of hospitality options on offer including private and shared marquees, prime viewing hospitality, and indoor and outdoor choices always proove popular and have already sold out for 2019.

General admission will get you to the heart of the action in The Edge Public Village, check out the Speights Beer Garden, too, where you can take on The Rock Beat the Bar Challenge. For the ultimate betting experience the TAB Trackside Retreat is positioned in a reserved area directly in line with the 75m mark.

If you want a day to remember treat yourself to the Lindauer Lawn, a grassed area close to the track that offers the chance to mix with a who’s who of New Zealand society as you get a great view of the racing action. You’ll also gain access to the rooftop and be entertained between races by Kiwi R&B-pop artist Vince Harder, who’ll be breaking out the hits, including his No. 1 single ‘Everything’. Synth pop tribute band Automatic 80s will keep the vibe going in the public village.

The week’s excitement continues at Addington’s Show Day Races on Friday November 15, with more great racing, live entertainment and a free kids’ zone. Entry is by gold coin donation, with all proceeds going to support the great work of the Maia Health Foundation. There’ll be plenty of tasty Kiwi treats and refreshments available in the numerous public areas, including the Lindauer and Blanc de Blanc lawns, Twiggers and the Christian Cullen Lounge.

Racing highlights of the day are the Woodlands NZ Free-For-All and the Airpark Canterbury Dominion Trot. The NZ Kidz Kartz Final is definitely a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Alt-pop band Skymachine will entertain between the races with a blend of synth tapestries and weighted lyrics. So don’t hold back – kick off your shoes and cut some shapes in the Show Day sun!

How to pick a winner 1. Look for a horse that seems fit and alert, with good muscle tone and that’s walking in a calm and purposeful manner – it should look like it’s on a mission! 2. Favourites win about a third of the time so it follows that they’re probably the safest bet – but at low-paying odds. 3. Check in your race book for a horse’s record. Look at how it has done in similar track conditions and at similar distances to its upcoming race. Some horses have a past record of winning at long odds – it could be worth a bet. 4. Backing a winning driver throughout a meeting can pay dividends. 5. Remember that no-one wins all the time – that’s part of the fun. If all else fails, pick the name you like the most!

BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS Get your day off to the best start with a delicious breakfast washed down with a glass or two of bubbles. Here’s our picks:
Christchurch Casino The official partner will be putting on a big morning. Aikmans Bar & Eatery Stylish and relaxed, this gastropub sports an expansive sunny courtyard and heated louvred area. Dux Dine This warm, comfortable and laxed space in a historic turn-of-the-century villa has fabulous indoor and outdoor areas. No.4 Bar & Restaurant Dine in comfort with comfy couches or enjoy the fresh air in the covered outdoor courtyards. Universo Brasserie & Bar Equal parts edgy and Euro chic, this tropical escape will have you starting your race day in style. Bloody Mary’s You’ll leave this swish eatery feeling very royal. Terrace Tavern Relaxed and casual, this venue on The Terrace oozes good vibes.

AFTER PARTY Head to Christchurch Casino – they’re putting on free buses from the main entrance departing every 15 minutes. The casino is celebrating their 25th anniversary, which means this year’s a little more special. There’ll be live entertainment, so get ready to sing along to Mandi Miller, Eddie Simon and Southfield. The Christchurch Casino is the perfect place to continue the action once the racing is done!

PACE YOURSELF! No one wants their race day experience ruined by those around them. Be considerate of your fellow punters, drink up the free water available all day and remember... Start the day as your mother always nagged – with a good breakfast! There’s a wealth of great options around the city – see our guide to the best. Get your transport plan sorted in advance: Taxi there and grab a free bus to Christchurch Casino departing every 15 minutes after the races. Ladies: to treat your feet, tuck a pair of ballerina flats in your handbag. Those towering stilettos might look great but they have a limited number of wearable hours. Stay hydrated: remember to hook into some of the free water provided in between those drinks. Sun smart: don’t forget the sunnies and sunblock!

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Check out our interview with Kiwi R&B-pop artist Vince Harder and head judge Jackie O'Fee, owner of Signature Style.