Santa may arrive early for several lucky horse trainers during Christmas at the Races at Tauranga Racecourse this Friday.

The annual New Zealand Racing Board meet has attracted a good field this year with six of the eight races being maidens, says Racing Tauranga spokesman Andrew Love.

'Many owners will have the chance of seeing their horse win for the first time, and with it, possibly the making of a new champion.

'The Tauranga course will have the rail out seven meters and the track is currently a good three but Thursday's rain may ease things slightly.”

Several local trainers have a number of horses entered into the meet and includes Jim Pender with four horses entered, Brian McKeagg and Cindy Mortimer with two each, and Anthony Fuller with one.

While the feature race, the 1400m NZB Insurance Pearl Series race for fillies and mares which gets underway at , has 20 horses accepted and will be a pretty open affair.

'Swissilicous finished with a strong late run for second at Pukekohe, whilst the Stephen Marsh trained She Brings Joy, with one start for a third, looks to be a threat but has a wide draw.

'Red Sky at Night with a fourth from one start, and top weight The Kipling Girl with three seconds from six starts, and Almarie will be among the other favoured runners.”

Along with exciting racing action, punters will also be treated to some fine festive food, live entertainment, and the chance to dress up and toast the season.

The hospitality areas will be chocka full with more than 1400 people being catered for, as business's and friends celebrating work functions are heading down to Tauranga Racecourse this Friday.

Andrew says general admission is available for anyone who wants to head on down to Tauranga racecourse to soak up the festive party atmosphere and watch some spirited thoroughbred racing.

'The Phoenix on Tauranga's the Strand will also be operating a free bus and will return patrons 30 minutes after the last race.

'If you can't make it down this Friday, no worries, Racing Tauranga will be holding one more Christmas at the Races day on Wednesday, December 21.”

Christmas at the Races takes place at Tauranga Racecourse on Cameron Road in Greerton on Friday, December 9. Gates open 10am, with the first of eight races set to go at 12.45pm.