Christmas comes early at the races

A day of punting, party hats and pre-Christmas celebrations will take place at the final of Tauranga's two Christmas race meets today.

Tauranga racecourse is hosting the Tauranga Twilight Christmas at the Races meet this afternoon, and organisers are expecting the biggest crowd yet.

As a twilight meeting, the racing starts at 2.55pm with the last race just before 7pm.

'An eight-race card and the hospitality areas are bulging at the seams as businesses take the opportunity to bring staff and clients to Christmas at the Races,” says Racing Tauranga spokesperson Andrew Love.

'On course caterers Classic Cuisine will be supplying near on 1400 lunches to the corporate areas, whilst may others bring their own food and BYO.”

Andrew says while BYO is allowed limits apply, but he hopes all visitors to the track soak up a sunny afternoon and evening in the public area which includes barbecue tables and gazebos.

'A big crowd is expected to arrive with their own gazebos and picnics when the gates open at 12.30pm.”

He says the Christmas at the Races brand has been running for many years across the country as thousands of people use it as Christmas venue for clients and staff.

'There is plenty of entertainment and a lot of fun.”

In terms of the racing itself, he says another great year is expected despite some hiccups.

'The recent rain currently has the track as a dead four, so a little on the softer side for summer racing and the rail is out five meters.”

Andrew says all are welcome, even those who may be new to the environment.

'The race book includes ‘Santas Tips' for those that know nothing about racing, and three well known racing identities including Mark Claydon, Andrew Lacey and Frank Vosper have also made their selections to assist the punters.”

General admission tickets costs $10 for all ages, with gates open from 12.30pm.

The event runs until 7.30pm with the first race at 2.55pm.

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