Kaikoura Races - Kaikoura Trotting Club

Another Kaikoura Race Weekend is done and dusted. The Club could not be happier with how it went. The weather played its part and huge crowds were on course. We had the best horses and horsemen in NZ racing and we thank them for making our event such a success. It was special having 5 heats of the World Driving Championships and the ten skilful horsemen involved were a delight to work with. We wish them all the best for the rest of the heats. Merlin came down from Auckland to take out the 100th Kaikoura Cup again sponsored by Alabar NZ and shows he is on track for a shot at the NZ Cup next Tuesday. Father Time put in a huge effort after sitting parked to win the White Morph South Bay Trotters Cup. And Ken Tomlinson was the lucky winner of the Punters Club raffle, for a week at the Peninsular Beachfront Resort in Mooloolaba presented by Alf Shearman. Have a safe and happy Xmas and we will do it all again in 2026.

“Sarge” in the back of the mobile with race starter Ricky Donnelly. Sarge won the Clubs “Owner For a Day Experience” when he drew Crystal in the last race yesterday. Nine lucky people won a horse in the race and were treated in the Gallagher Presidents Marquee pre-race. The winning owner then had his photo with the winning horse and celebrated with the connections. He also received a framed photo and the ride in the mobile gate today.

Another beautiful day at South Bay Racecourse. Included on our Trophy Table is the original Kaikoura Cup that has been borrowed from the Kaikoura Museum. The trophies on display today. The $100,000 Alabar Kaikoura Cup winner received the Kaikoura Cup and Irish Crystal and Dress Rug. The $60,000 White Morph South Bay Trotters Cup winner receives the Ron Monk Challenge Cup and Dress Rug. The $50,000 NZB Standardbred Yearling Sales Aged Classic winner receives the horse trophy and Dress Rug. The Kaikoura Trotting Club thanks all of its sponsors with special thanks to Alabar NZ for 20 years of sponsorship of the Kaikoura Cup. Enjoy your day

The crowds gather early at Kaikoura Racecourse to watch the All Blacks playing Ireland on the Big Screen. A beautiful day at South Bay. It’s going to be a great day.

The South Bay Racecourse is filling fast for harness racing tomorrow. Plenty of room to rock up and park for day. Entry is just a gold coin donation to the cricket club who help at the gate. First race is at 12.20pm. See you here.

Due to staffing commitments we have changed to time for the Opening Ceremony of the World Driving Championships. This will now be held immediately after race 3 on Sunday with a smaller introduction after race 1 on Monday. This will allow everyone plenty of time to arrive on course, pick up some merchandise from the WDC marquee and get involved in this special

The All Blacks play Ireland at 9am Sunday and we will be showing the game on the Big Screen on course. Gates open at 8am so come and join the fun.

The race fields for Sunday are out with the first race set for 12.20pm and the last at 5.25pm. Racing will be followed by a social evening and raffles in the Main Hall. Everyone’s welcome. There will be free shuttles into town after the function at around 7pm.

Just a week to go until our big race weekend. See below what we have planned

2025 RACE WEEKEND PROGRAMME

Friday 31 October
Gates open at 10am for campers and gazebo sites to be set up for the weekend.

Gates will close each day between 8-9pm and reopen at 8am each morning.

Saturday 1 November
7.00pm Bingo Night in the Main Hall – lots of prizes including the chance to be an “Owner for the Day”. Winning owner gets a ride in the Mobile Gate on Monday.

Sunday 2 November
(all times are dependent on Trackside TV)

12.00pm - Opening Ceremony of the World Driving Championships, featuring drivers from ten countries including Blair Orange representing New Zealand.

12.30pm - First Race of 10 races including three World Driving Championship heats.

4.30pm Last Race starts

5.00pm Sweepstake and Raffles in Main Hall.

A free shuttle will be available to take patrons into town afterwards

Live Music from John McCabe throughout both race days

Monday 3 November -
– Alabar Kaikoura Cup Day (10 Races)
(all times are dependent on Trackside TV)

From 12 noon - First race of 10 races including two World Driving Championship Heats

After races 3 and 4 – Best Dressed Heats and Finals

Prior to Peninsular Resort Race – Punters Club Raffle Draw

4.45pm Last Race starts

Feature Races
$100,000 Alabar Kaikoura Cup
$60,000 The White Morph South Bay Trotters Cup
$50,000 NZB Sales Series Aged Classic

The Food Court offering a wide range of food and drinks will be open on both race days.

There will be a Children’s Entertainment Area on the inside track.

Security will be on course overnight and during the race day.

The Club wishes everyone a fun weekend at our iconic Race Weekend.

ROAD CLOSURES - Races Weekend

I am pleased to advise that the road works between Kaikoura and Christchurch over race weekend have been rescheduled. No full closures will take place until Tuesday 4 November with just Stop/Go signs at the Kaikoura tunnels prior to this date. Our Club is grateful to Downer for their assistance in making this happen. Please see the new details as advised by Downer below.

We’re aware that Marlborough Anniversary is observed during this time, and that the Kaikōura Races are taking place on Sunday 2nd and Monday 3rd November. In consideration of these events, no full closures will be in place until Tuesday 4th November.

Please note:
On the evening of Monday 3rd November from 9pm, traffic management will be in place with a Stop/Go and delays of up to 10 minutes at the Kaikoura Tunnels.
Full closures will commence from Tuesday 4th to Friday 7th November from 9pm to 5am with a midnight opening and detours also in place.

ROAD CLOSURES
We have been made aware of proposed road closures between Kaikoura and Christchurch during race weekend. Please be aware that we are working with HRNZ and NZTA on sorting this. We will keep you informed.

https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic-bulletins/night-closures-for-sh1-in-north-canterbury?fbclid=IwVERDUANczEBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHv5Zbj2avmCIFeQc8gjOE1tLK7vWItZUz2lWC3nZKcm0yZB3mWnM-nWG3ipX_aem_IxOloRI-Z2jU87Q1S4Zwxw

Night closures for SH1 in North Canterbury | NZTA Journey Planner State Highway 1 between Waipara and Kaikōura will be closed for several nights early next month as important roadworks are carried out.

Heritage Train Journey | Christchurch to Kaikōura Embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the Whale Train from Christchurch to Kaikōura. Experience breathtaking views of picturesque landscapes, abundant marine wildlife, and the majestic Southern Alps. Don’t miss out on this incredible adventure—book your trip today and create memories that w...