Build-up for the first day of the 2026 New Zealand Cup Meeting is well into the home straight with the Riccarton Park Racecourse a hive of activity. Temporary infrastructure is arriving hourly with contractors arranging, placing and constructing the facilities which will be required to service punters and fans over the three days of New Zealand most iconic racing carnival.

TRACK PREPARATION

Work done on the Course Proper from the week beginning Monday 26 October 2026.

• Verti drain at depth 275mm.

• Previously Verti quake at depth of 250mm and Verti drain at depth 275mm the week beginning Monday 12 October 2026.

• Watered on Saturday 31 October 2026 15mls.

• Watered on Sunday 1 November 2026 15mls.

• Moisture reading on Monday 2 November 2026 43.3 %.

• Going Soft 7, 3.8 penetrometer.

• No watering on Monday 2 November due to gallops on the Course Proper Tuesday 3 November 2026.

• Planning to apply 10mls irrigation on Tuesday night depending on the rain predicted in the forecast.

   

For further information please contact Canterbury Jockey Club Chief Executive Tim Mills 027 430 0208.