The Pavilion at Riccarton Park was opened on Friday 16 October, after an almost yearlong build, on the site of the previous Grand National (Public Stand)

Original grandstands were positioned here in the earliest of days and when raised by fire in 1919 plans were put in place for the Lutrell Brothers to construct the four-story Public Grandstand later to be renamed the Grand National Stand.

Sidney & Alfred Lutrell skills extended to building grandstands at Trentham and Hastings, Mount Magdala in Halswell and the Theatre Royal.

Sadly, the Public Grandstand did not survive the outcome of the Christchurch earthquakes.

Damage resulted in the building standing idle for some years and its eventual demolition in July 2023.

Further testimony to the skill of the Lutrell brothers came from Alan Edge of Southern Demolition who described it as the most difficult job he has ever undertaken.

The Club after experimenting with temporary infrastructure for three years agreed to build a permanent replacement for both raceday and non-raceday use.

Watts & Hughes Construction were the chosen contractor committing to a build from December 2025 immediately following the New Zealand Cup Meeting of that year and finishing in October 2026 in time for this years Cup Meeting.

Watts & Hughes were true to their word meeting all their deadlines, eventually finishing about a fortnight early.

They, along with Project Manager, Jonathon Deaker and all the contractors and subcontractors were acknowledged by Canterbury Jockey Club Chair, Dianne Logie.

Immediately following on from the opening the Grand Gallery hosted the Canterbury Hockey Awards as the first event in this new facility.