Everything you need to know about Vodafone Derby Day

The ultimate end-of-summer party – Auckland Cup Week – kicks off with a bang at Vodafone Derby Day next Saturday 3rd March at Ellerslie Racecourse.

Complete with all the excitement and drama of racing, along with delicious food, Champagne Mumm, an immersive pop-up experience thanks to Cocktails &., fashion competitions and the brand-new Viva Beauty Bar, this is one end-of-summer event you won’t want to miss!  Plus, we’re predicting gorgeous weather and great people watching opportunities too, of course.

Planning to make a day of it?  Here’s everything you need to know about Vodafone Derby Day.

The day starts bright and early with the main gates opening at 10.30am; so if you’re planning to nab a great spot, make sure you allow plenty of time to get to Ellerslie Racecourse and find a car park.  Or – even better – get an taxi with your friends and forgo the stress of driving altogether.

Shared hospitality areas open at 11.30am and the first race starts at about 12.30pm.  The final race of the day is at approximately 6.00pm and if you aren’t ready to head home after that, we recommend heading into the on-site Cuvée Champagne Bar to continue the party!

Who doesn’t love dressing up for the races?  Racing tradition dictates that Derby Day follows a black and white style theme, which racegoers are encouraged (though by no means required) to dress to.  In the Ascot Stand, hospitality precincts and Cocktails &. pop-up space, a dress code will apply and will be enforced as required.  To ensure your look is on point, check out the comprehensive dress code, here. 

For those more fashionably inclined, the national fashions in the field final - Viva Prix de Fashion - and the Hawaiian Airlines Fashion Qualifier are two Vodafone Derby Day fashion competitions not to be missed.

First up on the runway for the day is the all-new fashions in the field competition, the Hawaiian Airlines Fashion Qualifier.

This runway-based event will see the panel of five judges (two flown over specially from Australia!) select four lucky women who will each win 100,000 Hawaiian Airline air miles and two nights’ accommodation at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort.  In addition, they will receive automatic entry into the regional final of the biggest event on New Zealand’s race-wear calendar, Viva Prix de Fashion.

Taking place later in the day, this national final has a winner-takes-all format with the Supreme Winner taking home prizes from Viva valued at $15,000, plus a $5,000 package from Victoria Racing Club allowing them to represent New Zealand at the MYER Fashions on the Field event on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day 2018.

And let’s not forget about the guys!  For the first time on Vodafone Derby Day, our male counterparts are being invited to take to the runway in a bid to win the first ever Hawaiian Airlines Menswear Award – the winner of which will take home 100,000 Hawaiian Airlines airmiles and 2 nights’ accommodation at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort.  To find out everything you need to know about these exciting fashion events, head along to the website, here.

Remember, the highlight of the day is not only the fashion, Champagne Mumm and entertainment but also the $1 million Group 1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby! This is the crème de la crème of New Zealand races, bringing together top class horses, trainers and jockeys who will settle old scores and confirm their spots among the top in the country. It’s a race not to be missed and if you don’t know who to pick, just select the prettiest horse or your favourite number.

For more information on Vodafone Derby Day at Ellerslie Racecourse this Saturday 3 March, visit the website, here.