New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), together with their major clubs, is set to launch Season Four of The Grand Tour Racing Festival, its flagship premier event series, on 8 November at Riccarton Park, kicking off NZ Cup Week. Designed to attract a new generation of racegoers, The Grand Tour combines top-class thoroughbred racing action with live music, elevated hospitality, and stunning fashion, underpinning NZTR’s wider strategy to reinvigorate the racing experience and diversify its audience.
Now entering its fourth year, The Grand Tour continues to deliver results: last season, more than 80,000 attendees turned out across the event series – growing like-for-like meetings by 13% year-on-year and confirming strong momentum among younger, experience-driven audiences. This season’s Tour will again feature headline music acts, enhanced entertainment precincts, and expanded brand activations supported by major partners, Speight’s and Smirnoff. The involvement of such well-established and trusted brands highlights the festival’s growing significance within the national events landscape.
“Competition for consumer attention is intense every summer, but The Grand Tour has proven that a fresh, festival-style approach can meaningfully engage new audiences alongside our traditional fans,” says Dan Smith, General Manager Strategy and Transformation. “Our team, alongside our major racing clubs, are focused on delivering both a strong racing product and a contemporary entertainment experience that resonates with the next generation.”
Lion’s NZ Marketing Director Annemarie Browne says, “Speight’s and Smirnoff are excited to join as Major Partners for The Grand Tour this year. These events bring people together to celebrate the best of summer in New Zealand, and we’re proud to add to the experience at racecourses around the country.”
The Grand Tour Racing Festival Calendar
- 8 Nov – Barneswood Farm NZ 1000 Guineas Day, Riccarton Park
- 12 Nov – TAB Mile Day, Riccarton Park
- 15 Nov – Martin Collins New Zealand Cup Day, Riccarton Park
- 22 Nov – TAB Counties Cup, Pukekohe Park
- 13 Dec – SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Cup Day, Te Rapa Racecourse
- 26 Dec – SkyCity Boxing Day Races, Ellerslie Racecourse
- 24 Jan – TAB Karaka Millions, Ellerslie Racecourse
- 31 Jan – NZCIS Wellington Cup Day, RACE Trentham
- 7 Mar – Champions Day, Ellerslie Racecourse
Full details and ticket information available at thegrandtour.nz.