The excitement is building ahead of the prestigious New Zealand Trotting Cup Day at Addington in Christchurch, where partying racegoers will witness the best pacer in Australasia, champion Leap To Fame, take centre stage on Tuesday.
The $1 million New Zealand Cup is not just one of the nation’s richest harness races but also a highlight on Canterbury’s social calendar, drawing thousands of punters, fashion enthusiasts, and racing fans each year, RNZ reported.
All eyes are on Leap To Fame, trained and driven by Queenslander Grant Dixon, who has dominated pre-race discussions and betting charts. On Monday, he was a firm $1.60 favourite on the NZ TAB.
With 58 wins from 73 starts and over $5 million in career earnings, the harness racing superstar is far ahead of his rivals. His only previous New Zealand appearance saw him claim The Race by Grins title in Cambridge last April, setting a track record in the process, as reported by RNZ.
Adding to the anticipation, Leap To Fame will look to continue his family’s and Australia’s recent dominance in the Cup. His half-brother Swayzee triumphed in both 2023 and 2024 but will miss this year’s event due to a setback in his preparation.
However, the Aussies remain strong contenders, with rising star Kingman entering late after defeating Leap To Fame in the Victoria Cup last month.
Local pride rests on the Republican Party, trained by Cran and Chrissie Dalgety and driven by their son, Carter. A win for the Canterbury-based family would be especially meaningful. Cran has finished second twice and third three times in the Cup over his 35-year career. A top-four finish would also push the Republican Party’s stakes past $1 million, RNZ reported.
Other strong New Zealand challengers include Merlin, who impressed with a Kaikoura Cup win last week, as well as Akuta, Don’t Stop Dreaming, and We Walk By Faith, RNZ reported.
The $400,000 Dominion Trot is another major highlight of the day, with Australian mare Jilliby Ballerini leading the betting. Fellow Aussies Gus and Arcee Phoenix are also strong contenders. Kiwi hopes will rest on Oscar Bonavena, Muscle Mountain, Bet N Win, and Mr Love, RNZ reported.
Two more Group 1 races will be held for three-year-olds, race 8 for colts and geldings, and race 9 for fillies, each carrying a purse of $200,000.
The day will also see the final heat of the World Driving Championship, featuring 10 elite drivers from around the world. Canadian James McDonald currently leads the standings, followed by Australian Gary Hall Junior, with Kiwi Blair Orange sitting in fourth. The decisive 20th heat will run as race 3 at 12.54 p.m.
Beyond the racetrack, the festivities continue with the popular Fashion in the Field competition, featuring categories like Best Dressed, Best Suited, and Something Blue, with winners announced after race 6.
Music lovers can look forward to an electrifying performance by Shapeshifter at The Infield after the final race.
The celebrations won’t stop there; the Show Day meeting on Friday promises more high-stakes action with two $500,000 slot races for three-year-olds and four additional Group 1 contests.
Cup Day at Addington is set to deliver a thrilling mix of sport, style, and celebration, with Leap To Fame leading the charge for yet another chapter in harness racing history.