One of the biggest days on the New Zealand racing calendar, Auckland Cup Day, is to be moved to a Saturday.
Part of Auckland Cup Week, the 141 year old Auckland Cup has been run on a Wednesday at Ellerslie Racecourse since 2006.
Jockey Mark Du Plessis celebrates after winning this year's Auckland Cup on Rock Diva at Ellersie Racecourse. Photo: Supplied
The chief executive of the Auckland Racing club Cameron George says the move will enable more Aucklanders to attend.
"The way people want to be entertained, and when, is changing. As a club, we are keen to ensure that all Aucklanders of all generations get to experience this iconic event," George said.
The club is planning to enhance the week with an increase in minimum race stakes to $50,000.
Auckland Cup Week runs from 5th -12th March 2016, book-ended by Derby Day and Auckland Cup Day.
The NZ Derby is the richest group one race in New Zealand with $750 thousand in prizemoney.
Total stakes across the week are expected to be over $2.5million
