Focus | Counties Cup
Pukekohe races ahead With the birth of the Auckland Super City, the vibrant country town of Pukekohe has now become an outer suburb of the greater metropolis. However, the town known best for motorsport and its potatoes and onions has lost none of its character and continues to thrive just 45 minutes south of downtown Auckland. Pukekohe has a good feel about it; it’s pretty and relaxed, with good shopping, bustling little businesses, its own café culture and a great community spirit. Pukekohe Park, the home of the Counties Racing Club and its training centre, the motorsport race track, the Auckland District Apprentice Jockey School and the Counties Function Centre, are situated on the edge of town and proud to be part of that community. One of the benefits of being part of the Super City is that next year, after an absence of four years, Pukekohe Park will once again be the venue for the International V8 Supercars in April. In a deal brokered among the Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development Ltd, the Ministry of Economic Development, the Counties Racing Club and the International V8 Supercars - the event will once again return to Pukekohe. The motor racing circuit at Pukekohe Park is a proven and well liked track among motor racing enthusiasts and it continues to play a vital part in that sport in the North Island. Throughout the year the track plays host to large events such as New Zealand V8’s and New Zealand Classic bikes and is regularly booked out with driver training schools, numerous car clubs, private hires and various local charity events that Pukekohe Park proudly support. So too is the horse racing track – boasting one of the longest straights in New Zealand it races without a bias which creates spectacular and exciting racing 14 times a year.
259 Parnell Road, Parnell Auckland
Ph: 09 3031912
Fax: 09 3001915 E: gthomson@akc.quik.co.nz www.antiquejewels.co.nz
Proud to be associated with the Counties Racing Club
The horse racing equivalent of the Supercars, the DHL Counties Cup meeting will be staged on Saturday November 24, and this race day gives you a chance to experience country racing at its best. With $450,000 worth of stakes on offer the Counties Racing Club will host its biggest day of the season with a large dose of local community support.
Specialists in race daywear and outstanding handmade headpieces for all social occasions.
58 King Street PUKEKOHE Phone. 09 239 1355 www.catwalkclothing.co.nz
The day features 10 fantastic races, including the $100,000 DHL Counties Cup and the $100,000 NRM Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes and there will something on course to suit even the most discerning racing enthusiast.
Comprising more than 200 acres, Pukekohe Park is one of the most attractive and well appointed race courses in the country, surrounded by magnificent old trees. It has numerous grassy banks providing great viewing areas to watch the horses’ parade and race on the track in true country style. It’s an ideal course to bring the kids and pack a picnic, or if you want something a little more upmarket, the facilities in the members stand can cater for your needs. And what would a Cup Day be without a Fashion in the Field contest. This event, sponsored once again this year by New Zealand Woman’s Weekly, ensures that an element of glamour and colour is added to the occasion. The contest is held in the popular marquee village which features a variety of themed and catered marquees. Catered by the team at the Counties Function Centre these marquees feature something for everyone including the popular Brancott Estate Ladies Marquee, the Colts and Fillies marquee for the young at heart, and a “trackside street” of smaller mini-marquees for groups of 10-30 people. The Counties Function Centre is not just for ‘race day’ and utilises the numerous rooms available in the members stand at Pukekohe Park on non race days. It is a popular venue for weddings (as are the park-like grounds), 21st birthday parties and conferences. It also caters for the various motor sport events on the course and has a fine reputation for outside catering of weddings and various functions. Counties Racing T (09) 238 8049 E karen@countiesracing.co.nz www.countiesracing.co.nz — Advertising Feature
Let us be the venue for your unforgettable event. Tailored to suit your individual needs, style or occasion with facilities to suit large or small groups. For a no obligation free quote contact: Fleur Johnston: 09 239 2080 email: fleur@countiesracing.co.nz For a visit: Pukekohe Park, 222 – 250 Manukau Rd, Pukekohe
www.countiesfunctioncentre.co.nz 40 September/October 2012 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz
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