Forget the sleigh bells. This Christmas, we're all about the thunder of hooves!
The festive season is fast approaching, and while Santa is busy checking his list, we're making plans for a cracking Christmas celebration at Arawa Park!
On Wednesday, 2 December, Rotorua Racing Club's Twilight Christmas Raceday brings together everything that makes an afternoon trackside fun and it’s a fantastic excuse to get your friends, family or workmates together for a little end-of-year cheer.
And as it turns out, Christmas and horse racing have more in common than you might think...
Santa Claus was a Derby winner. Really!
You might know him for his red suit and impressive delivery schedule, but did you know Santa Claus was also a champion racehorse?
Back in 1964, a thoroughbred named Santa Claus delivered the goods in spectacular fashion, winning the prestigious Epsom Derby, Irish Derby and Irish 2000 Guineas.
Ridden by Australian jockey Scobie Breasley, Santa Claus claimed his famous Epsom Derby victory in front of a crowd estimated at more than 200,000 people, including members of the British Royal Family.
And the festive connections didn't stop there. Santa Claus later sired another talented racehorse named Reindeer, who went on to win the Irish St Leger.
Christmas came early at Te Aroha!
And if you thought Santa Claus was the only thoroughbred with a festive name and serious racing credentials, think again.
Christmas came early for Australian trainer Paul Preusker this September when his aptly named galloper Christmas crossed the Tasman and delivered a spectacular victory just down the road in the Ben & Ryan Foote Racing Great New Zealand Steeplechase at Te Aroha.
The 10-year-old gelding, ridden by Darryl Horner Jnr, conquered 6,200 metres and some formidable fences to claim one of New Zealand's most prestigious jumping prizes on Sunday, 20 September.
Having begun his jumping career only this year, Christmas certainly proved he was worth the wait.
The Christmas party that has it all!
Clearly, Christmas and horse racing are a match made in heaven. And while we can't promise a horse named Rudolph will be lining up at Arawa Park, we can promise plenty of festive cheer when Twilight Christmas Raceday rolls around on Wednesday, 2 December!
If your usual end-of-year celebration is starting to feel a little predictable, consider this your invitation to change things up. With eight races on the programme, a fun, relaxed atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to cheer on a winner (or two!), Twilight Christmas Raceday delivers a Christmas party with a difference.
Better still, we've done the hard work for you with our Christmas Cracker Package.
For just $130pp + GST, gather your crew and enjoy a buffet dinner, finger desserts and a drinks package in our Sponsors Lounge, all with the excitement of live racing thrown in.
No organising multiple venues, no awkward office party games and certainly no washing up. Just a fantastic afternoon and evening celebrating the year that's been!
And if you're simply looking for a fun afternoon trackside, General Admission is FREE, so everyone is welcome to join in the festivities.
Gather your favourite people, swap the office for the racecourse and join us for a Christmas celebration with a little extra horsepower.
Twilight Christmas Raceday | Wednesday, 2 December 2026
• Gates open: 12pm
• First race: approximately 2.45pm
• Eight races, with the last around 7pm
• General Admission: FREE
• Christmas Cracker Package: $130pp + GST
To book your Christmas celebration, email racingrotorua@xtra.co.nz or phone 07 348 2024.