Cromwell Racecourse

Cromwell Racecourse, New Zealand.

The Cromwell Racecourse Races (hosted by the Otago Racing Club) have a following arguably unrivalled by any meeting in the South Island.

The success of the March fixture led to demand for a second date at the venue and those community led calls have been answered with a new December meeting.  Cromwell Racecourse, after a long and tumultuous history, the Cromwell Jockey Club closed in the 1980s but the Central Lakes Equestrian Club, who co-ordinate activities at the picturesque course, together with the Otago Racing Club have built the profile of racing in the area up again to almost giddy heights.

Cromwell Racecourse is located close to the Cromwell junction (Queenstown side) of the Wanaka- Queenstown Highway. Just 2km from the Cromwell town centre.

Cromwell Races - Cromwell Racecourse

This meeting has seen unprecedented growth. Around 3000 people were pre-sold into marquees from a crowd of around 7000 in 2006 under a perfect Central sky. All things good about Central Otago are part of the day - quality wine, regional produce, local music and arts are all celebrated. Cromwell Racecourse is in close vicinity to Queenstown and Wanaka and business growth in Cromwell itself and has undoubtedly assisted the development of the day. Crowd participation activities between the races have also become popular, there is much hilarity surrounding the "run like a woman" race and the free-for-all tug of war contest.

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