Noble & Lee Christmas Twilight Races | In case you missed it!
The Noble & Lee Twilight Christmas Raceday lived up to its reputation as one of the most anticipated events on the Matamata racing calendar, drawing a large crowd of enthusiastic racegoers to a great day of thrilling thoroughbred racing, family fun, and festive cheer.
The combination of great weather, exciting competition, and a sense of holiday spirit made this year’s event a memorable one for all who attended and the Club would like to thank all those who attended!
With approximately 4,000 flocking to the track, the atmosphere was electric from start to finish. From families enjoying the free general admission to those who secured the highly sought-after hospitality tickets—which sold out weeks in advance—it was clear that this event has well and truly arrived on the local calendar.
The hospitality areas were buzzing with energy, with Christmas festivities setting the tone for the day and the free general admission proved particularly popular, ensuring that even those without tickets could enjoy the event’s festive vibe. Attendees made the most of the lawns and grandstand space when the temperature rose (the sunshine definitely made itself welcome!).
Families were out in full force, taking advantage of the family-friendly activities including a kids zone with inflatables, pony rides courtesy of Matamata Pony Club and the LOVERACING.NZ simulator that gave the young (and the young at heart!) a taste of what it’s like to ride in a race.
As a Club, we’re committed to providing an engaging and enjoyable experience for all ages and this was evident on Friday.
The highlight of the day was the Listed Team Wealleans Matamata Cup, which saw Matamata specialist Khafre take his career to a new level with a dominant front-running performance in the Listed Team Wealleans Matamata Cup (1600m). Khafre was driven straight to the lead by jockey Jasmine Fawcett and dominated the race from the front. He led the field up to the point of the home turn and then kicked hard at the top of the straight, rapidly opening up a three-length lead.
It was a first hometown Cup win for local jockey Fawcett, who had previously finished third in last year’s edition of the race with La Crique. Her cousin Kylie trained and part-owned the 2019 winner Polly Grey.
“It’s always been a goal of mine to win the Matamata Cup, so it means a lot to tick that one off the list,” said Fawcett, who has now won 11 Group and Listed races among a career total of 321 wins. “I placed in it last year, so it was great to get the win today.
“I was pretty confident that he was going to be a good chance today with 53kg. He won his maiden at Matamata as a three-year-old and he obviously knows his way around the course here, and whenever you’re riding one of Ralph Manning’s horses, you can be confident that they’re trained to the minute.”
As the sun set on another successful Noble & Lee Twilight Christmas Raceday, the buzz from the event was palpable and if you’re looking for your next chance to get oncourse, February’s J Swap Contractors Matamata Breeders’ Stakes won’t disappoint.
Tickets have just been released to the most popular event on the Matamata sporting calendar and looking at the speed at which tickets were snapped up to December’s event, we suggest getting your gallop on!
Bell & Graham 1200 | Tardelli for jockey Michael McNab and trainer Stephen Marsh
Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series | Ardalio for jockey Michael McNab and trainer Stephen Marsh
Comag 1400 | Ever Charm for jockey Masa Hashizume and trainers Lance O'Sullivan and Andrew Scott
Matamata Veterinary Services 1400 | Cognoscenti for jockey Wiremu Pinn and trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson
Ancroft Stud 1600 | Bourbon Proof for jockey Michael McNab and trainer Stephen Marsh
Donaghys 1600 | Hakkinen for jockey Wiremu Pinn and trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson
Listed Team Wealleans Matamata Cup | Khafre for jockey Jasmine Fawcett and trainer Ralph Manning
Noble & Lee Chartered Accountants | First Five for jockey Michael McNab and David Greene