Jockeys and gees gees
by Metropol | October 14, 2026 8:33 am
The Templeton tavern that brings Cup and Show Week to life.
There’s nowhere quite like the Golden Mile Tavern for celebrating New Zealand Cup and Show Week from 7 to 14 November.
While the pub is a hub for horse racing all year round, Cup Week is the biggest event of the year for the Golden Mile team. It’s when the whole place is turned into a colourful celebration of racing, hospitality and good times.
“We absolutely live for Cup Week at the Golden Mile,” says manager Kelly Downing. “It’s the week when we go all out. The whole pub gets decorated in flowers and bright things, table runners, horse-racing cushions and big photo walls. It’s a really good fun week.”
With racing on the big screen throughout the week, guests can settle in and enjoy all the action without the crowds and queues of the racetrack. There’s even an outdoor screen on the ‘Lindauer Lawn’, giving punters the chance to soak up the sunshine while keeping an eye on the races.
“We try and make it as good as going to the races without going to the races,” Kelly says. “In many ways it’s better. You’ve got great views from wherever you are, no big queues and, of course, the atmosphere.”
Cup Days bring even more to the party, with complimentary food, drink specials, best-dressed spot prizes, sweepstakes and raffles raising funds for Christchurch Riding for the Disabled.
The racing atmosphere is particularly authentic at The Mile, where many locals have ownership in racehorses across both codes – including publican Murray Hollamby – while trainers, jockeys and drivers are regular visitors.
“We really are just a racing hub,” says Kelly. “There are lots of locals who have shares or ownership in gallopers and trotters, and lots of trainers and drivers come in regularly. We really celebrate that in Cup Week.”
Live music will keep the celebrations going, with Assembly Required performing on Trotting Cup Day and The String Theory Duo on Galloping Cup Day.
For those wanting to make a week of it, The Mile’s on-site restaurant will serve Cup Day-worthy meals, while its comfortable and affordable motel accommodation means visitors can stay close to the action. And with a freshened-up bar adding Guinness, craft beer and Gordon’s Pink Gin & Soda on tap, there’s plenty to look forward to.
Whether you’ve been trackside all day or simply want to experience the excitement, Kelly says The Mile is ready.
“We’ve got live music on both Trotting Cup Tuesday and Galloping Cup on the Saturday. We’ve also got the biggest screen in Canterbury for watching all the races. All up, this is a great place to soak up the Cup Week vibe with plenty of room to dance and celebrate.”
Book now at thegoldenmile.co.nz.
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/jockeys-and-gees-gees/