Thousands are expected to flock to Christchurch's Addington Raceway for the annual New Zealand Trotting Cup today.
More than 22,000 people attended last year's Cup day. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Cup and Show week is the biggest week of the year for Canterbury's hospitality industry, with millions of dollars expected to pour into the economy.
More than 22,000 people turned up to Cup day last year, and with fine weather expected organisers are anticipating an even bigger crowd today.
Months of preparation goes into the annual New Zealand Trotting Cup, for both the staff and racegoers organising their outfits.
Addington Raceway Fashion Manager Catherine Kaliyati has high hopes after seeing the fashion-in-the-field at the Melbourne Cup last week.
"I am expecting a lot of floral and I'm expecting to see an amazing take on elegant traditional racewear but with a modern twist."
More than 60 people had entered the fashion stakes today, and the hotly contested body art competition was also expected to be bigger and better, she said.
In recent years, the races have ended badly for some, with fine weather and too much alcohol taking its toll.
Ms Kaliyati said the best accessory to a great outfit was good etiquette.
"Play to your strengths, if you can not walk well in six inch heels don't wear them. I know from experience, if you don't look good in a tiny tiny dress do not wear one."
Punters enjoying a drink at last year's Cup day. Photo: RNZ / Conan Young
Addington marketing manager Ged Moore said Cup day was all about having fun, but people needed to be responsible at the same time.
"We've got a great event here, we have a good relationship with the council and the alcohol licensing authority - I think people need to pace themselves and take it easy."
"We don't want to have any mishaps, people should avoid drinking before they come, everything in moderation," Mr Moore said.
A temporary alcohol ban is in place in the area around the raceway in a bid to curb the drunken behavior of previous years.
Inspector Peter Cooper said police brought in extra resources from around Canterbury to manage Cup day.
"Alcohol becomes a big feature, a lot of the crime is around drunk people and disorderly behavior, people need to look after themselves and their friends while at the races and when they head into town afterwards."
With women all over Christchurch already getting ready, Ms Kaliyati had some final fashion advice.
"Your dress should not be so tight that you constantly have to pull it down when you walk. I would love to see amazing fashion paired with amazing confidence but not Dutch courage," Ms Kaliyati said.
The first race starts at midday with the main race, and the New Zealand Trotting Cup runs at 5:10pm.