Pubs and clubs setting early pace on Melbourne Cup day

IT WAS always the race that stopped two nations – but now the party’s going on for a lot longer than three minutes.

Tomorrow’s mid-afternoon race at Flemington usually aligns with the end of the workday, 5pm New Zealand-time. But as Wellingtonians embrace the raceday spirit, parties have been starting earlier and earlier.

One example is the St Johns Bar themed event, which kicks off at midday. Punters in the G.H.Mumm lounge would enjoy a four-course lunch, champagne, complimentary bet placement and live coverage of the races throughout the afternoon. Introduced last year, the package was proving very popular this year, bar manager Rob Hill said. ‘‘It sold out three weeks ago – that’s a first. The general admission package is filling up really quickly.’’

This year was definitely going to be their biggest cup event yet, with around 300 cup enthusiasts expected, Mr Hill said. ‘‘It’s good to see people taking the day off. Generally, it’s work groups – a bunch of colleagues head out for the day.

‘‘You still get people who finish work a little bit earlier, wrap up around 4pm and just come down for a bet on the big race.’’

The Bangalore Polo Club’s party also kicks off at 12pm. On the books was big-screen coverage, special platters and a fashion competition.

But not everyone is able to head off early from work – a 3pm start time for the now-cancelled Bolton Hotel celebrations was thought to be one reason for sluggish ticket sales, assistant manager Hadleigh McPherson said. ‘‘In hindsight we probably would have pushed it later to 4pm.’’

Those with tickets to the Boomrock Lodge festivities would set off at 3.30pm for a picnic on the Ohariu Valley coast with viewing of the 5pm big race.

The Australian high commission’s annual event in Wellington would also kick off a little later, at 4pm. About 250 guests are expected.