NZ Cup cracks down on preloading

  • 17/11/2018
Drunken revelers at the Melbourne Cup.
Drunken revelers at the Melbourne Cup. Photo credit: Getty

There is a push to crackdown on preloading ahead of the NZ Cup in Christchurch.

The annual horse racing event kicks off at Riccarton Racecourse today. Organiser Chris Rowe says they still want punters to have a good time, but can't have people showing up already drunk.

"We've taken steps to ensure the gate process is stringent, and people who are intoxicated may even be breath-tested," he said.

Around 250 people were refused in last year for being too intoxicated, which Mr Rowe said was unacceptable.

He said the event does not want to turn people away.

"With a crowd of over 15,000 and 250 people who weren't even able to get into the event, that's 250 too many," he said.

Race day events have long been marred by rowdy behaviour and the most recent Melbourne Cup was no exception.

News.com.au reports that Victorian Police evicted 15 people from Flemington for a variety of offences, ranging from being drunk in a public place to possessing a drug of dependence.

There were also several arrests, including three women and a man, after an animal cruelty protest outside the track.

Newshub.