New Zealand’s premier harness racing event announces a major entertainment lineup – headlined by Kiwi drum & bass icons Lee Mvtthews – as The Kirin Hyoketsu Infield returns to NZ Trotting Cup Day at Addington Raceway on Tuesday 10 November 2026.
Addington Raceway is thrilled to announce that The Kirin Hyoketsu Infield is back for its second year, and bigger than ever. Following a debut that drew more than 3,000 attendees, the 2026 Infield event will feature an expanded experience, an exciting lineup, and improvements shaped directly by feedback from Year One.
Naming rights partner Kirin Hyoketsu, alongside Lion New Zealand, returns to power one of Christchurch’s most anticipated events of the year, bringing together the thrill of elite harness racing with a full-day music and entertainment festival.
Headline Act: Lee Mvtthews
Topping the bill after the races are New Zealand’s own Lee Mvtthews – one of the country’s leading drum & bass acts. Since forming in 2013, Graham Matthews and Tom Lee have built a formidable reputation for high-energy performances and standout productions, dominating festival stages across New Zealand and taking their sound to audiences in Australia, Europe, the UK, and the USA.
Their triple-platinum track “Takeover” featuring NÜ and their gold-certified debut album Bones have helped the duo surpass 75 million global streams. Recognised as Best Electronic Artist at the Aotearoa Music Awards and the first non-European act nominated in the Best Newcomer category at the Drum&Bass Arena Awards, Lee Mvtthews bring a proven track record of sold-out headline tours and major international festival appearances to The Infield stage.
“The response to The Infield last year exceeded our expectations, and the feedback from guests gave us a really clear direction for 2026,” said Addington Raceway CEO, Brian Thompson.
“We’ve invested in more seating, more shade, and a new VIP experience, while bringing together a lineup we think will make The Kirin Hyoketsu Infield an even bigger part of NZ Trotting Cup Day”.
George FM Returns
George FM is proud to partner with The Kirin Hyoketsu Infield for the second consecutive year with naming rights of the George FM Stage. Returning to the decks on the George FM Stage are George FM’s own General Lee and Tizza, with Beccie B also joining the lineup for the first time. Further local acts are set to be announced, with one to two opening artists expected to launch the day before the George FM lineup takes over.
Savage Returns
Following an epic performance at the inaugural Infield, Savage is back by popular demand. The New Zealand hip hop icon is set to bring the same electric energy that had crowds going last year.
What’s New in Year Two
Addington Raceway listened carefully to feedback from the inaugural event and has implemented a series of enhancements for 2026:
More seating – additional seating throughout The Infield for a more relaxed, comfortable experience.
More shade – expanded covered areas to keep guests cool throughout the day.
The Infield VIP – a brand-new premium experience featuring continuous food and drinks throughout the races, a mini grandstand for race viewing, a separate VIP entry, lounge seating, and a reserved space in front of the stage.
Tickets
First Release: $80
Second Release: $90
Final Release: $100
VIP: $420
Hospitality Add-On: $40 (for existing hospitality guests wishing to add an Infield ticket)
Tickets are on sale now at nzcupweek.co.nz. First Release is limited – secure yours early.