The Beginning Back in November 2010, 18 full size white fibreglass horses appeared in the backyards of Marc Ellis, Lucy Lawless, Billy Apple and Karen Walker amongst other kiwi personalities. They were accompanied by a collection of Resene paints and a sign saying “Paint Me”.
This eclectic group of artists, designers, musicians, sports stars and creative individuals then spent the summer months transforming these horses into exquisite works of art. Each artist also nominated a charity who would be set to win big during Auckland Cup Week (5th, 9th, 12th March).
Buy them The horses are up for auction on TradeMe, with the exception of Marc Ellis’ Catwalk Trust horse.
These auctions are set to close at 2pm on the third & final day of Auckland Cup Week – Diamond Day (12th March). The proceeds from each horse will go its nominated charity.
What’s happening with Marc Ellis’ horse?
It’s going to be auctioned live oncourse on Diamond Day at 3.15pm in the Owners' Drinks Enclosure – you have to be there!
If you would like to bid, on Marc's horse, please register your interest prior to the auction in the Raceday Office.
All proceeds from the sale of On Your Marcs will go to Catwalk Spinal Cord Injury Trust.
The Tour The horses spent the lead up to Auckland Cup Week (5th – 12th March) on tour around the streets of Auckland.
Highlight! The Blues horse wupported its local team at Eden Park when they played the mighty Crusaders.
Saturday 19 February
Highlight! The horses got social on it and hit up the Devonport Wharf for the Devonport Wine & Foods Festival.
Sunday 20 February
Highlight! It was a HOT day so some of the horses spent it relaxing at the beach in Mission Bay.
Monday 21 February
Highlight! It was the first working day of the week for most Aucklanders, so the horses popped down to Britomart to wish them a Happy Monday.
Tuesday 22 February
Highlight! Sara Tetro & The Mad Butcher’s horses continued on their cruise around Auckland Harbour courtesy of a Fullers Ferry.
Wednesday 23 February
Highlight! Billy Apple's horse was at Kartell Newmarket for the launch of their sale.
Thursday 24 February
Highlight! Lindy Leuschke's 'Horsecycle' met an equine counterpart at its charity's base - SPCA Auckland. Photos of the meet and greet are in our online album at www.facebook.com/ellerslieraces.
Friday 25 February
Highlight! Kids of 88's 'Young Shadowfax' took it back to the old schoolyard and hit up the Auckland University campus.
Saturday 26 February
Highlight! The Warriors, Ra Vincent, Mayor Len Brown & Kids of 88 horses took a trip over to North Harbour to watch the action at the Warriors game.
Sunday 27 February
Highlight! Marc Ellis, Jay & Flynny and Oscar Kightly's creations went on a shopping trip at Westfield Albany.
Tuesday 1 March
Highlight! A number of horses, including Karen Walker and The Blues, went out for a game of golf at Takapuna Golf Course.
Wednesday 2 March
Highlight! Mayor Len Brown's horse Pegasus went out to KidzFirst Hospital to meet his charity kids and Billy Apple's horse BILLY! got groovy on it at the Mini Garage in Ponsonby.
Thursday 3 March
Highlight! A large contingent of the horses spent the day entertaining the staff at Auckland Cup Week major sponsor Telecom's H/Q in Auckland. Horses included Hot Rod (Karen Walker), On Your Marcs (Marc Ellis) Ra (Ra Vincent) and On The Nose (Saatchi & Saatchi).
Friday 4 March
Highlight! The horses took the streets of Auckland on two flat bed trucks, creating havoc throughout the streets as they caused mini traffic jams and entertained large crowds of passersby. They eventually made it back 'home' to Ellerslie where they got in a good night's sleep before Telecom Derby Day.
See them Online
Visit our Facebook page to see photos of all the horses.
In the flesh
Come Auckland Cup Week, the horses were back oncourse at Ellerslie where they spent the week on display throughout the course.
Congratulations to Billy Apple and the New Zealand Native Forests Restoration Trust!
Billy drew the winner of the Telecom New Zealand Derby - Jimmy Choux, and thus won a $9,000 prize package for his charity (who can keep or sell the prize) from the Auckland Racing Club that includes:
Naming rights sponsorship to the McGregor Grant Steeplechase at Ellerslie on Monday 6th June
Use of the Lady Fisher Room (aka the Auckland Cup Week Gucci Suite) on that raceday with food and beverages to entertain up to 20 guests
Liked them?
Congratulations to Lucy Lawless and her horse Argo whose Facebook page had the most "likes" by Thursday 10th March.
As a result Lucy's charity - Starship Foundation, will receive $5,000 cash from the Auckland Racing Club.
Follow them To check out photos, receive daily updates and find out more check out our FaceBook page or follow us on Twitter.
Below are the horses listed in the order of their number of fans. Don't forget to "like" ellerslie, that way your in to win tickets to our events, get special deals and stay in the know!
