Night 'n Day is backing the people who make harness racing run.
The convenience store chain has signed a five-year sponsorship deal with Southern Harness Racing, becoming the official sponsor of the organisation's Starters and Starters Crew from August 1, 2026 through to July 31, 2031. The partnership covers around 60 race meetings each season across Otago, Central Otago and Southland.
The 2026/2027 harness racing season begins at Winton this Sunday (2 August) when the Wyndham Harness Racing Club take their opening meeting of the season to Central Southland Raceway.
The day features heats of the Southern Surge heats supported by Diamond Creek Farm/SBSR with heats for both pacers and trotters of various ratings with a stake of $15,000 for each heat.Another eight heats will follow at Invercargill the following Sunday (9 August) before the finals at Winton on 23 August.This Sunday’s racing commences at 11.55am with entry free.
The Starters and Starters Crew are the officials responsible for getting every race away safely — unglamorous work, but essential. Under the deal, they'll receive branded workwear courtesy of Night 'n Day.
Night 'n Day general manager Matthew Lane said the partnership was a natural fit.
"Night 'n Day has deep roots throughout the lower South Island, and we're passionate about supporting the communities where our stores operate. Harness racing has a long history of bringing communities together, and we're excited to support the people who help make race days possible."
Lane added: "Whether it's racegoers grabbing a coffee before heading to the track, travelling participants stopping in along the way, or locals popping in for a cheeky ice cream after the races, we're proud to be part of these communities and look forward to building a strong partnership over the next five years."
Night 'n Day has stores spread from Oamaru through to Southland, putting it squarely inside Southern Harness Racing's footprint. That geographic overlap is part of what made the deal work.
Southern Harness Racing club and finance manager Julie McEwan-Franks said the brand was a welcome addition.
"Night 'n Day is a well-known South Island brand with a strong presence throughout our racing region, making them a natural fit for Southern Harness Racing. With race meetings attracting participants and supporters travelling throughout the region, the partnership also highlights the important role local businesses play in keeping communities connected."
McEwan-Franks said the deal delivered practical value. "This five-year partnership provides valuable support by way of branded workwear for our Starters and Starters Crew, whose work is essential to the safe and successful running of our race meetings. We appreciate Night 'n Day's commitment to our sport and we are delighted to welcome them on board; they will be a great fit alongside EH Ball ITM (Mobile Barrier sponsor) and Regent Car Court (Starters Crew Vehicle sponsor)."
The partnership started in August next year.