Those overseas subscribers most likely wouldn’t have heard of the people listed before me. But here in NZ they’re about the nearest thing to Tiger and Oprah that we have, and what down-to-earth nice people they turned out to be. I hear dragon stories of their fierce tempers and inapproachability, but this is far from the truth. Perhaps it was the booze talking, perhaps not. All I know is that they definitely helped make that day at the gallops one of the most memorable ever for me.

(On the side, I’ve lost my camera again, and again it was at SpyBar. It’s a red Sony touch-screen, engraved with my name and number.  Any leads will be rewarded).

Last Wednesday The Auckland Racing Cup was held at Ellerslie. I had a pre-drinks function at my place first, and then went along as usual. The weather was pleasant, track conditions soft and there was a great spread of people.

My first bad move was accepting a challenge from Justin, an experienced aluminium can beer shot-gunner. After 2 attempts to match his superior technique, I realised the fruitlessness and put his success down to his superior body mass. Folly followed again shortly after when I tried to chat to Lance O’Sullivan (NZ’s most successful jockey), only to find out that it was actually V8 supercar legend driver Paul Radisich. On a roll I ran into one of NZ’s most recognised media broadcasters, Paul Holmes, and thought it necessary to give him tips on how to attract a younger audience to his NewstalkZB breakfast show.

While all this was going on horses were running around the track, but I don’t recall seeing any. Thinking it prudent to continue, we went to town, hopped around some bars then met Paul Radisich and his entourage once more. Oddly, he invited us to have dinner with him. Bellies full, we pursued more gleeful times at Cowboy Bar. Options diminished and we were forced home to raid the liquor cabinet and await the inevitable sunrise.

Boogie Wonderland (the name says it all) relaunched the next evening. It had had 18 full days of work on it; a new bar zone, designer lighting and entrance being the essential differences. I was impressed, and could easily see myself going again to enjoy the plush seating, attentive service and of course the good time music from decades long ago.

I left early and walked a few blocks to The Rooftop Bar above Honey, for 42 Below’s Silent Disco. I had no idea what to expect, and I’ve been telling everyone since what went down. Given a pair of wireless headphones on entry punters were greeted on top by relative silence; ‘oh now I get it!’ I thought to myself. There were bunches of people there, but no audible tunes without using the phones. You could switch easily between 2 DJ’s (T-Rice and Bobby Bazooka) who rocked away up front, mixing merrily to themselves. As time ticked people loosened up, lost some inhibitions and danced. It really was an unfamiliar and unforgettable site.

Friday always makes me feel fine regardless, so after work it was into Denim for a couple of those tasty, affordable cocktails. NSP up the road for a late bite was a nice treat, before seeing Steve Bug play some of the finest electronic house music I have ever heard at Coherent.

Somehow I made it to the gym in the morning for a dose of Body Attack, then home to prepare for an afternoon at the races. It was the final day of Auckland Cup Week and the day was a stunner. I arrived via a back entrance and went into the wrong tent thinking it was the Whips’n’Spurs main party zone. I was shocked to find it sparsely populated with dolled up youngsters: I had found the orientation student tent. Finishing my Stella like a parched alcoholic, I found the correct section and was welcomed by ivy body painted babes and roaming pixies.

The afternoon flew by and before long it was time to leave and kick on to The Kingslander for round 2 of their bikini comp. The quality of ladies was abnormally high and I set to work helping out. Again the judges did the right thing and picked the overall best 5. Look out for this Saturday’s final, the heat will truly be on.

Dougal’s impromptu pre-town get-together was the Ponsonby oasis. For 2 hours nothing but great times with great people was had. Piling into cars we morphed to SpyBar and rocked on. I must have got a little too enthused, as I permanently mislaid my camera. Yes, again. Anyone got a spare out there? Feeling quite annoyed that my retrieval efforts were in vain, I sucked it up and drowned my sorrows.

The after party this week was gold. A sweet loft apartment in Parnell with all the requirements needed for a good morning. People came and went, dozed and awoke. I peeled off mid-morning still in a state about my camera.

I had to be alert on Monday at 9am as Peter Urlich was interviewing me on George FM. I was. I couldn’t believe how chipper he was, surely I must have caught him after 5 double espressos, or good news from the lotteries commission, as this positivity just could not be normal. He went easy on me, and the texts from friends afterwards told me I did well and have a good radio voice.  Look out Paul Holmes, maybe I do know what I’m talking about 

One more thing, text 8981 to vote for Peter Urlich to go all the way in dancing with the stars. The privilege will cost you a dollar, but it goes towards helping kids, and to help an aging rock-star reclaim national centre stage glory.