Alf, for what it's worth I'll give you my appraisal of the day Saturday, the 9th, which also mirrors Derby Day.
For many years I have been a strident critic of the previous ARC for its "lazy" efforts in maximising a fantastic facility right in the middle of Auckland. Been an attendee for over 50 years (misspent youth!) and as a member I sought an audience with Weaver/Castles some years ago to offer voluntary services to clean up bird shit and other rubbish in the Members Stand which had become the alternate "Spookers". My offer was declined due to the usual Health and Safety BS. Things are gradually improving in that Stand but there is a long way to go for regular Members.
As for Cup day. I found the overall experience greatly improved and don't share your opinion on the crowd size. It took a little while to build up but by race 5 I meandered around where I had ready access , including the Public Stand where I beheld a large congregation of young people ( no obvious drunkedness, beautifully presented young ladies who were also at the tote betting, and minimal confronting security presence). Don't know official numbers but seemed more than adequate.
Music on the day was more mellow than the usual "rap" beats which was appreciated and access to our horses in the new stabling area is perfect, without compromising safety.
As for the racing--like many I'm disappointed with some of the field sizes which often translates to uncompetitive racing patterns and particularly leader bias, but that's up to the jockeys.
I'm looking forward to more regular attendance which has waned over recent years. Might have to breed a few more.