Race organiser the Lakeside Rugby Club was expecting a bigger crowd than usual this year and was not disappointed - club president Peter Reid said an estimated 3800 people walked through the race gates on Saturday, adding up to a record crowd.
"Everything went to plan - there were good numbers and everyone enjoyed it."
People from as far away as Invercargill flocked to the Glenorchy racetrack, some setting up small grandstands on the back of the farm ute to provide a grandstand view for the family.
Around the grounds, stalls groaning with chips, hot dogs, hamburgers and strawberries and icecream drew long lines of people and the refreshments tent also proved highly popular.
Children ran around the grounds squirting each other with water pistols and some families even brought along the family dog.
Mr Reid said the money raised would be a "real help" to many of the community projects coming up in 2012.
"First response ambulance is trying to raise $75,000 for a new ambulance, so we will put some towards that."
The town also celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. The day wasn't without its racing incidents, with two jockeys parting company with their horses - Joe McStay was taken to Queenstown Hospital by ambulance with "tingling" in his back after his tumble and another regular competitor, Peter Davies, broke an ankle in his fall.
Despite the mishaps, Mr Reid pronounced the day a "terrific success".
"Everyone's happy and everything went well. It's all cheery," he said.
Results.-
Walk Trot and Gallop, won by Pete Davies on Alfie; Saddling Race, Helen Nolan on Whisper; Trotting Cup Casey Irvine on Rua; Relay, Wyuna-Haast team (JJ Nolan, Nicole Wallace and Jimmy Metherell); Ladies' Gallop, Tammy Wright on Zac; Double Banking Race, Grace Percy and Andre Green; Galloping Cup, Siqourney Kelly on Desi; Stockman's Race, Grace Percy on Red; Quarter Mile Sprint, Bruce Sargeson on Paige; Local Gallop, Grace Percy on Spider.
