Lauren Rimmer (12), of Hawea Flat, and 12-year-old Penny were one of several combinations that picked up "a bunch'' of ribbons in the Hawea Flat Pony Club's gymkhana that preceded the Hawea Picnic Races yesterday.
Both events were held in fine, calm weather, not always ideal conditions for the annual event.
As race club president Paul Cunningham put it, the meeting "competes'' with Lake Wanaka for custom and a windy day is likely to encourage boaties to opt for a day at the races over a day on the lake.
But, despite good boating weather yesterday, 1200 people turned out with their picnic hampers.
Mr Cunningham said the field of 37 horses was boosted by the equalisator meeting having become affiliated with Harness Racing New Zealand for the first time.
