Given the well-publicised drunken debauchery at the Melbourne Cup earlier this year, Jacob O'Sullivan decided not to take any chances on his stag do at the Interislander Boxing Day Races in Wingatui yesterday.
That is why the 30-year-old dressed up as a reindeer-riding jockey with long blond hair - you know, so no-one would recognise him if things got out of hand.
``It's partly a walk of shame, but the idea is I can do whatever I want today because no-one will know who I am.''
Fortunately, everyone in the party was well behaved and his reputation remained intact.
Mr O'Sullivan has been living in Perth and Melbourne for the past eight years, but has returned to his home town of Mosgiel to marry his fiance Lauren Bryce, of Temuka, in Outram on January 7.
He and his friends were among more than 2000 people at the Wingatui Racecourse yesterday.
The event was buzzing with activity on the track, as well as live music, tasty local fare and children's entertainment off the track.
``A day at the races is a Kiwi summertime tradition,'' Otago Racing Club spokeswoman Hannah Catchpole said.
``Adults can unwind after the Christmas rush, catch up with friends and dabble in the odd flutter, while the kids are occupied by our all-day entertainment.
``The upbeat trackside atmosphere was infectious.''
The Interislander Summer Festival includes 36 events this season, with holiday races at some of the country's most picturesque racecourses from Ruakaka in the north to Waikouaiti in the south.
