The Boxing Day Interislander Summer Festival Wingatui Races is one of the most popular family race days in the region and is a good social wind-down after Christmas.
While many relaxed with picnics in temperatures of more than 25degC, taking in an atmosphere scented with sunscreen and horse manure, others had their sunburnt noses buried in race books, researching horse form.
With $45,000 at stake in the feature race, the Berkley Stud Stakes, pulses quickened as the race came to a close.
Christchurch jockey Kylie Williams won the race on Final Touch, one of three horses she rode to victory yesterday.
Otago Racing Club chief executive officer Andre Klein was delighted with the day.
Betting turnover on course was up significantly, from $118,114 last year to $167,655 this year.
While the day was exciting for seasoned racegoers, it was more entertaining for Sarah Hortop, of Dunedin, who was participating for the first time.
"I've never been to the races before.
"My mum is out from the United Kingdom and we thought it would be nice to do something traditionally Kiwi.
"It's a good day to put a flutter on in the sun."
