Shifted meeting draws punters

Shade was a hot commodity over the weekend as punters gathered for the first Waikouaiti Racing Club fixture at its new venue.

The club held its annual meeting at Wingatui on Saturday, the first since it lost its annual New Year’s Day race date.

It had been racing at Waikouaiti since 1862.

The shift did not put a dampener on the day though, as about 2000 people turned out on a scorching southern day.

Among them was Courtney Goodman, of Dunedin, for whom it was third time lucky — she had tried to get to the Waikouaiti races twice before but they had been called off both times.

Wingatui suited them better though, she said, pointing to 4-week-old son Flynn.

She also had daughters Ava and Keira with her, and the pair were making the most of the shade in a pop-up tent.

Club president Andy Denham was happy with the turnout, and with the great weather.

"It’s going really well, it’s fantastic.

"There’s a great crowd and great racing."

He believed the Waikouaiti course had attracted a few more people, as race-goers enjoyed going to a country meeting.

But, he said, the shift was simply a sign of the times.