Mrs Whipp (72) knows when she is on to a good thing and was back at the meeting yesterday for more than the 40th time, with her husband Barry.
Also enjoying the New Year’s Day races was her sister, Trish Haraki (73), who has been to the event more than 30 times over the years, often with her sibling.
Mrs Whipp had a break from the race meeting when she lived in Melbourne for about 10 years. And Mrs Haraki also took time out when she was in the North Island for several years.
But they’re back in Dunedin again and still enjoyed going to the event together.
"We like the same things," Mrs Whipp said.
"We’ve got the same sense of humour," Mrs Haraki added.
And they were revelling in yesterday’s mix of fine weather, the racing, and having a relaxing time with family and friends.
"I love it. It’s a fun family day. It’s a relaxing day, no pressure," Mrs Haraki said.
Mrs Whipp said race attendances had fallen some years ago, but the event’s popularity had since been rebuilt, as a family day. She enjoyed seeing race-goers of all ages having a good time together.
"They’ve got things for the kids," she said.
She has happy memories of a certain £10 collect fairly early in her punting life.
Waikouaiti Racing Club president Andy Denham said about 3500 people attended yesterday’s meeting, down about 1000 on last year’s event.
On-course turnover was also down somewhat, but the event had been an enjoyable one for race-goers and he was "very happy" with the day overall.
