The equalisator race meeting at the Hawea Flat Domain has been running for about 60 years and is a popular tradition with Upper Clutha locals and summer holidaymakers.
The competition began at 10am with the young people's event, open to ponies and hacks. The equalisator opened at 12.30pm and trots and local musterers' gallops continued until 4.30pm.
Hawea Racing Club president Craig Knight was thrilled with yesterday's turnout.
"Crowd numbers are right up there with what they have been in the last five years. It's always been a packed-out day. And it's a good family crowd." Club secretary Bill McCarthy said he believed at least 1200 people were at the event, which appeared to be more than in previous years.
"I haven't seen cars [parked trackside] that deep ever in my life," Mr McCarthy said.
The relaxed, family atmosphere and "good old-fashioned fun" was what made the long-running event so successful, Mr Knight said.
The proceeds are usually given to local causes, but a decision on this year's event is still to be made.
