She more than doubled the value of the $500 betting voucher she won in the newspaper's promotion, with her biggest win $660 from backing Tappy, horse No 9 in the ninth race.
Ms O'Connell said she was treating her children, aged 12, 14 and 17, to a meal at a restaurant to celebrate last night.
They had also asked her for a goat and a horse, but she had not decided what to buy with the money.
"I'll have to have a think about it."
Ms O'Connell said she usually only attended the races once a year and would have only spent up to $100 had she not won the voucher.
She was delighted with her wins and thanked the newspaper for its sponsorship.
Fine weather helped attract thousands of people to the Cromwell races yesterday, which boasted 10-horse races, including the AWS Legal Queenstown Cup and the Lindauer Wanaka Cup.
About 4000 people pre-booked tickets and many more showed up on the day for Christmas work functions, family entertainment or just a lively day in the sun. Racing began shortly after midday and continued throughout the afternoon until the last event, at 4.40pm, despite persistent southerly winds, which gained momentum during the day.
As well as racing and entertainment for children, live music and stalls selling crafts and food were available to punters.
A fashion-on-the-field event was held with the theme "The Madder, The Merrier", and outfits with a Christmas touch were awarded additional points.
A New Zealand Racing Board vehicle stolen after yesterday's racing was later recovered near Arrowtown.
It is believed no money was taken from the vehicle.
