Shady then shower proof

Sun umbrellas and gazebos served a double purpose at the races in Cromwell yesterday, keeping punters dry early in the day and providing shade later on.

Light rain fell until mid-afternoon, dropping the attendance at the Wyndham Harness Racing Club's Cromwell race meeting.

Although the temperature remained pleasantly warm, the rain deterred out-of-towners from heading to the races, club president Barry Todd, of Wyndham, said.

"It's a bit of a shame we've struck the weather like this, but I'm still pretty happy with the crowd that's here, " he said.

An estimated 1600 people attended.

"Usually we get a big contingent coming through from Wanaka and Queenstown for this race meeting and I hear it's been raining heavily there, so they probably thought it would be just as bad here and they've stayed away, " Mr Todd said.

Last year the club was also "frowned on" by the weather gods.

A sunny start was followed by a torrential downpour after the fourth race, prompting the early departure of many punters.

"One of these days we'll strike it lucky with the weather. It must be our turn soon for a cracker 30degC day."

Despite the soggy surroundings, the track held up nicely and a great atmosphere prevailed at the races, he said.

The Draper family from Rangiora and the Herlunds from Fairlie, who were camping at Omarama, were among those happy with the race day entertainment.

"We've been camping in the rain, so thought we might as well be at the races in the rain, but we're actually having a wonderful day," Judi Draper said.