The Parents, Teachers and Friends Association of Glenorchy School also reported a bumper fundraising figure of between $7000 and $8000, after expenses, from their bustling food stall
Lakeside Football Club president and race committee member Pete Reid said while the final overall total was unavailable yesterday, more than 2500 people flocked to the rural township and about 1900 paid at the gate.
"It was a good crowd; just the right size for us, really.
"I think everyone had a great time."
Mr Reid said it had been a perfect day, with "no big spills and no horses or riders hurt".
A total of 54 horses had been entered for the 10-race event, about the same number as last year, he said.
Glenorchy School principal Mary Lou Grant and about 20 volunteers served whitebait fritters, burgers, sausages, pork sandwiches and beverages to hungry race fans.
The $7000 to $8000 raised would be used on resources the Ministry of Education budget did not meet.
"This is the best we've ever done," Mrs Grant said.
"Two or three years ago, it was about $3000 . . .
"In the past, we've spent $1000 to buy reading books for the children, and computers."
The Glenorchy Races appealed for different reasons to the many punters roaming the grounds.
For Queenstown grandfather Geoff Hines, it was a grand day out for the family.
"We try to come every year.
"It's a great day in the sun and we've got all our grandchildren up."
Queenstown women Rebecca Dooley and Natalie van Doormaal, who were enjoying their third race-day, introduced English friend Samantha Wills to a genuine Kiwi experience.
Miss Dooley said: "Great weather, funny races, good friends, whitebait fritters and it's really easy to bet; no thinking required."
Glenorchy resident Michelle Percy took home a Glenorchy Fur Products jacket and the satisfaction of winning the ladies' gallop race on Spider the horse.
The Percy family had participated in the races for the past 26 years, she said.
"I didn't think I would win. I just wanted to get [Spider] round the track.
"I got him last year; he's my baby."
