Heavy rain has forced the postponement of the Glenorchy Races until Sunday.
The MetService has forecast rain - sometimes heavy - with a chance of thunder and hail for this afternoon.
Brylee Percy, secretary of the event’s host, the Lakeside Rugby Club, said a decision on whether to proceed with the 59th edition of the event at the township’s recreation ground was made about 9am.
Information has been posted on the "Glenorchy Races 2021" Facebook page.
Ms Percy said the event would follow its classic programme of 10 quirky races, with the possible addition of a kids’ barrel race if enough children turned up.
The event normally attracted about 50 competitors, but she expected fewer this year because many of the horses and riders usually came from local horse-trekking businesses, which had either closed or downsized because of the closed borders.
She also expected the crowd to be smaller than the usual 2500-3000 punters, not only because of the doubtful weather but because it clashed this year with the Wanaka Rodeo, which was always held on January 2.
The gates are now expected to open at 9am tomorrow, the first race scheduled for two hours later.
Besides the equestrian activities, there would be a lolly scramble and running races for children during the lunch break, and a tug-o-war for the grown-ups.
From about 5pm to 7.30pm, a group of local musicians would be the warm-up act for Arrowtown band The Cellar Doors.
All proceeds would be distributed to worthy causes and projects in the area, she said.
Entry costs $20 for adults; children are free.
Meanwhile, heavy rain has forced the cancellation of the Omakau trots today.
