Idyllic day for race day fans

Jade Parks, of Lumsden, riding Takapau, front, and Lauren O’Connor, of Waikaia, on Benny, compete in the Elfin Bay Cup Ladies Gallop, sponsored by Blanket Bay Lodge, during the 64th Glenorchy Races held on Saturday. PHOTOS: TRACEY ROXBURGH

By all accounts it was one for the record books.

A couple of thousand punters from all over the country — and the globe — spent an idyllic day in Glenorchy on Saturday making the most of the annual Glenorchy Races, which celebrated its 64th anniversary.

Unlike other race events, the Glenorchy race day has kept true to its rural roots from the beginning. Horses are identified by spray-painted numbers on their hindquarters, punting is via equilisator betting in which tickets are available with letters of the alphabet covering the number of horses starting in any race, and dividends are only paid out for winners. The racetrack itself is also the township’s golf course and rugby field, among other things.

Glenorchy’s Molly Todd and her trustee steed Whiskey won the Elfin Bay Cup Ladies Gallop, sponsored by Blanket Bay Lodge

As for the actual races, they, too, are tried and true.

A total of 10 races were held, including a relay race, the ever-popular double banking, a stockman’s race, and the quarter mile sprint, attracting entrants from all over the lower South.

While many chose to soak in the atmosphere and watch the entertainment, some could not help but get involved in the action.

Dylan Bullied, front, and Taylor Painter, second, both of Balfour, help lead their team to victory in the annual tug-of-war.

Along with age-group running races, the highly competitive adults’ tug-of-war again proved popular — this year that title went to the Balfour Young Farmers, who decimated their competition.

Net proceeds from the entry fee from the day will go towards community groups and projects at the head of the lake.

tracey.roxburgh@odt.co.nz