Riverton Racing Club president Trevor Brown said while attendance numbers were lower than past years, he was pleased with the turnout.
He expected the rough weather drenching the province in the days prior might have affected people’s decision to attend the event.
However, it turned out fine on the day.
"When you look down the track to actually see how many are here, it’s a good turnout," he said.
Mr Brown said the track had absorbed pre-event rainfall well.
While winds were strong, they had not unduly affected the races or horse performances, he said.
Races were called off at the Easter 2022 meeting after strong winds made it unsafe for horses to race.
Entries were solid, especially after there had been a lot of race meets in the past two weeks, he said.
Drinking at the event was "very quiet" after New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The club traditionally focused on tailoring the day for families.
"It was always about mum, dad and the kids, free entry; have a good day out and watch the horses run around."
Leave It To Me took out the first-prize purse of $11,200 for the premier race — the Carriers Arms Summer Cup.
Part-owner Alan Harper said he was impressed with the horse’s performance.
"We were very surprised to see him leading today, because that’s not his normal racing pattern."
The group of four owners had owned the horse for the past three years.
It was the first time jockey Denby-Rose Tait had raced on the horse and the third time the 6-year-old had placed on the Riverton track.
"He seems to like this track ... and Denby-Rose Tait rode a terrific race, so I’m really, really happy."
By Toni McDonald
