This Sunday the annual ILT Race Day will take place at Ascot Park Raceway in Invercargill.
Hosted by the Invercargill Harness Racing Club, the day features plenty of opportunities for both regular patrons and newcomers to harness racing.
All patrons receive the opportunity to drop any of their losing tickets into the buckets around the course before a draw later in the day will pluck fifteen of them to receive a $50 meal voucher to use at an ILT establishment.
Harness Racing NZ will also be hosting a "Firsties" promotion for people new to the trots.
The "Firsties Zone" offers behind the scenes tours, prizes and the opportunity to win a share in a horse racing on the day.
Guests can ask questions and not feel the need to know all the terminology.
You can meet trainers and drivers and get help with punting if you wish.
The Firsties activities will commence at 1pm.
Casual dress is fine and there is no pressure to stay any longer than you wish to.
There will also be rides on the EH Ball ITM Mobile Barrier up for grabs, exclusive burger specials and free socks for the first 50 people through the gate.
Regular attendees can also use the day to bring along friends or family who might not usually head to the races.
The annual ILT Punting Competition will also take place with various teams from ILT establishments with the defending and two-time champions, the Waikiwi Tavern, looking to defend their title.
The first race is expected to start at around 11.45am and admission on the day will be free.
By Lindsay Beer