Whanganui racing clubs scooped national awards this week.
The Wanganui Jockey Club and the Wanganui Greyhound Racing Club finished first and second respectively in the Christmas at the Races WOW Awards, held at Trentham racecourse.
The win by the jockey club was especially surprising given its allocated race day was abandoned after just one race because of track safety concerns.
The Christmas celebrations, however, continued on for those who stayed on track - and it was how the club delivered that entertainment in difficult circumstances that helped sway the judges, New Zealand Racing Board officials and 32 racing clubs.
Both Whanganui clubs edged out Hawke's Bay, Ellerslie and Otago to top the list in a range of areas including planning, entertainment, innovation and customer experience.