Close to 7000 spectators packed the stands, sweltering in the sun during an action-packed day at the Ruakaka raceway.
The Whangarei Racing Club's president, Dean Logan, said yesterday's event was a huge success, despite the betting take being down on previous years.
"Everyone had a great time. That's the main thing," he
said.
At 3pm the coffers had reached $67,000, compared to $75,000 during last year's races, he said.
"During the economic state, it's been a great day. It's not all about money. It's a fun day out."
Logan said there had been a great turnout, with as many people attending as in previous years, but crowds had taken the BYO approach yesterday.
The day's feature races unfolded in the dry heat as punters of all ages keenly observed the action.
Race 9, the Spire Summer Mile, saw Vantastic in first place, Bounce cross the line second and Seeking The Silver third.
In Race 10, Dash took the honours, Anotherchristian was runner-up and Our Fred came third.
Three enthusiastic race-goers were treated as royalty, drinking champagne on the green at the trackside.
The lucky trio are in the running to win the chance to name an up-and-coming horse, owned by Ruakaka's Donna Logan and Sir Patrick Hogan of Cambridge Stud.
Dianne Erceg, a real-estate agent from Whangarei, said she thinks the horse should be named Supreme Ruler.
Neil Sinclair used modern technology and googled the sire's name, Viking Ruler, and came up with the name King Canute, a popular viking warrior.
Amy Black, from Ruakaka, took a more old-fashioned approach and entered the competition, which is being run by More Fm, after a few drinks.
"I just thought why not, and here I am," she laughed.
Her pick, Getavikeanride, was a play on words, she said.
