Tauherenikau Racecourse may have broken a record for most patrons yesterday, clocking more than 14,000 punters to the first race meeting of the year.
Tauherenikau Racecourse general manager Matthew Sherry said last year’s event attracted 14,000 people, and yesterday was “that or more.”
He said yesterday’s crowd was exceptional.
“The front lawn is full from the birdcage right down to the public car park fence, and I haven’t seen that before. That’s massive.”
Sherry said the corporate marquees had also sold out, with 26 scattered under the trees.
He said generations of people had come to the first Tauherenikau race day of the year, and they just kept coming back.
“It’s a family day, there’s good family entertainment, and there’s music.”
Sherry said the day was also packed full of 14 races.
“It’s a buzz, and they love it.”
He said the number of patrons was incredible, especially considering the overcast and slightly drizzly weather.
“What could’ve we got if it was a sunny day?”
The day featured live music under the trees, bouncy castles, and a miniature train.
Motor camp managers Grant and Helen Duguid said this was their third time at the event.
Grant said the day had been fantastic, and he and his wife, Helen, had re-connected with friends while running the motor camp attached to the racetrack.
“I got to go round in that vehicle that has the arms that come out, the horses were that far away; it was incredible.”
Grant said the day was fuller than last year.
“I’ve won something in every race.”
Helen said that she had also had some success during the day.
“I’m a winner,” she said.
