The Horse of the Year Hawke's Bay board is calling this month's show a success although uncertainty still surrounds the financial outcome of the event.
Board chairwoman Cynthia Bowers and council-appointed director Tim Aitken presented the board's half-yearly report to the Hastings District Council finance and monitoring committee yesterday, although at this point there was not much to tell, they said.
Two of the big unknowns were the costs involved with repairs to the water laden A&P showgrounds, and the eventual cost of refunds at the gate and for competitors who withdrew their horses.
These competitors would have to produce vet bills to receive a rebate, but gate refunds were already under way, Mr Aitken said.
Despite the weather the feedback received so far from attendees, competitors and stallholders was very positive, trade stall numbers were up, entries were up and the gate take was similar to last year, he added.