Sunshine for Ruakaka Racing's Winter Season start

Punter John Hargreaves popped over from Kaiwaka.

It was sunshine and smiles when Ruakaka Racing's first Winter Season meeting kicked off with the Bream Bay Business Race Day on Saturday. Advocate senior photographer Michael Cunningham went along to where the ''surf meets the turf''.

Horse action on the turf.

Racecourse manager Murray Marshall was pleased with the turnout.

Long-time friends Julie Harrison from Kerikeri and Chris Hill from Mangawhai catch up at the gee-gees.

With his name being Roy Rogers, it's not surprising this fellow from Waipu enjoys the horses.

Trainer Chris Gibbs in his happy place.

The punters take a closer look at the talent in the birdcage.