Big holiday crowds ensure a winning day

Big crowds turned out to watch the horses in action at Arawa Park Racecourse on Saturday. Photo / Stephen Parker

Plenty of family entertainment combined with the biggest crowd in years has led to Rotorua's Christmas race meeting being dubbed one of the "best days" ever.

Trac marketing and sponsorship manager Don Paterson said perfect conditions and plenty of holiday makers had helped boost crowd numbers at the Interislander Summer Festival meeting on Saturday.

He said about 4000 people turned up.

Image 1 of 5: 281214sp1 Lady Jay, front, winning the NZB Insurance Pearl Series 1400.

"It was probably the best day ever, at least in many, many years. It was perfect conditions - not too hot, not too cold. I think because it was overcast people said 'lets not to go the lakes, lets go to the races'."

Mr Paterson said he believed the wide variety of entertainment on offer had led to it becoming a real family day out.

There were people attending their first races as well as regular race goers and plenty of visitors, especially international visitors, he said.

"For me the entertainment on offer was a highlight on the one side, but as far as the races go, they were all really exciting with close finishes."

Those who had caught the racing bug, or perhaps were lamenting having missed out, could head along to The Hits Family Fun Day on January 8.

"It's a very similar type event for the families."