Fun in sun makes for a winning day

Destinee Lorigan, Julie Leathers, Kelz Olsen, Brodie Fowler, Toni O'Sullivan and Bex Henry enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere on course. Photo / Ben Fraser

There were cheers and sighs as punters enjoyed a sunny day at the Arawa Park Racecourse yesterday.

The popular Rotorua/Bay of Plenty Hunt Club Cup Day meeting had eight races and $86,000 in prize money on offer with the Sweeney Townsend Insurance Brokers Rotorua & Bay of Plenty Hunt Cup the feature race with a stake of $20,000.

It was won by Thenamesbond, ridden by Michael Mitchell and trained by Stephen Ralph.

Among the crowd were the X Base Backpackers crew, who were enjoying a team outing ahead of organising the Lava Bar's 20th birthday.

"We're getting a few ideas together," said Julie Leathers, who attended with her workmates.

"It's a beautiful day and we're having lots of fun - the weather has really turned out for us."

She said they'd not had much luck on the betting side, but were having fun as a group.

"I love it here - there's no entry fee, you can bring a few drinks ... more people need to come to the races as it's a great family day."

Destinee Lorigan said she and her colleagues were having "a lovely day".

"I've backed one winner but I'm waiting to the end of the day to cash in rather than spend it on another bet," she said.

The next Rotorua meeting is on Saturday, October 17.