Hot dry weather has brought the crowds out in force for the biggest day of the year for harness racing.
June Xoungman wins the Best Dressed Women during The Christchurch Casino New Zealand Trotting Cup Day, Addington Raceway. Photo: Photosport
About 23,000 people have flocked to Addington Raceway in Christchurch for the Trotting Cup.
Organisers were happy with crowd behaviour and said about 10,000 bottles of water were being distributed.
Recent race fixing allegations appear to have been put to one side and the event has gone off without a hitch.
Most have been granted name suppression and are planning to defend themselves when the case comes to court next year.
Crowds came dressed to impress in their finest clothes.
One race-goer, Kay, was with friends and chatting about the outfits.
"We've just been discussing that... some absolutely beautiful and some shouldn't be seen in public," she laughed.
Another, Jess, came along to watch the races and had some thoughts on the best way to dress.
"As long as it is classy is the main thing - it's very important - and [the] fascinator or your hat - it needs to complement that," she said.
The bubbles are starting to flow Addington Raceway. Photo: RNZ / Jonathon Mitchell
The races are an annual fixture for Colleen Cochran and Julie Archer.
"We come here every year and just love looking at all the young lasses and their beautiful clothes and the colour," they said.
The main feature race of the day was getting underway at about 5pm.
Police arrested two people for disorderly behaviour at Addington Raceway today.
