Postponed beach races draw crowds

Family day out: Onetangi Beach Races.

The threatened tsunami two weeks ago failed to wash away the enthusiasm for the annual beach races with thousands turning out for the re-scheduled event.

Wave after wave of youngsters sporting elaborately decorated headwear took part in the Mad Hatters competition and tea party with host Alice and her friends the White Rabbit and the Red Queen.

Surges of onlookers lined the protective fencing to watch the races which included tractors, sulkies, waiters, Sealegs and wheelbarrows along with the stars of the day – the horses.

The two major horse races – The Onetangi Cup and the new Joe Robinson Memorial Cup – were won by Fran Priest.

In between the races the huge crowd cheered on the tug-of-war, admired the sand art and tried out their soccer skills while checking out the tasty treats on offer from the many stalls along The Strand.

The popular Fashion in the Field completed the day and had onlookers clambering to view the many outfits on offer and congratulate the winning models on the catwalk at Charlie Farley’s.

- Waiheke Marketplace