Horses, sunshine picnics at the Motukarara Trots

David Hallett

More than 10,000 people soaked up the sun and entertainment at the Banks Peninsula Trotting Club's meeting yesterday.

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Forget haute couture, the most fashionable accessory at the Motukarara Trots was family.

More than 10,000 people soaked up the sun and entertainment at the Banks Peninsula Trotting Club's meeting yesterday.

The horses could be found in the usual spot, thundering down the track, but children – and there were hundreds – took advantage of the free entertainment area with miniature pony rides, a petting farm, bouncy castle and spray tattoos.

Michelle and Andy Neale said the November Cup and Show Week race meets were not suitable for children but the Motukarara Trots were ideal for a family picnic with their two kids Emma, 6, and Wills, 3.

"It's our first time coming here and it's great," said Michelle Neale.

Sitting in an unusual seat, far from trackside but with a killer view, was Byron Charles, a mussel farm worker from Motueka.

Charles and his family had nabbed a spot on the hillside looking across the bustling grounds.

"It's a relatively inexpensive day," he said.

"And it's great for kids here. They've got their own area for betting, which probably isn't politically correct but then again, neither am I."

Another man who sought a seat away from the grandstand was racecourse manager Mike McCallum. He has parked his vehicle, "the corporate box" under a tree next to the parade ring for 20 years.

"Everybody knows where to find me here in case of emergency," he said.

However, while there was no emergency, he studied the racebook and snacked on a bag of crisps and a punnet of homegrown plums.

Club vice-president Paul Davies said he was most proud of the day's emphasis on family with between-race entertainment such as superheroes riding on the back of Harley Davidson motorbikes and kids' racing on the back of horse-shaped moonhoppers.

On-course betting was estimated at $250,000 and off-course betting was $1 million – on par with last year, Davies said.

Meanwhile, 12-year-old Jack Cooney was on a winning streak at the Kiddies Picks tote booth. He had won five out of six races, netting him five lollies.

The Our Lady of Victories pupil said he was doing a lot better than his younger brother, Connor.

The races began at noon but some punters entered the grounds to set up gazebos and picnic areas at 7am. However, the early birds were tracked down and asked for the $5 entry fee.

And despite the crowds of young ones, the lost children's tent only had three punters.

- © Fairfax NZ News