Annual race meeting draws ‘record crowd’

HARNESS racing enthusiasts and Dunedin locals were out in force for the Tuapeka Harness Racing Club’s annual meeting at Forbury Park yesterday.

Club secretary Julie McEwanFranks said a ‘‘record crowd’’ of more than 1000 people showed up.

‘‘The people on the club committee said they have not seen a crowd like that for years — it was fantastic,’’ she said.

There were 11 races, including the Dan Cummings Memorial Tuapeka Trotting Cup, which was won by Robyns Playboy, who had also won it last year.

Fr Cummings, who died earlier this year, was a respected member of the harness racing community in Otago and Southland, she said.

Free ice cream and face painting kept children entertained and the weather played its part, temperatures reaching about 28degC.

PHOTOS: GERARD O’BRIEN Family day . . . Georgie Jakeway (5), of Dunedin, and dog Rosie enjoy a picnic at a family reunion during the Tuapeka Harness Racing Club’s annual race meeting, at Forbury Park, yesterday.

Cheering them on . . . Enjoying the meeting are (from left) Hayden Wyber, Bailey Kennedy and Joe Cairns, all of Dunedin.

A day out . . . A Jack Russell stays out of the sun.

Hot dog . . . A dog seeks to escape the heat at the race meeting.