Thousands came out to the Omakau Trots yesterday, soaking up the sun and fun at the successful meet.

After a couple of years of bad luck, everyone who had their fingers crossed for the event to go ahead breathed a sigh of relief.

“It was a big call to go ahead and we appreciate the support. Everyone is ready for a big day out,” said Graham Sinnamon, the Central Otago Trotting Club president who spent the day in perpetual motion.

Gates opened early to allow for Covid-19 Vaccine Passes to be scanned and proper protocol to be followed with everything going smoothly. 

The relaxed crowd made the most of the shade provided by the trees between races and the longest queues, unsurprisingly, were at the ice cream vans as the mercury hit the 30s. 

Fashion on the Field, the Punter’s Club and a chance for losing tickets to be drawn for a win kept the adults entertained; while the kids had a scavenger hunt, Aqua Bubbles and face painting, amongst other things, to keep them occupied.

 Fashion on the Field candidates line up.

The Witches of Westview watch Race 5

Emerson and Millie Smith were tempted by candy floss.

Kids enjoy the Aqua Bubbles and mini jeep rides.

And then there were the races. 

Race one, Rachel Jones, roving reporter for The Central App was invited to ride in the mobile starter gate

Timaru trainer Trevor Harkness looks after The Conqueror who had to wait until race 11 for his run.

“We have some phenomenal horses here this year,” said Graham. 

One of the punters’ favourites was Sundees Sun. The champion trotter was meant to be heading to Australia but with border rules changing Aussie’s loss was Omakau’s gain. Fresh off an Addington record time, the trotter showed his star power again, winning the 10th race.

While it was a big day for the horses, trainers and owners, it was also a big day for the local community.

Eighteen community groups pulled together to run the annual event with the last jobs being filled the night before.

“Hats off to our volunteers,” said Graham, who views the trots as a community event, not just a day of racing. 

Starter Ben Ward prepares for Race 1 and the day ahead

That sentiment was reiterated by Tony Russell of Narellan Pools, naming rights sponsor for the first time. Tony expressed his excitement at giving back to the Central Otago community by developing what he hopes is a long relationship with the trotting club that will include future development of the facilities. 

Happy punters packed up their picnics at the end of the day already planning a return next year. Organisers and volunteers can pat themselves on the back for a job well done and have a couple of days off before they start planning the next one.

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