The event was the last of four race meetings in Central Otago this year and Southern Harness Racing promotions officer Lindsay Beer said it attracted a good crowd.
"We've got great weather and I think the rain is going all around us - that may have kept a few people away because they might have thought the weather here was just as bad."
By 4.30pm, about 3500 people had entered the racecourse and another "wave" of punters was expected after 5.30pm, when people not on holiday
It was the third time the Wyndham club had staged its New Year meeting at Cromwell and the focus was on family entertainment, he said.
"That's what this day is all about, making sure there's plenty to keep the kids entertained as well as the adults."
Children's entertainment included a "Splash and Dash" race and a three-headed T-shirt race.
As well as the 10 races on the card, a Fashions in the Field event and lingerie parade were included on the programme for the day.
