After spending Boxing Day at the Wingatui Racecourse every year for the past two decades, the races still remain the "favourite day of the year" for a Wingatui resident.
Racing fans flocked to the racecourse yesterday for the NZB Teddy Bear's Picnic and Boxing Day races.
Otago Racing Club president Sharyn Anderton said the event was a chance for a post-Christmas family day out in the country.
"What are you going to do on Boxing Day if you didn't want to go shopping?"
The event "had it all", including kids' colouring stations, face painting, pony rides, egg and spoon races and a teddy bear hunt.
They were "really thrilled" with the turnout, despite the weather, Mrs Anderton said.
Wingatui resident Peter Wilson said he had been coming to the races on Boxing Day every year for the past 20 years.
"We love coming here.
"It's our favourite day of the year."
It was a good chance to catch up with old friends and relax after an "outstanding" Christmas Day, he said.
"I would prefer this over shopping every day."
Otago Racing Club general manager Noelle Prince estimated about 2500 attended the races.
