Fanfares blared, the ground thundered and thousands of bets were placed at the 2011 Glenorchy races on Saturday.
Lakeside Football Club president Pete Reid said about 2500 people attended the 49th annual gala event, and just under $15,000 was raised.
The net profit was about the same as last year, and running the event at the same time as the National Rugby Sevens competition in Queenstown did not have a huge effect, Mr Reid said.
"It's a good figure, really. I don't think the rugby would have pulled too many away and the weather was just perfect."
Funds from the equalisator were yet to be counted.
The money will be used for community projects in Glenorchy throughout the year.
He was not sure how much was raised from food and drink sales, but most food stalls had sold out by the end of the day.
Providing traditional summer strawberries and cream, Monica Sharpe, of Glenorchy Kitchen, said she was "flat out".
"It's just going great. We're in our 11th year now and it's as popular as ever. This is just the biggest event of the year for Glenorchy and it's great for the community."
For those looking for more hearty fare, Glenorchy School provided barbecued sausages, whitebait and venison patties.
Riders in the 10 races hailed from around the South, with Glenorchy riders featuring strongly this year, taking home prizes in virtually all the events.
The winner of the "Trotting Cup" race for the ninth time in 10 years on his horse Kate, Joe Mcstay, said he was "happy to keep up the winning tradition".
Spectators basked atop all sorts of modified vehicles and cleverly converted furniture to get a better view of the action.
Mother Debbie Dowling flew with her family and friends from Wedderburn in Australia to spend the day on top of their converted 4WD vehicle for the races.
"I've been before and just loved it. We thought this year, 'Why not spend a couple of days to really enjoy the area and the races.'
"It's just a great big family day out."
Constable Tracy Haggart, of Queenstown, jumped into the saddle for the ladies' gallop event, and was pleased to report no major crimes on the day.
"It was great fun being in the race. I did some riding when I was younger, which helped.
"Everybody has been pretty well-behaved. When people are out for a good time, sometimes it can lead to unrest, but it's been fairly smooth sailing all day," she said.
St John Queenstown team manager Alana Reid said no serious injuries were reported and the event was a "good day for all".
She said that, most notably - in typical race fashion - one man ran around the track in a "mankini" near the end of the day, much to the amusement of a trackside commentator, who urged people "to please maintain a safe distance".
