First-time organiser Cameron Craigie said it was a "good fun day" for a crowd that included many families.
The weather "could not have been better", the hot sun being tempered by a cooling breeze.
He was thankful for the support of the race meeting's sponsors, club members and the many local residents who volunteered to help run the event.
During a break between races, there was a lolly scramble and running race for children, and a tug-of-war for grown-ups.
The only sour note was the death of a horse by the side of the course before the saddling race.
Mr Craigie refused to comment on the incident. However, the Otago Daily Times understands the horse died as the result of a heart attack.
The rider, who dismounted before the horse collapsed, was not injured.
Among the racegoers was Vicki Wang, of Beijing, who was with her parents and a friend from Auckland.
Visiting Glenorchy because of its association with the Lord of the Rings films, they went to the recreation ground to find out why all the people were there.
"This place is very wonderful, amazing. I don’t know anything about horse racing, but it’s interesting."
