Gate takings were up by more than $4000 on last year's event and secretary Dianne Gillespie said the day was a great success.
While eight Australians and many South Islanders entered, just two riders came from the North Island.
Mrs Gillespie said the North Island now had its own Christmas circuit and that made it more worthwhile for North Island riders to stay there through the Christmas/New Year season.
Conditions yesterday were overcast and very warm.
The event is one of several held at this time of year on the rodeo circuit.
Riders are all vying for top points to gain entry into the national championships to be held later in the season.
Entries were strong for most of the 16 events packed into the day, including 32 entries in the second-division bull ride and 21 young women who lined up for the junior barrel race.
