Asathought is a 6-year-old Australian-born mare and was trained at Ascot Park by Lisa Vaughan for owners Willie and Karen Calder.
The Riverton Racing Cup was the top billing race for the Riverton’s Easter racing meet.
While first place went to Asathought, Kilowatt came in a very close second, followed by Choux In.
Invercargill trainer Jim Curran said he was pleased to see a local horse win the race and congratulated Mr and Mrs Calder and trainer Lisa Vaughan for the great results.
He also had a good day at the annual event with one win and a fifth out of two starts.
Mr Curran said he always tried to include the Riverton races on his calendar.
"It’s a great day. Especially if you have a look at the crowd here today — it’s fantastic.
"It’s a big crowd and the weather is unbelievable. You can’t complain about a day at the races when the weather has turned on like this."
It was the first of two racing days held by the Riverton club’s annual Easter racing event.
The premier race was run under clear blue skies with a well attended crowd cheering the race on.
Otautau resident Tina Tagg said she was pleasantly surprised by the huge crown the event had attracted.
She used to attend the Easter Riverton race meetings as a child and young adult, but had not been for many years.
"It’s just brought those memories back because it was such a vibrant, happy crowd.
She was pleased to see a good group of younger generations had joined in and dressed up for the day and that it had been a superb family day.
"I’ve just been with a family from Dunedin who were blown away by all the things for children and the free rides on for the full day. Magic."
Gallop South secretary Jo Gordon had said the club traditionally attracted good crowds of all ages at the Easter event.
"Everyone seems to enjoy it."
It was a place where parents liked to come because there was always plenty of entertainment for children.
By Toni McDonald
