4000 pack country course for Kurow races | Oamaru Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Oamaru

Cool winds and intermittent light showers failed to dampen the enthusiasm of locals and visitors alike at Friday's annual Kurow Races.

About 4000 people packed into the country race track, which looked a picture thanks to the committee working bee the previous day.

Gallop South general manager Malcolm Little, who was attending the first of three meetings in the InterIslander Summer Carnival series, said he was very pleased with the numbers for the meeting.

Nominations for Kurow were so good, the committee, which is headed by president Simon Williamson, decided to put another race on the 10-race card.

"Everyone enjoyed themselves and the children certainly had a great day," Mr Little said.

The main race of the day, the PGG Wrightson Cup, run over 1800m and carrying an increased stake of $16000, was won by the grey gelding Felini.

Felini, sired by the American-bred stallion Daggers Drawn, is owned by a North Canterbury syndicate comprising Denis Hazlett, Jim Cassidy and John Savill.

He is trained by Michael Pitman of Yaldhurst and was ridden by North Island visitor Lisa Allpress.

Apart from the win, it was an a particularly interesting day for Mr Hazlett who had presented the trophy 18 years ago while employed by PGG Wrightson.

"I now have the pleasure of being both the presenter and the receiver of the trophy," he said.

Trainers and jockeys at the meeting also competed for two other prizes.

Kurow farmer Will Fraser donated 100 bales of lucerne hay to the trainer with most wins on the day.

When the final race was run and won, Pitman and visiting Wanganui trainer Kevin Myers were declared joint winners of the hay.

They each took home 50 bales.

Lisa Allpress, who rode Felini to a stunning victory,was named the Jockey of the Day.