The New Zealand Trotting Cup has regained its place as Canterbury's premier social event, with thousands packing into Addington Raceway as crowds returned in force for the first time since 2019.
Race horses signalled a race away from the memories of lockdown, as Christchurch's biggest party returned for the first time since 2019.
"Nice to be back here after lockdowns and what have you," said one punter.
"It's been a while since we had a Tuesday off, so we're just going to enjoy the sun and the horses," said another.
But some things on Cup Day will never ever change.
"Winning big... I'm gonna win big!... I'm going to find my boyfriend."
There were quality outfits too and when Newshub asked attendees what they hoped their highlight would be one said "alcohol and women".
"Drinking piss," said another.
Last year the public stands were bare, and officials were confined to small separate bubbles.
But this year there are certainly a lot of the other kinds of bubbles and it wasn't just Christchurch coming out to party with people flying in from all over Aotearoa to come.
"This is going to be a 'mum's on tour' kinda thing," one person said.
And it was the perfect Canterbury weather for the crowds to be back on course.
Addington chief executive Brian Thompson told Newshub it felt like a "good family reunion".
"It's been a coupla years since we've been able to get together but the weather's playing its part, they're dressed up."
Phil Newton from Christchurch Police told Newshub spectators had been "really well-behaved".
"Good atmosphere," he added.
The best-dressed woman was dressed pretty in pink.
"My dress is from Spain, I bought it online," she said. "I'm sort of traditional but classic so I'm glad they liked it."
The feature race began just after 5:30pm but for some, their race will have been long gone before then.
