Horse racing protestors picket Boxing Day Races

The racing was centre field but it's not why most punters turned out to Ellerslie Race Course on Thursday.  

Fillies and fascinators trotted around alongside the less conventional. Some tried their luck on a few horses and others their luck on the stage. 

Many impressed the judges with their focus on the little things. 

"Attention to detail I think that's really important for women little things like making sure your nails are done and colour," MediaWorks head stylist, Sarah Stuart, told Newshub. 

It was a cloudy morning in Auckland but thankfully the sun came out, organisers said they were expecting to host about 10,000 people. 

"The racing is superb on a day like today at the start of our carnival and we have a big crowd as well,"  Auckland Racing Club chief executive Paul Wilcox told Newshub. 

Outside, there was a different kind of mascot for Ascot. Protesters arguing horse racing is cruel picketed the main entrance. 

"They're allowed their view whether I agree isn't for me to say, but at the end of the day it's a free country and they can say what they want," Wilcox said. 

But it wasn't just horses racing inside. A fun run also took place - fundraising for bowel cancer.