Aim To describe successful methods of recruitment and identify practice characteristics related to increased recruitment of older people for a randomised controlled trial. Methods General practices in three regions of New Zealand and community‐dwelling patients aged 75+ were recruited for the Brief Risk Identification Geriatric Health Tool trial. General practitioners (GPs) were faxed invitations with telephone follow‐up. Reply‐paid cards with telephone follow‐up were used to invite older people. GP and practice characteristics were examined in relationship to recruitment rate. Results During 2007–2008, 158 of 438 GPs (36%) in 60 of 116 practices approached (52%) were recruited. Regional variation was marked and 3893 of 8308 invited (49%) older people were recruited. The GP's length of time at the practice and training in New Zealand was associated with recruitment success. Conclusions Despite variability in practice recruitment, a reasonably large and representative sample of older people was recruited through general practices.