One of the biggest days of racing at the Hawke's Bay Racing Centre is to go smokefree in what is thought to be a first in New Zealand racing.
The bold move will be taken on September 2, as another spur to racing's support of nationwide Cancer Society appeal Daffodil Day, the race day having added more than $70,000 to the coffers in the three Spring Carnival race days to which it has been linked since 2014.
While smoking is already barred by law in the Hastings racecourse's bars and other enclosed spaces, people will not only be asked to desist from smoking everywhere else but could be asked to leave if they don't play by the rules.
Smoking will not be allowed anywhere on site, and designated "Smokefree Stipendiary Stewards" will be roaming the racecourse ensuring those who breach the rules are "appropriately reminded," a media release says.
Hawke's Bay Racing CEO Andrew Castles said the step is a sign of ongoing dedication to a partnership with the Cancer Society and the strategic goal of creating more smoke-free environments.