People of all ages packed out another successful Interislander Summer Festival Hawke's Bay Races at Hastings Racecourse yesterday.
The New Year's Day meet was traditionally a family day and there was plenty of entertainment on offer for the youngsters as well as the punters, who came in their droves and made the most of the return of hot, sunny summer weather.
Locals as well as visitors set up under gazebos or sat in the grandstand to witness the action, which despite the small fields due to limited availability of riders, provided plenty of action on the track.
For Waipukurau's Carl and Glenys Petersen, the day out was coupled with supporting friends who owned horses that were racing.
"What better place to be going to the races than the Hastings racecourse on a day like today," said Mrs Petersen.