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.
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Advertise with NZME.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.
"To enhance our commitment to the ideals of the Cancer Society we're thrilled to be able to declare the Hastings Racecourse Smokefree for the day and we look forward to patrons and participants alike entering into the spirit of this initiative," he said.
The race day, supported by Westbury Stud and featuring the Tarzino Trophy, known otherwise in recent years as the Makfi Stakes, is being marketed as the family day, with entry fee by donation to the Cancer Society.
Cancer Society of New Zealand's Mike Kernaghan said it's "wonderful" for the racing centre to be continuing its support, and added: "While we use donations to support people and their whanau with cancer, I don't think anybody's going to argue that preventing cancer is even better."
Last night, Mr Castles confirmed the race day is on track to maintain the high standard which has kicked off the carnival, with rising 7-year-old New Plymouth galloper Kawi already the TAB favourite to win the 1400m feature race for a third year in a row, with a bankroll already past $1.1 million. Kawi will carry Cancer Society Daffodil Day colours as it did to victory in 2015 and 2016.
It's also expected back for the Windsor Park Plate on the second day of the Bostock carnival on September 23 (General Election day).
The carnival culminates with the Livamol Classic on October 7, stakes of $250,000 making it the richest race in Hawke's Bay and the distance of 2040m making it a possible target for any New Zealand horses aiming at the Cox Plate over the same distance in Australia three weeks later.
