Hawke's Bay Racecourse hosts New Year's Day Races set to draw thousands 30 Dec, 2020 11:21 PM 2 minutes to read The annual event is "a tried and true family tradition" for many. Photo / File The annual New Year's Day Races at Hawke's Bay Racecourse is set to draw thousands of punters. Hawke's Bay Racing CEO Darin Balcombe expects the event will attract its usual number of 5000 to 6000 guests. Along with six races there will also be children's activities both on and off the track including a variety of races, bouncy castles and face painting. There is also a $500 domestic travel voucher to be won with a heads and tails competition, various food options "and all the racing excitement from around the country".