Trotting Chat

A little unusual but erring on the side of caution maybe. I'm surprised that Matamata is deemed unsafe. Please don't sell off any tracks.  We really need them as important back stops. Jumpouts and trials are happening all over the place on tracks not used raceday.  In the past few months for example Foxton, Levin, Stratford, Waipukurau, Rangiora, Waipa.  There wouldn't be many barrier certificates without those venues.

Oops. Stewards report there now. So; they over-rode the jockeys' consensus. Following the running of this race Stewards interviewed L Sutherland in relation to her mount slipping approaching the 300 metres. Stewards met with all riders then convened a track inspection committee involving Stewards, Riders and Club Officials, with two clearly visible significant slip marks being observed. Riders then met independently and advised Stewards that in their view the meeting could continue, subject to being closely monitored on a race by race basis. However, after considering all the evidence the Stewards could not be satisfied that the track was in a suitable condition that riders could ride in a safe and competitive manner, so the decision was made to abandon the meeting.

Australian meetings (at least at decent venues) only ever get abandoned due to horrendous weather. There is never a horse slipping, but it feels like a weekly occurrence here. Pathetic.

History says they won't abandon the Ellerslie meeting even if the track is unsafe.

Yes, that's a big concern and continues to occur. Horses and riders sent out on a track deemed to be unsafe but they don't determine that before they have put horses and riders at risk. Still no stipes report 4 hours later either.