Heavy storms soak Darwin track causing meeting to be abandoned

[Wandering Eyes]

Heavy and muddy conditions apply on a regular basis on race days during the wet season when the Darwin Turf Club hosts meetings at Fannie Bay

Unfortunately, the Darwin Turf Club’s meeting set down for Fannie Bay on Saturday was abandoned because of inclement weather.

Up to 50mm of rain fell in the Top End around midday (ACST) following a thunderstorm before track staff had the opportunity to roll the dirt surface.

The first race on the five-event program was scheduled for 3.20pm local time and with the track left in a heavy state following the rain it could not be rolled.

Subsequently, the track was rendered unfit for racing and for one of the rare occasions the Darwin meeting was called off.

Not surprisingly, it was reported on social media that the jockeys also deemed the conditions far too dangerous to ride.

Torrential rain in the past has also forced Thoroughbred Racing Northern Territory stewards to abandon meetings during the wet season over the years.

During the wet season muddy conditions are a regular occurrence as horses and jockeys, as well as track staff, deal with the rain, but races have been delayed or abandoned in the past should there be lightning in the vicinity of the Fannie Bay racecourse.

The final meeting in the Northern Territory before Christmas takes place in the Red Centre on Sunday with the Alice Springs Turf Club hosting a competitive six-race card at Pioneer Park with the action starting at 1.37pm local time.

The final race meeting for the year in the NT takes place in Darwin on December 31.

That will be followed by another meeting back at Fannie Bay on January 14, with the Alice Springs Turf Club hosting its first meeting for 2023 on January 15.

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