Racing: Late punters turned away

Hundreds of punters had to be turned away for safety reasons as Randwick's much-touted "super" Saturday became super wet, super cold, super windy and super unlucky.

The Australian Jockey Club's new board of directors had been pinning its hopes on a roll-up of more than 25,000 at Sydney's premier racetrack.

But only 15,600 braved the unseasonal gloom, which followed weeks of mostly glorious sunshine.

As punters scurried for shelter and Randwick reached its indoor capacity, police turned "hundreds" of racegoers away.

"They were not very happy," said a spokesman for the AJC, whose major meetings have suffered bad weather.

Entry after 2pm was restricted to members and punters with pre-paid tickets.

The track, hosting four group one races, was steadily downgraded from a dead five to a slow six and, finally, a heavy nine as the downpour set in.

Leaden skies and drizzle made visibility difficult on the far side of the course while a stiff breeze had flags on the marquees flapping horizontally.

Rain sent punters scampering from lawns and picnic areas into the grandstands.

Racegoers weren't even safe from the elements there.The first 10 rows of seats were empty as wind gusts blew the rain under the roof.

On the track, horses piloted by mud-spattered jockeys had to plough through the heavy going, which turned the formbook upside down.

Off the track, punters grappled with umbrellas and ladies' stiletto heels began sinking deep into the sodden turf.

- AAP