WELLINGTON - The Masterton Racing Club has switched its Lowland Stakes meeting from Trentham to Hastings next Saturday after torrential rain in the lower North Island in the past few days and the prospect of a heavy Wellington track.
Over 110mm of rain has fallen at Trentham since Saturday and Masterton president Brendan Meo said yesterday the club did not want to risk having their fields decimated.
"We were in a similar situation two years ago and we had a disastrous day," Meo said.
That time at Trentham the meeting was called off after eight races and the Lowland Stakes was cut to nine runners after eight scratchings.
Meo said the forecast was good for Hastings and the decision to switch was made before nominations were taken.
Matamata trainer Roger James, who will start boom filly Spring Rain in the Lowland, hailed the move.
He said that 95 per cent of the horses nominated for the meeting would not want to race on a mid winter-type track.
Spring Rain would not have started at Trentham but will be a major drawcard for the group three race at Hastings.
The Otaki Maori Racing Club also considered switching Thursday's meeting to Hastings but opted to stay at home.
- NZPA
Racing: Lowland meeting transferred
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