Pressure is mounting on the thoroughbred racing industry to solve the conundrum of raceday abandonments due to unsafe or unsuitable racing surfaces during periods of inclement weather that has once again reared its ugly head in recent months.
Last season 34 race meetings were abandoned which has seen renewed calls for the industry's governing body, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), to find a solution to what has become a blight on the national racing scene.
While debate has raged for a number of years about the merits of installing one or more synthetic or artificial track surfaces close to our strategic horse populations, little progress has been made.
That situation may be about to change as NZTR boss Bernard Saundry has indicated finding a solution to the issue is one of his main priorities as he settles into his new position.
The former Racing Victoria chief executive doesn't have to look too far for a possible solution, having considerable experience with the development of the new Pakenham Racing Club operation in Australia during his previous role.