Track too wet for Anzac races
IT'S a shame the Tweed River Jockey Club's Anzac Day races were cancelled.
The track was just too wet said secretary-manager Steve Huggins.
He said track stewards had tested it that morning with a horse and showed My Daily News why the conclusion was reached.
"You see the way this hoof-print has hit and then slid," he pointed to a divot near the finishing post.
"That's when it becomes dangerous for the horses, particularly near the post 'cause the jockeys are pushing them.
"You have to make a decision based on looking at the worst part of the track."
About 200 people at 3pm, from serious punters to young revellers enjoying a drink, were still enjoying the social side of things despite no on-track action.
Former soldiers Adam Cambridge of Murwillumbah and Reece Mellish from Brisbane, who both saw combat action during their time, were among those enjoying themselves.
And Tom Elliot from Uki said he was still keen to have some fun.
"I'm a little disappointed the races aren't on because the track looks dry.
"It was on last year and it was wetter then than it is now," Mr Elliot said.
Mr Huggins lamented the fact the track had been dry during the first half of April but 1000mm during the first half of the year and further recent rains had caused problems.
"Some people don't understand on such a beautiful day.
"There's immense disappointment as this is a big money-spinning event for us.
"I'm glad we stayed open, to maintain our commitment to people who have readied themselves for a big day."
