Following drenching rain on the Mid-North Coast resulting in localised flooding in various areas, Racing NSW stewards had no alternative but to cancel the Country Championship Preview day at Port Macquarie on Sunday.
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The area had received 67mm of rainfall during the week resulting in a heavy yet safe surface approaching race day with officials pleased as to how the track had coped with the weather conditions.
Unfortunately, a torrential deluge of over 130mm fell on Saturday night which put paid to any chance of racing with Mid-North Coast head steward, Jack Penfold, making the decision to cancel the program early on race day.
The prospect of continued heavy downpours throughout the day causing visibility issues for the jockeys provided a further catalyst for the postponement of the program.
Port Macquarie Race Club president Greg Delaforce was philosophical about the deferment of the card due to the atrocious weather conditions.
It is anticipated the premium racing fixture can be rescheduled later in the season.
Despite losing the important preview lead up, the stage is set for an outstanding day of racing at Taree on February 23 featuring the $150,000 Mid North Coast Country Championship Qualifier.
With Victorem saluting in 2018 and Lucciola Belle's gallant second last year, the Port Macquarie Club if confident of another dominant display from local finalists and wish all contestants the very best of luck as they approach the $500,000 Newhaven Park Country Championship Final at Randwick on April 4.
The next meeting to be conducted at Port will be a stand-alone fixture on March 5 with most classes of horses catered for and media and wagering organisations providing comprehensive coverage.
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