Mareeba bid for new date

MAREEBA Turf Club is hopeful of having Saturday’s washed-out five-race card rescheduled to later in the year.

New club secretary Cathy Sloane, who earlier this year replaced John Thurlow, said an application had been made to Racing Queensland about finding a new date for the club and she was expecting to hear back this week.

After the first race on Saturday, a representation of riders advised stewards that their visibility was very poor during the running of the race and with the continuing wet weather, the remainder of the meeting was abandoned.

Sloane was disappointed for all involved but said safety had to be the first priority.

“We were looking forward to a good day but what can you do?” Sloane said.

“Safety always comes first in these situations.

“We will not know until (today) at the earliest if we get a new meeting.”

Mareeba Turf Club has had a poor run of luck over the last 12 months after burrowing wallabies and bandicoots wrecked the track, with the Mareeba Cup transferred to Cannon Park late last year.

After the abandonment of the final four races at Saturday’s non-TAB meeting, RQ programmed additional races at upcoming Far North nonTAB meetings at Einasleigh and Atherton.

In the race that was run, newcomer to the Far North Dancing Diva made it two wins from two starts in the $7500 Benchmark 55 Handicap (900m).

Experienced hoop Frank Edwards guided Peeramon trainer Ricky Ludwig’s filly home by just under a length from Flamin’ Sid, trained by Lisa Donovan.

There is plenty of racing in North Queensland this week, with Mackay on Tuesday, Rockhampton on Wednesday and Townsville on Thursday.