Race meet canned due to rain

CLUDEN Park’s race meeting set to run this afternoon was abandoned yesterday morning.

Following consultation between Racing Queensland, Townsville TC and QRIC, the decision was made due to the inclement weather in central and northern Queensland affecting road networks, creating transportation issues for people and horses.

The potential for further inclement weather in Townsville and surrounding areas was also a contributing factor.

As a consequence of the abandonment, there have been amendments made to the Townsville race meeting program on Thursday, December 27. The race meeting will now be afforded “Showcase” status and accordingly the prizemoney for all races on the program, except one, has been elevated to $19,000.

The Open Handicap 1300m $16,500 has been replaced with a Magic Millions Country Cup Qualifier Open Handicap 1200m. The winner of the race will be exempt from the ballot, if eligible and nominated, for the 2019 MM Country Cup 1200m at the Gold Coast TC race meeting on Saturday, January 12, 2019. The remainder of the program for this race meeting remains as advertised.