Motukarara's Monday meeting to be moved to Addington

Following a track inspection this morning it's been decided that Easter Monday's meeting at Motukarara will now go ahead at Addington.

"We had no option but to make the call, there has been a decent amount of rain in Canterbury already with a lot more forecast," says Harness Racing New Zealand's Head of Racing and Wagering, Matthew Peden.

Today representatives from HRNZ, the Banks Peninsula Trotting Club and a stipendiary steward all inspected the grass track at Motukarara.

"The track is in reasonable order considering how much rain we've had but we just can't wait and hope it will be ok for Monday. We had to make a decision now and couldn't wait any longer."

"The poor forecast was a big factor in that as was giving everyone in the industry, including Addington, enough notice so that Monday's meeting can go ahead
smoothly."

The 12-race programme for Motukarara will be transferred to Addington with the first race starting at 11.15am.

"It's shame that the meeting couldn't go ahead as it's the last grass track meeting of the autumn but the safety and well-being of all participants is paramount," says Peden.

The change from Motukarara to Addington was mooted earlier in the week because of the forecasted poor weather over Easter.

It's the second weather-enforced change in the past few days. Thursday's meeting at Alexandra Park was postponed until tonight because of heavy rain and strong winds.

To see the Addington fields click here