Wondai Races abandoned after wild hail, rain, and wind
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THE LAST Wondai Races of the year were abandoned when a ferocious thunder storm hit the track around 2pm yesterday afternoon.
Racing Steward Kym Daly said the track was completely washed out.
"Right after the first race a severe thunder-storm hit," he said.
"The track is too wet to get a tractor on it to do any kind of work to fix it up.
"We were also aware that more storms were on their way.
"In the interest of safety and having the track safe to race on we've called the meeting off."
Racegoers and punters alike were taken by surprise when the hail and rain hit.
Most were also surprised the races were abandoned, considering a sand race track can usually withstand severe weather conditions.
"We just had a lot of rain in a short period of time," Mr Daly said.
"So this severe amount of rain that we had caused wash outs.
"All of the sand was just completely washed off of the track. The worst part is down near the 400 metres mark."
The bookies stayed in business, and punters were able to place a bet on Melbourne and Brisbane races that afternoon.
Mr Daly said it was a real shame for the club.
"It's usually a big day of the year for them," he said.
"People come from all over the region to be here. It's been really disappointing."
Because the race was abandoned and not postponed, the club will not be able to re-schedule.
