Queensland racing officials are meeting to work out contingency plans for the Doomben Cup program after wet weather forced the Group 1 fixture to be postponed.
Chairman of stewards Peter Chadwick said heavy rain on race morning had left significant surface water, making the track unsafe for racing.
“Unfortunately, a heavy downpour came. It started from about 8.30 (in the morning AEST) onwards and resulted in surface water, particularly at the 550 and 700 (metre marks),” Chadwick told Sky Racing.
“It’s not getting away and it won’t get away. The weather conditions being overcast and scuds of rain coming through, it’s going to stay the same or get worse.
“For safety reasons, we are out of play.”
There were six stakes races scheduled to be run on Saturday, including the Doomben Cup featuring star galloper Zaaki, The Roses, a key lead up to the Queensland Oaks, and the BRC Sprint, an important launching pad into the Stradbroke Handicap.
Officials from the Brisbane Racing Club (BRC) and Racing Queensland were meeting on Saturday to weigh up their options in regards to rescheduling the card.
“I believe the BRC and Racing Queensland are working on that so hopefully there will be an outcome and if we have to come back later on in the next few days, well, we’ll be here,” Chadwick said.
