The refurbished Awapuni track passed recent trial tests but was shut down after the first race at the Anzac Day meeting today. Photo / Race Images.
Awapuni’s long-awaited return to racing on its newly renovated grass track has ended in disappointment, with their Anzac Day meeting abandoned after a slip in the opening race.
“A horse slipped on the outside,” RACE’s general manager of racing Brad Taylor said.
“Walking the track, there is no visual slip, but we have got to have jockeys’ safety first.
“They are the ones going out there and riding on it and it’s on us that this has happened.
“It’s really unfortunate, but we will learn from it and put the plans and processes in place to make amends for it and hopefully be back here in three weeks.”