DUE to concerns over fire activity and heavy smoke conditions in the area around the Port Macquarie race track, officials have decided to cancel the race meeting scheduled for this Thursday.
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The North Coast area has been greatly affected by catastrophic bushfires over the past week and the seven-race program has been abandoned for the safety and welfare of horses, participants and patrons.
Air quality remains poor as around 50 blazes still burn in the area, with many still out of control, and with major roads in all directions either closed indefinitely or intermittently cut, the club were left with no alternative than to not proceed with the meeting.
Port's final race meeting for the year is set to be conducted on Tuesday November 26 with a stand-alone eight race program scheduled carrying $176,000 in overall prizemoney.
The feature will be an open handicap over 1500 metres together with a Benchmark 58 Rising Star event restricted to NSW apprentice riders only.
All roads will lead to Port for New Years Cup day on January 1 2020 with a six-race program, which has been granted full Sky Racing and TAB coverage.