Following the incident at New Plymouth affecting the track the decision was made to look at Hawera as the replacement meeting for the December 24 Raceday. Following this decision, which was made on the basis of a favourable weather forecast with respect to rain, the Hawera Track, which does not have irrigation, was verti-drained on Friday. This was followed by rainfall over the weekend.

Regional Track Advisor Bart Cowan will inspect the track on Sunday to ensure the track is still on target to race. This is the same process that was recently undertaken to ensure Waipa was safe for trialing given the time of year.

New Plymouth will also be inspected on Monday with a view to racing returning to the venue. Post this inspection a further decision will be made as to a venue for the December 27 race day.