Track conditions at Hastings are currently rated a Slow8 ahead of the final day of the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival on Saturday, where the feature race is the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m).
The rain this week was welcomed by farmers but rued by Hawke’s Bay track manager Richard Fenwick as he prepares the course for the 10 race card.
“We had 10.5mls on Tuesday and then we had 14mls on Wednesday night,” Fenwick said. “It has helped the farmers out but hasn’t helped me out.
“They are talking rain or showers up until Friday morning, which isn’t ideal. It is meant to fine up tomorrow and then on Saturday.”
With low temperatures predicted Fenwick isn’t confident of significant improvement in track conditions but said moving the rail out will provide the best surface possible.
“At best I am thinking it will be rated a Slow7,” he said. “The problem is it is 12 degrees today and 14 tomorrow, it is quite cold.
“There was a bit of wear and tear after the second day so we pulled the rail out three metres.
“Around the 600 bend there is not a hoofprint out at the three metre mark, so it is basically a new track. It should be ideal.”
