Auckland delayed until this evening

Press, 14 May 1981, Page 22

Auckland delayed until this evening

PA' Auckland Unless there is a lot more rain,' the Alexandra Park track should provide a good surface for the second night .of the Auckland Trotting Rowe Cup meeting "this evening after its postponement because of a downpour yesterday. The postponement, which was decided by the club at 11 a.m. appeared premature when the weather seemed to be clearing early in the' 'afternoon.

However, then more heavy rain fell and, at 2.30 p.m., the parade ring and other parts of the course were under water. “The rain was torrential and if we had held the meeting as planned conditions would have been very difficult,’’ Mr Jim Patterson, the club secretary said. He said the club had obtained a long-range weather forecast and the prospects were “bleak” for the evening. •

' “The decision to postpone: , was one we did not' like; • making, but it was felt there i was no alternative.” Mr Patterson said it would I cost the club money in the ■ form of additional press and ; radio advertising. , Withdrawals for the final night of the meeting on Sat-. ■ urday were to have closed at 11 o’clock last night but will now close at the same time this evening.