Kumara all set for big raceday

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The marquees are up, the form is being studied and the raincoats have been put to one side – for a few hours at least – as Kumara prepares for one of the highlights of the country's racing calendar.

Fears that today's Kumara race meeting would be abandoned after nearly a metre of rain fell on parts of the West Coast this week have been averted.

Thousands of Cantabrians will travel across Arthur's Pass to join the crowd for the town's big day.

The official track rating was upgraded yesterday, leaving little doubt that racing would go ahead as planned.

Kumara Racing Club president Patrick Meates said last night: "The track is in very good condition considering the amount of rain we've had. There are about 50 marquees up. At the moment it's nice and fine, and it's been fine all day."

MetService is forecasting a mainly fine start to the day but some drizzle spreading north during the afternoon or evening, turning to rain later.

Kumara has about 300 residents but turns into a city once a year.

Two years ago, the meeting was abandoned during the day. However, racegoers made the most of their efforts to travel there and celebrated into the night.

The day's racing is centred on the running of the $22,500 Kumara Gold Nuggets.

The first race is at 12.15pm, with the last at 5.55pm. Track and weather conditions can be checked at www.nzracing.co.nz.