The Coast race meeting transferred from Gosford to Newcastle on Saturday

A Heavy 10 rating and forecast for more rain has forced Racing NSW to move The Coast meeting from Gosford to Newcastle.

Gosford’s standalone meeting on Saturday — which boasts more than $2 million prizemoney — has been transferred to Newcastle.

Racing NSW said on Thursday afternoon: “Due to the current Heavy 10 rating of Gosford racecourse and with the weather forecast of further rainfall, including on raceday, it has been decided to transfer the Gosford meeting to Newcastle where the track is currently rated a Soft 7.”

The below races have had their distances changed:

Race 4, Benchmark 78 Handicap, 2100m - now 2200m.

Race 6, Gosford Gold Cup, 2100m - now 2200m.

Race 9, Benchmark 78 Handicap, 1000m - now 900m.

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In addition, the field limit for Race 2 (Midway Handicap), Race 3 (TAB Highway Handicap) and Race 7 (Takeover Target Stakes) will be reduced from 16 to 14 to comply with Racing NSW barrier limits.

GRC chief executive Daniel Lacey said he was disappointed the club’s feature meeting which includes the $500,000 The Coast, $300,000 Gosford Gold Cup and $250,000 Takeover Target Stakes has had to be moved to Newcastle.

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“It’s disappointing to lose the raceday at Gosford,’’ Mr Lacey said. “Our track team has put in a lot of effort to present the course as best we can.

“The Coast is our club’s richest day with over $2 million in prizemoney. It has been a game changer for the industry not to mention the knock-on effort for the region’s economy.

“But the decision has been made to move the meeting to Newcastle and hopefully we will be back at Gosford bigger and better next year.’’

Originally published as The Coast race meeting transferred from Gosford to Newcastle on Saturday