Birdsville card postponed after unseasonal rain in another blow for iconic carnival

The two-day meeting in remote west Queensland is in jeopardy after heavy rain hammered the dirt track on Wednesday and Thursday, forcing Friday’s card to be postponed.

Stewards were forced to call off Friday’s Birdsville meeting after a deluge of rain. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen-MaxAgency

The iconic Birdsville Cup carnival has been dealt another blow after officials were forced to call off the first day of the meeting due to an unseasonal deluge of rain at the typically bone-dry dirt track.

Heavy rain hammered the track on Wednesday and Thursday, forcing Friday’s postponement, but easing rain and strong winds have paved the way for racing to return on Saturday.

The decision was made to race on Saturday, with Friday’s six-race card also moved to Sunday.

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Apprentice jockey Alisha Donald with Birdsville Cup runner Bernie’s Tiger. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen-MaxAgency

“Thankfully, conditions have improved and we’ve been working hard to ready the track for an awesome days of racing and festivities as we celebrate 140 years of the Birdsville Races We thank all our punters and partners for their patience and support.”

“So much work goes into putting the Birdsville Races on and so many punters travel thousands of kilometres to join us at this unique outback carnival,” Birdsville Racing Club vice president Gary Brook said.

It comes as the meeting was rocked by allegations of jigger use by jockey Ric McMahon and trainer Todd Austin.

The pair, who were due to combine on the favourite Lubuk in the $42,000 Cup have been suspended by Queensland Racing Integrity Officials, and Austin’s six horses across the two cards have been scratched.

Originally published as Birdsville card postponed after unseasonal rain in another blow for iconic carnival