Saturday’s horse racing at Randwick has been dramatically called off at the last minute and a mad scramble has followed.

Racing NSW Stewards made the call on Saturday morning after heavy and persistent rain smashed Sydney.

Rated in the soft range on Friday, the course proper was downgraded to a heavy 10 early on Saturday morning before a track inspection by Racing NSW stewards at around 8am AEST deemed it unsafe for racing.

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Chief Steward Steve Railton said while the wash out was disappointing, the amount of surface water on the course, combined with a forecast for more rain, left them with little choice.

“It’s obviously disappointing to have to call it off, but it’s the right call,” Railton said.

“We got a lot more rain than what was anticipated and forecast.

“When we inspected the track there was surface water, where previously it had just been squelch.

“The track is not suitable to race.

“We had half an inch overnight, an equal amount this morning and it is still raining.

“The rain is leaving the track in a state where we can’t be satisfied that we could safely conduct races.

“I think to bring people here to race is going to waste everybody’s time.”

A this stage it is unclear if any races, including the $200,000 Listed Civic Stakes, will be rescheduled.

Racing officials were due to have discussions later on Saturday to determine if any races could be saved.

Racing NSW did hold an 11-race card only two weeks ago, however.

That decision was made when the Lord Mayor’s Cup was postponed the week before.

Officials and broadcasters have quickly adjusted their plans after Racing NSW’s late call.

Channel 7 has announced it will now broadcast racing live and free from Newcastle, as well Ipswich and Flemington.

– With RAS Newswire