'Madness' - Gai Waterhouse expresses frustration after Group 1 card is postponed following 17mm of rain

Australia's leading trainer Gai Waterhouse has slammed the abandonment of Saturday's Group 1 card at Rosehill as "madness" after the racing surface was deemed unraceable following 17mm of rain.

Waterhouse criticised the decision to postpone the meeting at which she was due to saddle the ex-Willie Mullins-trained Vauban in the Tancred Stakes. William Haggas was also set to run Dubai Honour in the race. 

The ground at the track in western Sydney was soft, but heavy rainfall overnight led to an inspection being brought forward by the Racing New South Wales stewards. The cancellation was made with the track forecast another 50mm of rain through the day.

Australian Turf Club head of racing and wagering Nevesh Ramdhan told the local press the abandonment was made as there was "no certainty" that the full programme would take place.

"What’s gone wrong?" Waterhouse posted on X. "17mm of rain and racing at Rosehill has been called off. I think anyone from overseas looking in on us would comment on what madness it is. 

"If this was NZ, Europe, UK, Ireland or the US they would all be racing at Rosehill, yet we’ve abandoned. I dread to think of the costs associated with this!"

Saturday's card will now take place on Tuesday with fields to remain the same.

Tom Marquand, who rides Dubai Honour, also has a ride in the other Group 1 on the card, the Vinery Stud Stakes, aboard Powers Of Opal.

Read these next:

'A perfect foundation to develop skills' - British Racing School launches gap year with yard placements in UK and Australia 

'A horse with very rare ability' - City Of Troy to shuttle to Coolmore Australia this year 

Ryan Moore to ride in Australia on Dubai World Cup night with James McDonald off to Meydan  

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.