Scone meeting to go ahead under scrutiny

Racing at Scone will go ahead with authorities to keep monitoring the area while bushfires burn around NSW.

Racing NSW has conducted a risk assessment for Tuesday’s meeting in regard to fires burning principally in the Mid North Coast and northern areas of NSW and increasing temperatures forecast for the Greater Hunter Region.

Scone is in the Upper Hunter and the location of many of Australia’s most famous thoroughbred studs.

“Having considered the current weather forecast, fire status and air quality, Racing NSW has determined that the meeting will proceed,” Racing NSW said.

The governing body says anyone who does not wish to participate at the meeting should make contact with Racing NSW stewards to advise of their intention not to race.

Trainers and owners are also advised that horses may be scratched from the meeting without charge.

Conditions in NSW are expected to worsen on Tuesday but calmer weather is expected in Queensland where 50 fires are burning.