Hunter North West Racing Association chief steward Shane Cullen said it was “disappointing to move the meeting but it was a safety issue”.

“The section between the 900m and 300m was unsatisfactory to conduct a meeting,” he said.

“It hasn’t dried and with the heavy dew overnight it has deteriorated.

“It’s disappointing it’s come to this but hopefully it will be rectified before we go into the next wet season.”

Safety first was also a major concern for respected Tamworth trainer Sue Grills.

While she was disappointed to have a home meeting moved she was more than happy to race at Scone.

“First and foremost it’s a safety issue but we have no problems about racing a Scone,” she said.

“It’s a good track and we have had a lot of good luck there.”

She also said the fact trainers had been given early notice meant they could easily make travel arrangements.

Grills has six runners at Scone on Friday, although she will probably only start five.

Tamworth Jockey Club is currently working with Racing NSW and drainage consultants to find a solution to rectify the problem, TJC general manager Kay Jeffrey said.

“The safety of jockeys and horses are our main priority,” she said.

“Our track staff has been working tirelessly since receiving rain on Monday to get the track ready to race.

“Although we are very disappointed to have the meeting transferred we are looking forward to a great day’s racing at Scone [tomorrow] raising money for our local drought-affected farmers with the Furney’s Friday Farmers Flanno race day.”

Tamworth Jockey Club president Greg Birtles said the club had “been in consultation with drainage experts”.

“We are looking at all options available to us to rectify this situation in the future,” he said.