After a week of near cancellations and last-minute changes, the Louth Races has been forced to cancel the race meeting for the third year running after local rain has left road conditions unsafe.

Prepped to return bigger and better than ever after a two year sabbatical, the last minute cancellation made today followed every effort to keep the event alive, despite gloomy weather forecasts for day, August 6.

After 18 millimetres recorded in Louth so far, the race meeting has been declared a washout, Louth Turf Club Secretary Tegan Barton said there was not much to be done.

“The track is covered in water, basically underwater. There’s no way we could possibly race and put everybody in danger,” Ms Barton said. 

Sunny days are better for the novelty dressers but wet weather can be fun too. IMAGE: louthraces.com

Still, organisers are committed to ensure the party continues, and for those on the right side of the tracks, there’s still plenty to do. 

“The pub is fully stocked, they’ve got live music Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and on Sunday there’s always a good recovery at the pub,” Ms Barton said. 

Usually stacked with multiple events in the week leading up to the races, the show will go on for those who can make it, albeit in a different capacity. 

Live music, damper and scone competitions and station tours were going ahead on Thursday August 4, with Louth Public School Fete still having good intentions of continuing on Friday August 5. 

“Come along and support the small school because they really need it,” Ms Barton said. 

It's a bit 'rainy' for the races this year - might need that boat. IMAGE: louthraces.com [2019]

While the committee is finding ways to make lemonade out of lemons, the cancellation has been a disappointing blow. 

“This is an unprecedented three years in a row, and it hurts big time,” the committee reported. 

“Not only because all we want to do is throw the best party with some great outback racing, but also because of all the time and money that has been invested by the clb, the sponsors, the pub and the vendors.”

Earlier this week the event had already suffered the loss of the Gundabooka vs Louth Golf Club Challenge, which was postponed to next year following a ‘hiccup’ with the insurance. 

The latest road closures from Bourke and Cobar Shire Councils was the final nail in the coffin for the race meeting. 

Willing attendees are urged to avoid closed roads for their own safety, and the committee has asked people beyond the road closures to forfeit their attendance. Penalties apply.