weed River Jockey Club general manager Brian Charman is confident Murwillumbah will be ready to race next month despite losing its non-TAB Anzac Day meeting because of damage to the track caused by the recent floods.

The track was under water for almost a week and the grass on the inside fence had not recovered to the satisfaction of stewards to safely hold the meeting.

"The inside of the track was the first to go under and last to dry out, and it is taking a bit of time to get it back," Charman said. "We don't have a movable rail, so the couple of metres that is the main problem could not be avoided. 

"We have had Dave Hodgson up here from Racing NSW and have regeneration and strategic plan in place and we should be right for our meeting on May 8. If we raced on Anzac Day, it would have set the whole process back."

The focus of the club after the flood was to get its sand training facility back in working order for its trainers and it has put all its funds into having it ready. The club has also been helped out by the Australian Turf Club, which will send a truckload of furniture. "It was unbelievably generous and much appreciated," Charman said.

RESPECT FOR JONES

Jockey Darren Jones, who was killed in a race fall at Warialda earlier in the month, was farewelled at a funeral at Tamworth racecourse on Thursday. His life will be celebrated at the Glen Innes track from 11am on Sunday. The Glen Innes Jockey Club organised the day for people from Jones' home town and the wider racing community.

RACE DIARY

Monday: Grafton. Tuesday: Armidale, Bathurst, Cessnock, Deniliquin, Kempsey, Nyngan. Friday: Goulburn, Port Macquarie. Saturday: Bedgerebong, Binnaway, Casino, Tumut.

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