The opening event of the harness racing season has been postponed due to Tropical Storm Philippe, which is expected to make a direct hit on the island this afternoon.

The Driving Horse and Pony Club made the announcement today as the storm continues to close in on the island.

“With the closest point of Tropical Storm Philippe today, the committee has decided to cancel tonight’s races,” the club said in a statement.

“We hope to have better weather for next week and have our season opener Saturday night (October 14) at 6pm.

“All entries from today will carry over to next week. Any new entries for October 14 are due by 5pm Monday.

“Stay safe and we hope to see you next weekend.”

The originally scheduled season opener at the National Equestrian Centre would have seen teams competing in among five separate time bars spread across eight heats.

Featured on the racecard were Lee Raynor Jr’s stallion, Special Gold, the Martins family mare Double Time, and Maurice Raynor’s gelding Rockeyed Optimist, in the Free for All Division boasting the fastest ponies on the island.