Brumby race scratched by health and safety issues

Rawene's popular Brumby race - the 2016 event is pictured here - has been canned as it seems overcoming health and safety hurdles is too much.

The canning of the popular Rawene Brumby Races has irked punters, some bemoaning the fact the event had fallen victim to the "cotton wool brigade".

The Far North's horse enthusiasts will now have to find something else to do come the first Saturday in March next year.

Organiser Rob Pink said after seven consecutive years of country fun, the races had to come to an end.

Mr Pink said he largely organised the event himself, and the prospect of another was too much. He hinted that tough new health and safety rules played a part in the decision, but did not elaborate further.

"We've had a great seven years of fun, but now it's got to end," Mr Pink said.

There were no plans to restart the event in 2018 unless somebody else took up the baton.

People were saddened by the demise of the event when its cancellation was announced on Facebook.

Karen Reeves said: "That's so sad Rob, after all the work you've put into it. It's been a great community day as well, bringing so many people to the Hoki for it. Why can't the PC brigade just back off for once?".

Kev Robinson said the event had been "a blast". "What a bummer," he said.

And Paul Jondenelen said it was "another great event lost to the cotton wool brigade".

"What a shame, thanks for the awesome work Rob and team."