The seven-race program went ahead despite last week’s tragic super storm with trainer Tritton and driver Panella saluting on five occasions.

The card started well for the reigning NSW metropolitan premiership winners with three wins from as many starts courtesy of Ohoka Royal, Going Halves and Afterburn.

This was followed by back-to-back success in the fifth and sixth events with Image Of Courage and Nota lady both getting up.

All five runners were short-priced favourites.

Tritton and Panella also placed in the fourth with a third on Glenochar some 3.6 metres behind eventual winner Rollon Gidget, a $19.40 shot trained and driven by the Sellars family.

The seventh and final race of the night was taken out by Jumbo Asakei, a four-year-old gelding which paid $11.60 for victory over the mile.

Newcastle Harness Racing Club also forged ahead with Thursday afternoon’s meeting just two days after the peak of the storm, which caused damage to the outer fencing of the track.

Ellalong’s Michael Formosa had an impressive night with consecutive triumphs in the third and fourth on board Ultimate Courage and Master Macca.

Glenn McElhinney also experienced a double driving Bandit Stride and Nine Card Player in the second and last respectively.

Racing is scheduled for Newcastle again on Thursday and Saturday.

In other harness racing news, the first Ross Gigg Driver Challenge was postponed by the Newcastle-Maitland Mini Trot Association on Saturday.

Extreme conditions and stranded ponies meant an alternate date will be selected shortly.

“At this stage six of our nominated ponies are unfortunately affected by the floods including Megan McNamara’s, who are currently on a small island with rising water,” Daryll Jackson said.

“Although the extreme weather conditions have eased in the lower Hunter, the backlog of water is just reaching Maitland and surrounding areas causing major concerns for the district with a number of roads now inaccessible.”

Jackson said it was a tough call to make but an understandable one in light of the situation.

“We didn’t make this decision lightly, we are very excited about the concept and will put forward a new suitable date as soon as it is practicable and we still hope all of the participants can attend,” he said.

“Those that nominated ponies did so to assist in the memory of Ross Gigg and with that support it is only fair we give everyone the chance to attend.”