The New Zealand Derby meeting at Ellerslie will proceed on Sunday after heavy rain made racing today impossible.

Reid Sanders, who is just two weeks into his new role as New Zealand's chief steward, was part of the delegation who had to make the big call this morning to postpone the classic meeting.

"We walked the track and it will deteriorate further as the rain hasn't eased up," said Sanders.

"The weather predicted is also for severe winds and we have information from the Civil Defence Department and they advised people in Northland to stay at home because of the weather.

"We're being pro-active and to assist the industry there's more chance of the meeting going ahead tomorrow."

David Haworth, president of the NZ Trainers' Association, champion jockey Michael Walker, two stipendiary stewards and club officials inspected the track.

Today's Trentham meeting is proceeding.

heavy rain :ggg: