NSW Mid North Coast racetrack Kempsey has been shut down indefinitely due to its unsafe racing surface.

Racing NSW CEO Peter V’landys said the country track has been “closed down” due to an unsafe racing surface caused by a contractor employed by the Kempsey Race Club.

“They had a contractor that was supposed to eradicate the weeds with a certain poison,’ V’landys said.

“Unfortunately, the contractor, instead of putting six parts of poison to water, put 60 time the poison on the surface, so he’s made a terrible error, a terrible mistake and its destroyed the turf."

V’landys said the “club is trying to rectify the problem but it is going to take time” and the poisoning of the track is the subject of legal proceedings.

“They are taking legal action against the contractor,” he said.

“We are not going to take any risks whatsoever with the safety of our participants and horses."

The race club is currently preparing a remedial plan which V’landys said he expects to see in the coming weeks.

“It’s unfortunate for the club but unfortunately it is their responsibility to rectify the problem,” he said.

“We will give assistance and resources.