Racing and training on the course proper of prominent Victorian country track Benalla has been suspended for the remainder of the racing season.
Racing Victoria said the racetrack had been closed on safety grounds.
The move comes after a race meeting on Tuesday was called off because of a hole in the track.
It was the third time in less than 12 months a meeting has been lost because of the track’s structural problems.
“Given the issues that have occurred at Benalla over the past 20 months, we will not be resuming racing at Benalla until we are convinced beyond all doubt that the venue is safe for racing,” Racing Victoria chief operating officer Bernard Saundry said in a statement.
“We will immediately begin a total examination of every aspect of the Benalla track, including the drainage system and all associated infrastructure to ensure absolute safety for horse and rider.
“Once we are fully satisfied and confident of the track’s integrity, we will then consider the resumption of racing.”
Benalla trainers will still have access to a sand track for training.
However, a meeting between trainers and Racing Victoria officials will be held next week to decide the best way to overcome problems associated with the closure.
