Hanging Rock’s Australia Day meeting has been transferred to Kyneton after a drainage inspection found the popular country track’s racing surface could be compromised.
A remote controlled camera was used this week to inspect the entire drainage system after Hanging Rock’s New Year’s Day meeting was abandoned following the first race because of a cavity, caused by a split drainage pipe, under the track at the 150-metre mark.
Racing Victoria’s chief executive Rob Hines said the remote controlled camera revealed that the integrity of the drainage system at other points of the track may be compromised, requiring further investigation.
“With the safety of all horses and jockeys being of the highest importance, Racing Victoria and the Kyneton and Hanging Rock Racing Club (KHRRC) felt the only decision available is to transfer the meeting,” Hines said.
“The infrastructure team at Racing Victoria will now work closely with Country Racing Victoria and the KHRRC to fully understand the extent of the problem and the available options for reinstating the track.”
He said a recommendation would be prepared for consideration by the joint infrastructure committee of Country Racing Victoria and Racing Victoria.
“Racing Victoria is mindful of the important role Hanging Rock has played over the last 126 years in exposing thoroughbred racing to a wide range of people and the important role it plays in the community,” Hines said.
“We are very hopeful that these issues can be resolved in time to return to racing at Hanging Rock on New Year’s Day in 2013.”
As a gesture of goodwill from the KHRRC, entry to Kyneton on Australia Day will be a gold coin donation with half the proceeds to be donated to the National Jockeys Trust and half to the Jane McGrath Foundation.
AAP TURF
