Another Victorian race meeting abandoned

Racing at Sale was brought to a premature end on Wednesday after Race 3 due to extreme wind and poor visibility conditions, forcing officials to abandon the meeting.

The final event to go ahead was won by Quello Dorato, trained by Danny O’Brien and ridden by Zac Spain, who prevailed in what were already challenging weather conditions.

Chief steward on the day, Simon Carey, confirmed that several jockeys raised safety concerns following the race. “During the running of Race 3, there were quite severe winds and rainfall,” Carey said.

“Following that race, the riders did express their concern with the visibility and the wind conditions. As a result, the stewards contacted the Weather Bureau, got a further update for the riders and consulted with them.”

After discussions, a vote was conducted among the riders engaged in Races 4 and 5, with 13 of the 15 opting to cease the meeting due to the adverse weather. “Therefore, the meeting was abandoned at 1:36,” Carey confirmed.

The Bureau of Meteorology had forecast worsening conditions, with ongoing rain and strong winds anticipated through the afternoon. The track, initially rated a Heavy 8, was downgraded to a Heavy 10 after the third race.

“The Bureau reported that it was going to be ongoing showers throughout the afternoon and gusty winds that would pick up as those showers came through,” Carey added. “There wasn’t really much opportunity for any improvement in the track.”

Connections of runners scheduled to compete in Races 4 through 8 will be eligible for compensation due to the cancellation.

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