The predicted extreme heat in Sydney has prompted racing officials to postpone the Apollo Stakes meeting at Randwick because of welfare concerns for horses and human participants.
Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club have moved the meeting from Saturday to Monday and adjusted the race times with the Apollo to jump at 5.40pm to allow as many people as possible to get to the track after work to watch Winx.
The forecast heat over the weekend has also forced Saturday’s Kembla Grange meeting on the NSW South Coast to be abandoned while country fixtures at Braidwood and Tumut have been postponed.
Sunday’s Grafton program featuring the first heat of the Country Championship has also been moved to Monday because of the heat.
“Racing NSW and the ATC believed that animal welfare and the welfare of the participants should be the only consideration when making this decision,” Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys said.
Winx’s trainer Chris Waller said the decision to move the Randwick meeting was the right one for all concerned including horses and staff.
Barrier trials scheduled to be held at the track on Monday will now be on Thursday.
Entry to Randwick on Monday will be free with all pre-sold tickets for Saturday to be refunded.
Race times at Caulfield and Kyneton in Victoria on Saturday will not be moved.
“Our race times will stay the same,” Racing Victoria’s Greg Carpenter said.
“I would expect Sky Channel to alter some of the times for interstate programs.”
Have Your Say: Did Racing NSW make the right call to move the meeting? – Leave a comment below.
Race Time Changes:
The first of 10 races will now jump at Randwick at 1.20pm on Monday with the Apollo Stakes at 5.40pm and the final race at 6.50pm.
— Andrew Bensley (@AndrewBensley) February 10, 2017
