Racing Victoria (RV) and Werribee Racing Club have announced that tomorrow’s (Monday, 30 December) meeting at Werribee has been abandoned due to the forecast extreme heat.
The decision, made in consultation with the RV veterinary department, Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), Australian Trainers Association (ATA) and Victorian Jockeys Association (VJA), is in the best interests of horse and participant welfare.
The BOM has forecast temperatures will reach 39 degrees by 11am tomorrow, with extreme heat forecast by 2pm including an expected high of 43 degrees, meaning that horses travelling post-race will be travelling in temperatures in excess of 40 degrees.
RV Executive General Manager – Racing, Greg Carpenter, said: “The weather conditions forecast tomorrow are extreme and following consultation with our vets and the BOM it was determined that abandoning the meeting was the most appropriate decision for the welfare of our horses and participants.
The confirmation of any rescheduling of races will be subject to further advice.
Horses who were engaged at Werribee may enter as extended nominations by 4pm today for the Victorian meetings being held New Year’s Day, with acceptances for those meetings taken tomorrow morning.