Racing Victoria (RV) and Wangaratta Turf Club have announced that Saturday’s (4 January 2020) meeting at Wangaratta has been moved to Monday, 6 January 2020 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 a high of 45 degrees in Wangaratta this Saturday, with the hottest part of the day from 12pm to 3pm, meaning horses travelling to and from the meeting will be transported in extreme heat. The forecast temperature for Monday is 28 degrees.
Due to the meeting date change acceptances will close at 10am this Thursday, 2 January 2020.
RV Executive General Manager – Racing, Greg Carpenter, said with extreme weather conditions forecast for Wangaratta this Saturday the decision has been made to move the meeting to next Monday following consultation with our vets, industry stakeholders and the BOM.
“Horse and participant welfare are paramount so moving the meeting was the most appropriate decision.
“We will continue to monitor conditions across the state during this period of extreme weather and work with industry stakeholders to make the best decisions for all participants and our equine athletes,” Carpenter said.