Racing Victoria (RV) and the Moonee Valley Racing Club (MVRC) wish to advise that tomorrow night’s (Friday, 31 January) meeting at The Valley 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 that temperatures will reach 42 degrees in Melbourne late tomorrow and remain above 40 for the scheduled commencement of the race meeting at 6.30pm.
RV Executive General Manager – Racing, Greg Carpenter, said: “While it is disappointing for all that The Valley’s Lunar New Year meeting will not proceed tomorrow night, the welfare of our horses and participants must be the priority and the decision to abandon the meeting upon veterinary advice is the appropriate one in the circumstances.
“The hottest part of the day is predicted to be late afternoon when many horses would be required to travel, and the temperature is currently predicted to be 41 degrees when the meeting is scheduled to start at 6.30pm.
“The race meeting will not be rescheduled; however we will review the program to determine whether any individual races are reprogrammed and make any announcements in due course.
“Whilst the meeting will not be rescheduled, the MVRC have advised that they will explore the opportunity of hosting their Lunar New Year celebrations at their next race meeting on Friday night, 7 February.”
Horses engaged at tomorrow’s night meeting, may be entered as normal entries for Bendigo and Ararat on Wednesday, 5 February until 12 noon tomorrow.
RV’s Procedure for Racing in Hot Weather Policy is enacted at all meetings where hot weather conditions are forecast to ensure the health and wellbeing of horses and participants.