With extreme heat forecast across Victoria and South Australia, Racing Victoria and Racing SA have implemented changes to ensure the safety of horses and participants.
The Geelong meeting on Saturday will proceed as scheduled despite a forecast high of 38°C. Racing Victoria opted against time changes following Bureau of Meteorology advice that cloud cover and a sea breeze would lower the “feels like” temperature. Heat management measures include additional veterinary staff, reduced horse time on course and in the mounting yard, and extra water for all participants.
The Wodonga meeting on Sunday has shifted to an earlier schedule, with the first race at 11:10am and the last at 2:15pm to avoid peak temperatures.
In South Australia, the Murray Bridge meeting on Saturday faces a forecast high of 42°C. Racing will begin at 8:58am with half-hour intervals, concluding by 1:07pm.