URGENT UPDATE: Racing Victoria (RV) has just announced that the racing meeting originally scheduled for Friday, January 9, 2025, at Werribee Racecourse has been officially postponed to Monday, January 12, due to extreme heat forecasts. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) warns that temperatures in Werribee could soar to a staggering 41 degrees Celsius on Friday afternoon.
This critical decision prioritizes the welfare of both horses and participants amid the potentially hazardous weather conditions. RV explored several options to reschedule the meet, but Monday emerged as the best alternative, as no other racing events are slated for that day in Victoria.
In light of this postponement, acceptances for the Picklebet Park Werribee meeting will now be deferred by 48 hours, with new acceptances scheduled for 9 AM on Friday, January 9. Officials have confirmed that all race distances will remain unchanged, ensuring the event can proceed smoothly on the new date.
RV’s stringent Procedure for Racing in Hot Weather Policy has been activated, reflecting the organization’s commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of horses and all participants involved.
As temperatures rise, it is crucial for the racing community to stay informed about weather-related changes. Horse owners, trainers, and fans should keep an eye on further updates as the situation develops.
Stay tuned for more updates on this story as Racing Victoria continues to monitor the weather conditions closely.
