Burst pipe ends Hamilton fixture

Racing Victoria called off Tuesday’s Hamilton meeting after a burst water pipe left a section of the track waterlogged.

Racecourse staff found extensive surface water near the 300-metre mark during a routine inspection before 7am, prompting immediate concern about the state of the track. Trainers were advised shortly after that RV stewards would conduct a formal assessment at 8am.

That inspection confirmed the surface was unsafe for racing, and the meeting was abandoned on safety grounds. Trainers impacted by the cancellation were given the opportunity to re-nominate their runners for upcoming meetings.

Racing Victoria’s operations team will review the program to determine whether further adjustments are needed. The governing body and the Hamilton club will also work through repair plans for the damaged pipe, with the aim of having the track ready for its next scheduled meeting on January 6.