Stewards order Caulfield rail shift after track concerns ahead of Group 1 raceday
Stewards were forced into a last-minute move to shft the Caulfield rail out an additional four metres on a dual Group 1 raceday, with the opening race delayed while works were completed.
Stewards ordered an additional four-metre rail shift in the Caulfield straight after identifying concerns with the inside section of the track before Saturday’s Group 1 race meeting.
The change covered the section from the 350-metre mark to the winning post and is intended to keep the affected ground out of use. Racing Victoria said the decision followed an inspection conducted in consultation with riders.
“Following an inspection of the Caulfield track, in consultation with riders, Stewards identified several areas of concern regarding the surface on the inside section of the track in the straight,” Racing Victoria said.
RV said stewards acted “out of an abundance of caution” and instructed that the moveable rail be moved an additional four metres through that part of the course.
The issue was first identified when jockeys were inspecting the track ahead of the meeting.
The first race was delayed by 10 minutes while the required works were carried out. Racing.com reported a delay at 11.28am AEST, before Racing Victoria published details of the inspection and rail movement at 11.54am.
Caulfield is scheduled to host both the Sir Rupert Clarke and the Underwood Stakes on Saturday.
MRC released a statement prior to the first race.
“During a routine track inspection on Saturday morning an issue was identified with a number of the standard track repair plugs near the inside rail, some of which appeared uneven or loose,” the MRC said.
“The use of these plugs is standard maintenance practice undertaken regularly at racecourses, with safety of the horse and riders paramount, the decision was made to move the rail out as a precautionary measure.
“The Melbourne Racing Club will undertake a review immediately following today’s meeting.”
“Outside the affected area, the track is in excellent condition and is expected to race well throughout today’s Underwood Stakes Day meeting.”
The last-minute move drew significant social media commentary, with some concerned it could lead to greater track bias.
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