Caulfield times adjusted under Racing Victoria hot weather policy

Racing Victoria has brought forward the start time of Saturday’s Caulfield meeting due to forecast hot weather.

Featuring five black-type races, including two Blue Diamond Stakes Previews, the 10-race program will now start at 11.20am and finish at 4.25pm (AEDT).

The revised schedule is designed to avoid the hottest part of the day and shortens the overall program by 15 minutes by introducing 30-minute gaps early, replacing longer breaks later in the afternoon.

In line with Racing Victoria’s extreme weather policy, horses will be required to arrive on course only one hour before their intended race time, with reduced time in the mounting yard and additional cooling stations provided in horse-specific areas.

Race times have also been adjusted for Saturday’s country meetings at Great Western and Yea.

Great Western now races from 11.31am to 3.26pm (AEDT) and Yea from 12.06pm to 3pm (AEDT).

The hot weather policy is enacted when elevated temperatures are forecast to ensure the health and welfare of horses, jockeys and raceday staff.