Kyneton meeting abandoned as track concerns prompt jockey vote

Racing Victoria abandoned Thursday’s Kyneton meeting after jockeys raised concerns over inconsistencies in the track surface.

The track, initially rated in the soft range following 2.5mm of overnight rain, was downgraded after a further 5mm, with riders reporting varying firmness and slipping issues across sections of the course.

A vote among jockeys resulted in a 12-0 decision in favour of abandonment, with two abstentions, before stewards officially called off the eight-race program at 1.37pm.

The abandonment came despite a routine inspection on Wednesday and a gallop earlier in the day, indicating the surface was suitable for racing.

Racing Victoria confirmed its Tracks and Facilities team will inspect the course on Friday, while jumps-outs scheduled for Kyneton have also been cancelled as officials explore alternative arrangements.

Affected trainers can redirect runners to upcoming meetings at Seymour, Donald and Sandown, with RV to review programming, while compensation and business support subsidies will be paid to connections and jockeys.