Racing SA is working towards a solution to help stables affected by the delayed start to the Port Lincoln season, as it addresses issues related to the racetrack's condition.
Port Lincoln meetings scheduled for October 5 and October 26 will not be run, with some parts of the course proper declared unfit for racing.
Damage from treatment during the turf track’s annual renovation is taking longer than expected to repair, despite the best efforts of the Port Lincoln Racing Club (PLRC) and Racing SA’s track management team.
This has resulted in inadequate turf growth, making the track unsafe for racing.
Racing SA chief operating officer Ryan Stanaway says it is a wait-and-see scenario for the club, which was due to stage 12 meetings in 2025/2026.
“Essentially, the track hasn't recovered or bounced back in certain sections to allow us to race safely,” he told The Straight.
“And so, we've made a decision on those October meetings but we won't speculate on a return date given there's a lot of variables for turf growth in terms of rain, heat and other factors.”
More than 1200 horses competed throughout the 2024/2025 Port Lincoln season and Stanaway says the regulator is investigating ways to ensure trainers have a reason to keep their teams in work during the recess.
“We will probably finalise that in the next 48 hours. We're looking to finalise how we can support the trainers and that horse population,” he said.
Racing SA will explore alternative programming options in conjunction with trainers in the Port Lincoln and Eyre Peninsula regions.
“We are disappointed that the start of the Port Lincoln season will be delayed due to these circumstances,” Stanaway said.
“It's obviously an important hub. Port Lincoln and the broader Eyre Peninsula region remain an integral part of the South Australian racing landscape, and we will support the region’s racing community where possible to minimise this impact.”
PLRC general manager Elouise Dukalskis said the delay to the season’s opening meeting was small price to pay considering the welfare issues at stake.
“Port Lincoln Racing Club will always hold safety and integrity in the highest regard,” she said.
“The outcome of yesterday's inspection does not diminish the ongoing tremendous efforts of our staff, committee and local racing community, and we are grateful for the ongoing support of the professional team at Racing SA.
“We look forward to providing high-quality race day experiences in Port Lincoln in the near future."
