Severe winds force Geelong abandonment

Racing Victoria and the Geelong Racing Club abandoned the remaining six races of Thursday’s program after severe winds made conditions unsafe.

The decision came after race two, when jockeys raised concerns with stewards about escalating wind gusts.

With the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting gradual improvement, stewards initially delayed the meeting by 30 minutes before reassessing. A further delay was imposed prior to race three, but conditions failed to ease.

Following consultation with riders, and with no guarantee the winds would subside, stewards called off the remainder of the program. Jockeys voted 11–1 in favour of abandonment.

Connections of horses scheduled for races three to eight will receive compensation.

RV’s Racing Operations department will review the upcoming program to determine if adjustments are needed to accommodate affected horses.