An ascent of heavy overnight rain compelled the postponement of Randwick’s feature race day and the much-coveted Missile Stakes. Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club decided on Saturday morning that the practice could not proceed due to the unsafe track, blamed upon incessant downpours throughout the week.
Randwick race postponed
What led to the postponement?
Randwick’s course proper was just barely holding under the onslaught of severe weather. Over 155 mm of rain fell earlier in the week. Another 45.3 mm was reported overnight, thereby increasing the woes of the already waterlogged course. The rating then shot up to Heavy 9.
Chief steward Tom Moxon reported that a track gallop at 6 a.m. only confirmed this scenario. Jockeys said the surface felt already at saturation point. Soon after, more showers moved in and laid water on parts of the track.
Why was the decision necessary?
Safety was of paramount importance for either the horse or its rider. Surface water increased the chances of slipping and falling, particularly in the turns. The forecast was for more rain during the day, meaning the conditions were unlikely to get better.
Hence, the Missiles Stake had to be postponed. Racing a prestigious Group 2 event on a sodden track compromises performance while also posing safety concerns.
Surface water risk halts Randwick races
Public reaction and industry impact
The decision received a mixed response from the public, with some commending the issue being brought to attention,’ while others criticised the inconsistencies surrounding the management of tracks.’
Social media users were quick to express their displeasure. One described Randwick as a “swamp” and wanted the authorities to move the race to Rosehill. Another pointed out that the races had proceeded under similar wet conditions at Rosehill.
Trainers and jockeys, while expressing disappointment, accepted the adjudication. Most believed the rescheduling would be logistically very difficult to achieve given the myriad other engagements on the spring racing calendar.
Which other meetings are affected?
The return to Randwick cancellation was part of an overall weather disruption throughout New South Wales. The country race meetings at Louth and Casino were also cancelled.
Casino received 35 mm of rain in the last two days, rendering its track unfit for racing. The only NSW meeting likely to withstand the rain showers on Saturday should be at Newcastle.
These widespread cancellations pose implications for betting markets in that bookmakers refund wagers and adjust odds for the rescheduled proceedings.
New south Wales weather forces Randwick cancellation
When will the Missile Stakes be run?
The new date is not announced yet by the Australian Turf Club and Racing NSW. Sources have it that the update may occur later during the day.
Rescheduling is complicated, however. Stakeholders would have to consider the recovery period for tracks, weather, and the rest of the racing calendar. The Missile Stakes stands as an early lead-up to the spring carnival, so any postponement can, therefore, affect the preparation for subsequent races.
Is this common in international racing?
Weather-related postponements occurred around the globe. Heavy rains and snow were the reasons for numerous cancellations of race days in England, Ireland, and Japan.
International protocols make safety the overriding concern. Horses are assets, while the welfare of the riders is an absolute priority. Such decisions as the one taken at Randwick on Saturday fall in line with the best global practices and hence do cause some disruption in the short run.
Market outlook and industry resilience
While such postponements do cause a temporary loss for the betting agencies and hospitality sector, they rarely end up affecting racing revenues for a long term. Interest, when in fact there is some rescheduling, is bound to grow for Randwick days.
Some analysts argue that Australian racing remains robust. For instance, the Spring racing season continues to enjoy huge patronage and wagering turnover, especially with flagship events like The Everest on the horizon.
Looking ahead
Weather forecasts predict more showers to continue over the weekend, possibly easing in the first half of the week. Track staff will continue to aerate and repair the surface once it dries after the rain.
Meanwhile, focus shifts to the Newcastle meeting that holds much greater importance for punters wanting weekend action. Those of Randwick that are postponed, most especially the Missile Stakes, will be in everyone’s lips until its date is finally fixed.
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Summary
- Event: Randwick races, including Missile Stakes, postponed.
- Reason: Track rated Heavy 9 after heavy rain of 45.3 mm overnight.
- Impact: Also resulted in the cancellation of country meetings at Louth and Casino.
- Public Reaction: Mixed—praiseworthy for the caution, worthy of criticism for inconsistency.
- Next Steps: Soon to be rescheduled.
- Industry View: Safety first and a decision that is in accordance with international standards.
