The Australian Turf Club after consultation with Racing NSW Stewards and Racing NSW CEO Peter V’Landys have postponed The Championships Day 1 at Royal Randwick today until Monday 6 April.
Persistent rain overnight and throughout this morning – with no break in the weather forecast all through today –meant that jockey safety and visibility on the track was of particular concern for Racing NSW Stewards.
All general admission and hospitality tickets – with the exception of Little Sydney – will be valid for Monday’s meeting, but all other ticketholders will have the option of receiving a refund.
Tickets to Little Sydney sold for 4 April will be fully refunded and Little Sydney will be closed on Monday.
Racing NSW Chief Steward Ray Murrihy said: “With the significant amount of rain that has fallen since 6am we couldn’t be confident due to the visibility for jockeys in the rain, and the effect that the rain would have had on the track,’’ Mr Murrihy said.
Australian Turf Club Chief Executive Officer Darren Pearce said officials had made the decision to postpone today’s meeting as early as possible.
“Likely visibility problems and persistent rain forecast for the rest of the day was of too much concern in regard to jockey safety,’’ Mr Pearce said.
“We wanted to give today every chance but at the same time give customers and participants as much notice before postponing until Monday.’’
With today’s meeting moved to Monday, the Easter Monday meeting scheduled for Warwick Farm will be moved to Wednesday at Warwick Farm.
The ATC and Racing NSW will advise later today of all revised race times and other arrangements for The Championships Day 1 at Royal Randwick, on 6 April.
Gates will open for ATC Members at 10am on Monday and at 10.15am for the general public. The first race will be run at 11.25am and the final race at 5pm, with further race times to be advised later today.
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