Above: Jenny Lee and Pete Weisfelt made the most of their day out at the Healesville races.
By Melissa Donchi
HEALESVILLE races came to an abrupt halt on the weekend after jockeys elected to cancel half the day due to ‘icerink’ conditions.
Healesville Racing officials and jockeys came to the decision after a horse slipped on the surface during the third race on Saturday afternoon.
The weather was partly to blame with light morning drizzle contributing to a slippery track surface.
Club secretary Peter Jenkins said the decision was made in the interests of the welfare and safety for everyone.
“We put a new surface on the racks recently and it was cleared by Racing Victoria last week but you don’t really know until you put races on it,” Mr Jenkins said.
“One horse did slip and the jockeys elected to take an inspection and we all agreed we didn’t want to put anyone at risk.”
Luckily, the upset didn’t deter the hoards of racegoers that had turned up on the day with most people staying to watch the last races at Flemington.
Close to 2000 people enjoyed the picnic atmosphere and improved weather conditions towards the end of the day.
Mr Jenkins said he is confident the track surface will be ready for the next race meeting.
“There’s still a bit of work to be done but we’re looking forward to the rest of the season,” Mr Jenkins said.
“We’re confident we’ll have it right for the next meeting on 17 November.”
