On behalf of Racing SA I would like to offer the industry a sincere apology for the events pertaining to yesterday’s abandoned meeting at Bordertown.
The decision not to race at Bordertown yesterday was the correct decision given the state of track after heavy rain. However, Racing SA should have made this decision earlier in conjunction with the club to ensure that participants were not inconvenienced. Further, communication with industry during the day was not acceptable.
Unfortunately, due to delays with the aircraft transporting the stewards to the meeting, the decision to postpone the meeting was only made at 2:00pm.
Racing SA has commenced a full review of the internal processes both prior to a race meeting and on the day of the race meeting to ensure that this circumstance does not re-occur. This review will include both the processes regarding the condition of the track (and any other issues that relate to the conduct of the meeting) and also the communication with participants throughout the process.
Participants will be compensated as per the Racing SA abandoned meeting policy, which provides $250 per horse in compensation while jockeys receive $240 (one x riding fee).
In addition to the standard compensation, an extra $250 per horse will be provided to trainers to assist with raceday expenses on behalf of owners. While each of the jockeys will also receive an extra $250.
The race meeting will not be re-scheduled as the Bordertown track will not have the chance to recover given the weather forecast this week. Pending nominations, Racing SA will divide races at the upcoming Strathalbyn and Naracoorte meetings to ensure horses are able to obtain a start.
Once again, Racing SA is committed to improving the process in order for this situation to not re-occur and apologises to the industry for the inconvenience caused. Racing SA will communicate the outcomes of the review to the industry once finalised.
Kind Regards,
Vaughn Lynch
