Questions have been raised again about the management of racemeetings by racing operators and the racing regulator after today’s Vaal turf racemeeting was moved to the Classic track after the running of the first race.
Does anybody in authority walk the track before a meeting starts?
We have been repeatedly assured over the years by the NHRA and the operator that inspections are done – but today’s logistical disaster once again showed that racing authorities still have to pull up their socks on the fundamentals.
The impact and inconvenience to all stakeholders is unacceptable.
A release issued by 4racing said that after the running of race 1 at the Vaal , the jockeys raised concerns regarding the state of the track with regards to inconsistent underfoot conditions.
A decision was made to move the race meeting to the Vaal Classic track in order to give trainers, owners and jockeys the opportunity to race.
Trainers were given time to voluntarily scratch their horses. The change of track was done in terms of Operators Clause 4.8
New off times as follows:
- Race 2-13:30
- Race 3 -14:00
- Race 4-14:30
- Race 5-15:05
- Race 6-15:35
- Race 7-16:10
- Race 8-16:45
Distance change – Race 6 is now to be run over 1450m,
A spokesman for Hollywoodbets said that given the change of track all fixed odds bets on races 2-8 with the exception of race 5 will be null and void as per their terms and conditions.
He explained that the fifth was originally carded to be around the turn and as such bets thereon stand . All open and exotic bets stand, but can be cancelled by clients if requested
