Werribee given go ahead for spring

Monday 12 August 2013, 6:26pm

Officials have declared the Werribee racetrack will be ready to host the international gallopers for the spring carnival after extensive remedial works.

An investigation was launched after a race meeting at the track on July 17 had to be abandoned when the surface was deemed unsafe for racing.

On that day, two horses had to be euthanised after being injured while competing and young apprentice Boris Thornton was lucky to escape harm after he came off one of the gallopers which had broken down.

The Racing Victoria investigation called on the advice of two agronomists as well as Flemington track manager Mick Goodie.

Overuse of the surface was cited as a factor with Werribee hosting an extra two meetings and three trial sessions than originally scheduled.

A program of remedial work has begun ahead of the arrival of the arrival of the first consignment of international horses late next month.

The Werribee centre is used as the quarantine and training facility for international horses during the Melbourne spring.

Racing Victoria admitted the surface stability at the July 17 meeting had not been of an acceptable standard and had deteriorated quickly.

"We are disappointed that for a range of factors the track has taken a backward step this winter, but we are equally optimistic about both its short and longer term future," RV's executive general manager of Infrastructure & Club Support, Jamie McGuinness said.

"Werribee has been critical over the past three years as host to the Carnival's visiting international horses and we're pleased that it will be ready to do so again this year."

The investigation found that stewards who inspected the track before the July 17 meeting could not have foreseen the deterioration that occurred.

The Werribee Cup meeting is scheduled for November.

– AAP

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