Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) advises tonight’s scheduled Echuca harness meeting has been abandoned due to the extreme weather and fire conditions in the area.
The CFA has issued a Code Red alert – Victoria’s highest bushfire warning level – for the Mallee and Northern Country regions. The advice from the CFA for a Code Red alert is: “These are the worst conditions for a bush or grass fire. Leaving high-risk bushfire areas the night before or early in the day is your safest option – do not wait and see”
“Safety for all participants, human and equine, and staff is our top priority. Based on advice from the CFA and the weather conditions we have cancelled the Echuca meeting,” HRV CEO Dayle Brown said.
“We are closely monitoring the Wimmera region for today’s Horsham meeting. Conditions there are not as severe and the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting a cool change will reach Horsham around lunchtime. Our first race is scheduled to start at 2.03pm. If the situation changes we will issue immediate alerts through all our channels.”
HRV has been in communication with the Victorian Trainers and Drivers Association throughout the morning in relation to tonight’s cancellation.
HRV’s racing department is exploring the possibility of scheduling an additional Echuca meeting later in the season.
Follow HRV’s social media channels (Facebook and Twitter) and thetrots.com.au for updates.
