Sandown abandoned due to unsafe track conditions
RACING at Sandown on Wednesday has been abandoned after race three due to unsafe track conditions from the 800-400 metre mark.
Jockeys expressed concern following the opening race, but decided it was safe enough to continue with the meeting. Track conditions didn’t improve with time, however, which resulted in five jockeys not wanting to continue with the meeting.
Mark Zahra expressed concern aboard Lord And Master after it slipped in the second race of the day and winning jockey Beau Mertens stated that the track was shifty.
The abandonment continues a depressing trend of declining track conditions in Victoria and Melbourne Racing Club general manager Jake Norton stated his frustration.
“It’s a difficult thing to explain. Everything seemed fine for racing,” Norton said.
“We’ve had a couple of issues with that particular area of the Lakeside track.
“It’s incredibly frustrating for everyone involved – another meeting abandoned.
“On behalf of the club, we’re accountable. It’s not good enough.”
Norton stated the Sandown Lakeside track won’t be used for a couple of months which will allow the track managers to target the problem areas with the surface.
“We won’t be back on the lakeside till December at the earliest.”
Racing in Victoria will resume on Thursday at Mornington.