Shortened meeting a winner in Queensland despite drama
Queensland’s first shortened meeting has come through with a pass mark despite some major obstacles.
As part of a national six-month trial, Wednesday’s Caloundra meeting was the first in the state conducted with half-hour breaks between races.
Officials were tested to the limit when the dead-heat winner of the fifth race, Kodacommand, collapsed and died after the race.
An interim veterinary diagnosis indicated suspected fatal cardiac arrhythmia but a post mortem will be held at the Gatton University.
Correct weight for the race was also held up when connections of the other dead-heat winner, Jetsonic, asked to see the race film.
The sixth race ran late and there was a further delay when there was a protest in that race.
Racing Queensland said considering the number of incidents the stewards and race day officials had done well to keep the meeting on track.