Australia

Geelong Track Passes Heat Test
Racing Victoria also announced the Geelong ThoroughTrack synthetic racing surface "has successfully passed a series of trials confirming the track's suitability for racing in hot weather conditions". Trials were conducted throughout January & February "on days with temperatures ranging from 21-35 degrees & the track received positive feedback from jockeys, trainers & stewards". Until now meetings have only been held on the ThoroughTrack (which is composed of sand, wax & elastic fibre) between April & September. With Geelong "continuing to be plagued by drought & water restrictions, the turf track has been closed since their last race meeting on February 16: as a result, the meetings set for the turf track on Saturday March 15 & Monday March 24 will now be conducted on the ThoroughTrack, subject to an assessment of forecast weather conditions prior to each meeting". Geelong Racing Club chief executive Paul Carroll noted: "The transfer of meetings to the ThoroughTrack has enabled the Club to ensure 2 of our biggest event days go ahead as scheduled. Last year 8 race days had to be transferred to other venues prior to the ThoroughTrack being opened." A back-up turf venue "will be on standby in case the forecast temperature is significantly above 30 degrees". (Mar 5)