SES and BoM issue warnings for damaging winds up to 100 km/h to cause damage across Victoria; CBD, St Kilda, Brighton, Mornington, Avalon to be hardest hit
The Geelong Cup will be run on Thursday after stewards canceled Wednesday’s meeting after strong winds made racing unsafe and forced racers to evacuate tents.
The decision was made after jockeys expressed concerns about conditions after the third race.
After race participants were evacuated, all that remained at the Geelong Cup were empty tents.Credit: Getty Images
After further consultation with jockeys and emergency services, the meeting was rescheduled until Thursday, when 10 runners were expected to race in the Cup, which gives the winner a golden ticket to the Melbourne Cup for the first time.
Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Ciaron Maher says he is likely to return to the race on Thursday with King Charles’ Geelong Cup favorite Gilded Water. Referees said winds of up to 76 kilometers per hour were expected to hit the track between 15.00 and 17.00.
Geelong Racing Club chief executive Luke Rayner said there was a feeling of disappointment in the air after strong winds forced the postponement.
Speaking to ABC Radio Melbourne, Rayner said that although the race was canceled that day, bosses made the best of the situation:
“We still have customers on our route right now, enjoying themselves as much as they can and as much as they can,” he said.
“Obviously our dining rooms are full to the brim and they can still enjoy their afternoon.”
