February 4, 2016

Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club today announced a variation in the scheduled starting time for Race 4 at Royal Randwick this Saturday by three minutes earlier to 2.27pm.

The change in race time for the TBNSW Breeders Classic, 1200m is in order to avoid a direct clash with race 3 from Caulfield, which is scheduled for 2.30pm as part of Racing Victoria’s trial of 30 minutes gaps between races.

“While we are disappointed at the unilateral decision by Racing Victoria to run at 30 minute intervals, Racing NSW and the ATC are conscious of the impact of race clashes between Sydney and Melbourne on racegoers and punters,” said Racing NSW Chief Executive Mr Peter V’landys AM.

“Our customers are the lifeblood of racing and Racing NSW has taken the decision in this instance to move forward by three minutes to ensure that punters can wager on and watch both races” Mr V’landys added.

The Australian Turf Club welcomed the change and said it wanted to ensure the interests of racegoers and all punters were put first.

“It was clear that leadership was needed to ensure a clash in race times is avoided between Sydney and Melbourne. Although attending Royal Randwick, many racegoers as well as punters off-course also enjoy the coverage of racing from meetings throughout Australia,” said ATC Chief Executive Mr Darren Pearce.

Although the change creates a shorter gap between races 3 and 4 at Royal Randwick, this is manageable because Race 4 has Randwick’s smallest field of the day with seven acceptors. The situation is also aided by Race 3 at Royal Randwick being the shortest of the day, run over 1000m.

“Racing NSW desires spacing between races of 35 to 40 minutes, however circumstances assist in being able to run a shorter gap on this occasion to meet our objective of making the best racing offering for punters” said Mr V’landys.

“We are able to make this change to separate the two largest wagering race meetings, other clashes appear imminent and the day’s racing could become chaotic” Mr V’landys added.

Racing NSW stressed that the decision to move earlier by three minutes was not a forerunner to further change, with 30 minute intervals suited only to night racing or on the rare occasion where races may be delayed.

“For several reasons, participants at race meetings across NSW need a reasonable time to professionally present race meetings in a timely fashion, without compromising safety. Additionally cramped intervals are simply not conducive to wagering nationally on thoroughbred racing.” Mr V’landys concluded.

For more information please contact Mr Peter V’landys AM, Racing NSW Chief Executive, by phone on (02) 9551 7556.