European Melbourne Cup contenders will be hosted at the TAB Werribee International Horse Centre once again after Racing Victoria released the findings of their investigation into the state of the track after a meeting on the 17th of July was abandoned due to the death of two horses and an injury to apprentice jockey Boris Thornton.
Melbourne Cup winner Americain is one of many European horses who have spent time at the TAB Werribee International Horse Centre. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
The investigation found ‘that the track will be ready to host the visiting international horses this Spring Racing Carnival following the completion of remedial work which has already commenced’ with the first European horses set to arrive in Melbourne on September 28.
No meetings have been scheduled in the lead-up to the arrival of the spring carnival contenders and Racing Victoria General Manager For Infrastructure & Club Support James McGuinness said in a statement that he was confident the track would be back to its best shortly.
“The investigation determined that the surface stability was not at an acceptable standard on the day of the meeting and as a result the track deteriorated too quickly,” McGuinness said.
“We are disappointed that for a range of factors the track has taken a backward step this winter, but we are equally optimistic about both its short and longer term future.
“Both agronomists and our consulting track manager Mick Goodie are confident that the program of remedial works already being implemented will ensure that the track is quickly returned to its best condition in time for the Spring Racing Carnival.
“Werribee has been critical over the past three years as host to the Carnival’s visiting international horses and we’re pleased that it will be ready to do so again this year.
Melbourne Cup winners Americain and Dunaden both called the TAB Werribee International Horse Centre home while the first seven horses to cross the finish line in the 2011 Melbourne Cup were based at the venue in the lead-up to the race.
