In consultation with Racing SA Chief Veterinarian Dr. Toby J. Koenig, Racing SA are continuing to monitor the weather forecast for Monday 11 March, Adelaide Cup day. Racing SA Stewards have been in contact with the Bureau of Meteorology and the weather forecast for the Adelaide Airport observation station, which is inclusive of Morphettville, is currently 36 degrees which would enact Racing SA’s Level One Hot Weather Protocols. Under this protocol additional water, hoses, buckets, and misting fans will be used and available in conjunction with the misting systems and fans already in place and air-conditioning in swabbing stalls.
As a precaution Racing SA has already enacted Level Two Hot Weather Protocols including revised transport and arrival times for horses and the addition of a third veterinary resource. Veterinarians will assess all horses running on the day in the Mounting yard pre event, on arrival at the barriers and post-race. If veterinarians are concerned about the condition of any horse pre-event, they will advise stewards to scratch the horse and it will not race.
Patron comfort and safety is always a priority at Morphettville, where racegoers will have access to plentiful free water and sunscreen across the venue and headwear options from both merchandise and activations. In addition, there will be lots of additional shade and areas to beat the heat on-course including shade sails, significant numbers of umbrellas, fans, and undercover areas available to everyone such as the Betting Ring and level 1 Grandstand.
The safety and welfare of both our human and equine participants are at the forefront of everything Racing SA do, and we will continue to monitor the temperature and make changes to the race day accordingly if necessary.
