Floods impact Vic harness racing as industry unites in support
Harness Racing Victoria
15 Oct 2022 Last Updated 15 Oct 2022
Floods have impacted many Victorian harness racing tracks and stables and prompted warnings to those attending tonight's racing at Tabcorp Park Melton.
Particpants en route to Melton are advised to allow greater travel time owing to the extent of heavy rain and floods.
Harness Racing Victoria stewards also urged the industry to monitor key state service sites and prepare ahead.
The advice comes as residents in Echuca, Charlton and Shepparton are among those to have been told to evacuate immediately.
Residents should monitor the Vic Emergency website (https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/) for the latest information.
So far nine hores are late scratchings from tonight's Tabcorp Park Melton card due to the flooding, including those of Charlton trainers Ashleigh Markham (Sammys Ideal), Michael Gadsden (Mymatethomo) and Shane Sanderson (Vanquish Stride).
Charlton Harness Racing Club (pictured) has experienced significant flooding, which is expected to affect the township for three to five days.
Stewards have reported that Kyabram's Conor Crook (Shannonstheman), Moorilim's Greg Fleming (Daylight At Dawn), Nannella's Colin Godden (Sayitaintso Joe) and Narrandera's David Kennedy (Punt Away) have also scratched from tonight due to the impacts of flooding.
Participants can contact HRV stewards on 9214 0650 or the Integrity hotline on 9214 0651.
Harness Racing Victoria urges all participants to take care and reminds of the Industry Assistance Program for those who would like to access counselling support services. Click here for more details.
Other key services options include:
In the event of a life-threatening emergency, dial Triple Zero (000)
For flood assistance, contact the SES on 132 500
For the latest evacuation orders, stay tuned to Vic Emergency: https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/
For SES information, visit https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/
The latest weather information features on the Bureau of Meteorology: http://www.bom.gov.au/
And for the latest travel information stay tuned to VicRoads: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/
Maryborough Harness Racing Club and its surrounds have been unaffected and the club reports tomorrow's Cups Day will proceed as planned. Stewards remind participants that some road closures are in place throughout the wider region and alternative routes will need to be planned.