Fire at nearby venue causes delay to Cranbourne Cup meeting

A fire which halted proceedings at the Cranbourne Cup meeting was potentially sparked by a cigarette butt, and firefighters were called to contain a second fire in the car park.

A fire at an adjoining venue caused a delay to the Cranbourne Cup meeting. Main picture: Getty Images

A discarded cigarette butt potentially sparked a fire adjoining Cranbourne Racecourse on Saturday, which forced a 15-minute delay between races.

The fire, outside Trios function centre, situated adjacent to the home turn, sent a blanket of smoke over the track.

Southside Racing, operators of Cranbourne and Pakenham racecourses, evacuated marquees near the fire as a precaution.

Runners for the third race were starting to leave the mounting yard when stewards ordered jockeys to dismount and horses return to the stalls area.

Things are heating up on track 🔥👀 pic.twitter.com/YtOJRH6bIm

— JH (@jh1gg1ns) November 23, 2024

A second grass fire, unrelated to the first, adjacent to the carpark behind the racetrack, less than an hour later, was also quickly contained by firefighters.

The races were unaffected by the grass fire.

Second fire next to Cranbourne racecourse, first suspected 🚬 stupidity, second not sure. Fireys quickly on scene, races unaffected. @[e-mail]/XEdhTOuJNm

— Gilbert Gardiner (@gilbertgardiner) November 23, 2024

Southside chief executive Neil Bainbridge thanked emergency services for their rapid response.

“It’s disappointing it happened to the neighbouring property, Trios, full credit to emergency services, who were on the scene immediately and put the fire out straight away,” Bainbridge said.

“Everyone was safe and sound.”

Originally published as Fire at nearby venue causes delay to Cranbourne Cup meeting