Champion trainer Chris Waller praises Racing NSW’s decision to shift Saturday’s Rosehill meeting to Sunday
A band of trainers led by Chris Waller have come out in support of Racing NSW’s decision to shift Saturday’s Rosehill meeting to Sunday due to the extreme weather forecast.
Racing NSW has been applauded by some of the sport’s foremost trainers in making the “clear and concise” call to shift Saturday’s Rosehill meeting to Sunday.
With temperatures set to reach 41 degrees in the west of Sydney on Saturday, Racing NSW supremo Peter V’landys said the regulator made the decision with the welfare of horses, jockeys and staff in front of mind.
• PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet’s team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
“The welfare of our horses is paramount and we’re not going to risk putting them under any sufferance or pain,” V’landys said.
“I have seen first-hand horses suffering from heat distress and there is no way in the world that we are going to put them under such duress.
“I have also seen jockeys severely affected both physically and mentally from extreme heat.”
Champion trainer Chris Waller was full of praise for Racing NSW making the “clear and concise” call, one he says puts the welfare of the horse, jockeys and staff over profits.
“Well done to Racing NSW in being proactive and making this decision in response to the forecast high temperatures at Rosehill on Saturday,” Waller, who trains out of Rosehill, said.
“We as trainers respect that this is a financial challenge with wagering dropping off on a Sunday compared to a Saturday.
“But this is a decision not just for the horses but the jockeys and staff who will all appreciate the cooler conditions on Sunday.
“To be able to still race for Saturday money, and not lose the meeting at the last minute and have horses’ programs interrupted, I’m sure is appreciated by all the trainers.”
But while a number of trainers have come out in support of the move, one trainer to oppose it is Hall of Fame mentor Gai Waterhouse.
On Monday, when news first began to circulate about the mooted shift, Waterhouse took to X and said: “Boy oh boy what has gone wrong?
“Are we and our equine leaders so weak that we/they can’t cope in the heat?
“Hello, we live in a ‘sunburnt country’.
“Start the races at 9.30-10am so that they’re over before the heat of the day. Offer free entry & invite families.”
But it was a notion quickly dismissed by officials with the knowledge that the majority of the meeting would still be conducted in oppressive conditions, while also taking into account the unnecessary demands on barrier attendants, strappers and the like.
Following the news of the meeting shift, the NSW Trainers’ Association (NSWTA) said the decision was “proactive and responsible” which had the welfare of all corners of the industry in mind.
“Racing NSW has acted decisively and put the welfare of our animals and our participants first and foremost,” the NSWTA said.
“Extreme weather events require clear, timely decision making, and this move demonstrates the regulator’s dedication to protecting everyone involved in our industry.
“Ensuring a safe racing environment is a shared responsibility.
“We appreciate the careful consideration given to all available options. Moving the meeting is the right call.”
In response to the meeting shift, the Australian Turf Club (ATC) has announced that Sunday’s program will offer free general admission.
“We have worked closely with Racing NSW to make this decision as early as possible to prepare for the move to Sunday,’’ ATC interim chief executive Steve McMahon said.
“Whilst we apologise for any inconvenience this change has on Members and our customers, horse welfare and safety is our first consideration.”
Originally published as Champion trainer Chris Waller praises Racing NSW’s decision to shift Saturday’s Rosehill meeting to Sunday
Greyhound racing to end at Wentworth Park in 2027
Industry left flat footed over Wentworth Park departure call
