Racing plans in Queensland and New South Wales have been disrupted due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaching. Racing Queensland has canceled events in the south-east, including the Sunshine Coast Turf Club event and all Queensland harness racing meetings up to March 10. Greyhound racing meetings at Albion Park have also been canceled until March 9 to implement flood mitigation strategies.
The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission has released a protection plan for animal owners, urging them to prepare an emergency evacuation plan for their horses and greyhounds. Animal owners are advised to prepare an emergency kit, check paddocks for hazards, and ensure animals have access to a week’s worth of food and water. The Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling Sale has been postponed to March 24-25 due to the cyclone approaching South East Queensland.
Racing NSW has abandoned the Grafton race meeting on Thursday and is monitoring race meetings scheduled for Ballina on March 8 and Coffs Harbour on March 10. The decision to cancel events is made with participant safety in mind as they prepare to mitigate any potential damage from the cyclone. Airlines have also canceled flights to popular destinations as the cyclone intensifies.
