Climate Forces Early Finish to Eagle Farm Assembly After Race 5
Brisbane, Could 31, 2025 — The Queensland winter racing carnival was dealt a big blow on Saturday because the Eagle Farm assembly was deserted after Race 5 as a result of unsafe observe circumstances introduced on by persistent rainfall.
Joliestar was favorite for the 2025 Kingsford Smith Cup earlier than racing at Eagle Farm was referred to as off on Saturday. Photograph: Final Racing Pictures.
The choice got here as a significant disappointment to racing followers and connections, significantly with marquee Group 1 occasions just like the Kingsford Smith Cup and Ladbrokes Queensland Derby nonetheless to be run. Joliestar, the Newmarket Handicap-winning mare from the Chris Waller secure, was the pre-race favorite for the Kingsford Smith Cup earlier than the assembly was referred to as off.
Monitor Deemed Unsafe After Jockey Issues
Racing Queensland stewards made the decision to desert the rest of the cardboard following Race 5, after a number of jockeys raised considerations in regards to the deteriorating floor, significantly across the house flip and again straight.
“The security of our individuals is paramount,” mentioned Chief Steward Allan Reardon. “After consulting with jockeys and conducting an intensive inspection, we decided that the floor had deteriorated to some extent the place persevering with would pose an unacceptable danger.”
Eagle Farm’s Ongoing Battle with Climate
Saturday’s abandonment provides to a rising listing of weather-related disruptions at Eagle Farm in recent times. Regardless of vital funding in observe upgrades and drainage methods, the floor continues to battle underneath sustained rainfall — a recurring difficulty throughout Brisbane’s winter carnival.
Over 40mm of rain fell within the 24 hours main as much as the assembly. The observe was rated a Smooth 6 initially of the day, however circumstances rapidly worsened, with the floor downgraded to a Heavy 10 by Race 5.
Influence on the Carnival and Bettors
The cancellation of Races 6 via 9 has disrupted key lead-up occasions to the $3 million Stradbroke Handicap (1400m), scheduled for June 14. Racing Queensland is anticipated to announce whether or not the deserted races will probably be rescheduled or transferred to alternate venues similar to Doomben or the Sunshine Coast.
For punters, all bets positioned on the deserted races will probably be refunded according to customary wagering guidelines. Main bookmakers have already begun processing refunds.
Racing Highlights Earlier than the Washout
Regardless of the early end, the day wasn’t with out standout performances. The characteristic race that did go forward, the Group 2 BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m), noticed Cool Archie, a colt by Spirit Of Increase educated by Chris & Corey Munce, storm house for a 2.84-length victory on the now Heavy-rated observe.
Full outcomes and race replays from the finished occasions can be found on the Racing Queensland web site.
What Was Misplaced: Deserted Races
The next races had been deserted:
Race 6 – Group 3 $300,000 Fred Finest Basic (1400m)
Race 7 – Group 1 $1 million Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m)
Race 8 – Group 1 $1 million Ladbrokes Queensland Derby (2400m)
Race 9 – Listed $160,000 Helen Coughlan Stakes (1200m)
The lack of these key races, particularly the Kingsford Smith Cup and Queensland Derby, is a significant setback for connections concentrating on the Stradbroke and different Group 1 options.
Wanting Forward
With the Stradbroke Handicap simply two weeks away, all eyes at the moment are on the climate forecast and the situation of Eagle Farm. Racing Queensland has not dominated out relocating upcoming conferences if the observe doesn’t get better in time.
Contributors and followers are suggested to remain tuned to official channels for updates on rescheduling, venue adjustments, and additional inspections.
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