The main grandstand’s closure by engineers due to safety concerns has put Sydney’s showpiece Royal Randwick spring carnival at risk.
Darren Pearce, the chief executive of the Australian Turf Club, confirmed that one of the beams in the roof of the Queen Elizabeth II Stand requires “immediate remedial work” following tests conducted earlier this week.
To ensure the safety of punters, Mr. Pearce has established an exclusion zone around the stadium while engineers assess the steel cables that support six beams.
As a result, the ATC announced that Saturday’s Chelmsford Stakes meeting, originally set for Royal Randwick, will now take place at Warwick Farm.
This Saturday’s race meeting marks the kickoff of Sydney’s spring carnival, with additional significant racedays planned for Royal Randwick on September 17 (George Main Stakes Day) and the Epsom Handicap meeting on October 1.
Should there be a need to relocate Spring Carnival races, they would take place at Rosehill and Warwick Farm.
“Our engineers are currently conducting further tests on the grandstand’s roof, with a final report expected within seven days,” he stated.
“Until I obtain that report, I cannot comment on the potential outcomes for those Randwick meetings later in the spring.”
The ATC plans to shut down Royal Randwick following the November 5 race meeting as part of a $150 million redevelopment of the QEII Stand.
Mr. Pearce has informed Racing Minister George Souris about the situation.
A spokesperson for Racing Minister George Souris indicated that ‘public safety was paramount’, and they are being kept updated regularly by the Turf Club.
The economic ramifications for Royal Randwick would be considerable if the Spring Carnival dates are altered.
by Buford Balony
