Racehorse TALK

The Australian Jockey Club today announced that after consultation with Racing NSW and in the best interests of the racing industry, Patinack Chipping Norton Stakes Day, to be held on Saturday 7 March, has been transferred from Warwick Farm to Royal Randwick.

 
“We acknowledge this meeting’s historic link to its traditional home at Warwick Farm and this decision has not been taken lightly, but it is in the best interests of all in racing that we transfer the meeting,” said AJC Chairman Ross Smyth-Kirk.

 
“Warwick Farm is the most heavily used training facility in Australia and with three race meetings in a short space of time combined with the volatile weather conditions we are currently experiencing and that are forecast to continue, the track could be placed under undue pressure.”

 
“The meeting is one of the most important of the autumn for horses being aimed at the major AJC and STC carnival features.”


“This transfer will allow more members, punters and racegoers to attend the meeting and enjoy a high quality race day as a prelude to the Tooheys New Autumn Carnival.”

 
The Patinack Chipping Norton Stakes meeting will be run on the Course Proper with the rail in the true position. The Royal Randwick Guineas meeting, which follows a week later on Saturday, 14 March, will also be run on the Course Proper with the rail at the +3m position.


At these rail placements, capacity fields are possible from all starts.

 
“There is a nice four week break after the Guineas meeting to refresh the course proper for carnival and I am confident it will race very well through this period,” said AJC Racecourse Manager David Hodgson.


Warwick Farm will host its next race meetings on Wednesday 25 February and Monday 9 March.


** NOTE: Due to the transfer there has been a change to one race. The Rating 91 Handicap (2100m) will be amended to 2000m **