”In consultation with the Stawell Racing Club, the Australian Trainers Association and the Victorian Jockey Association, Racing Victoria has decided to transfer the race meeting to Monday, 7 January to ensure the safety of horses and participants,” the statement read.

“Acceptances for the meeting have been extended to 8.30am this Friday, 4 January 2019.

“Race times have been amended with Race 1 scheduled to be held at 12.40pm and Race 8 at 5.00pm.

The meeting date and race time change were implemented in accordance with Racing Victoria’s Procedure for Racing in Hot Weather Policy.

Racing Victoria has rescheduled the running of the 2019 Halls Gap Cup to Monday January 7 after predicted temperatures soared.

Racing Victoria made the decision to move the meet from Friday, expressing concerns for the welfare of everyone involved.

The Bureau of Meteorology increased the top temperature of 39 degrees to 43 degrees for Friday with 15-20km north-east winds.

“As a club we can’t see the downside to the move. It will be better for everyone,” Stawell Racing Club operations manager Mark Percival said.

Mr Percival said the biggest job between now and Monday will be communicating the change.

“We are still expecting a well-supported race day with local residents and tourists staying in the area,” he said.

“It won't be too difficult to move everything. Our facilities are all ready to go and we could race tomorrow or any day if needed.”

A top of 27 degrees is currently forecast for Monday. 

Mr Percival said the cooler weather conditions will also benefit the track as well as the horses, participants and patrons.

“Our track is in great condition at the moment,” he said.

“We raced on it three times in six weeks and held up really well. The track would have held up but like everything, the move of the race day will mean less stress for the track under hotter conditions.”

The 2019 Halls Gap Cup is tipped to go ahead on Friday despite high temperatures forecast for the raceday.

The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted a top temperature of 39 degrees for the first raceday at Stawell for the calendar year.

Club operations manager Mark Percival said at this stage everything was going to plan despite the upcoming weather forecast.

“Racing Victoria has a comprehensive hot weather policy. With the hot weather forecast it certainly will be implemented. It’s all around safety for the animals and the participants,” he said.

“The conditions aren’t measured by a number so to speak. It takes in a lot of factors, elements and different conditions on the day.”

Mr Percival said Racing Victoria will ensure extra veterinarians are present on the day.

“They will be monitoring the temperature and conditions and make any adjustments to the program as necessary. This will be for the safety of the horses and participants,” he said.

Mr Percival said there are some practical things the club will need to do on the race day.

“It will be about following processes and common sense,” he said.

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“An example of this is to ensure we have cold water available. We would do this by running cold water through hoses while a race is on to ensure there was cold water available when the horses come back from the race.”

Mr Percival said the veterinarians and organisers will be keeping a close eye on all horses and taking action on any horses displaying signs of distress.

“Implements will be available to get any horse that is distressed to get it’s temperature down as quick as possible.

Racing Victoria staff will submit a list of requirements to the Stawell Racing Club on things needed to ensure the smooth running of the day.

Mr Percival said although the weather forecast is tipped to be a hot day he is positive the day will be a great turn out.

“We are really lucky at the racecourse in that we have plenty of shade and some great activities for everyone to enjoy,” he said.

“We have Kelly Sports for the kids and Chris Humphries Wild Action Zoo. I’m very thankful for all the business support we have received from the Halls Gap region.

“It’s a fantastic race day with live music and great atmosphere for the locals and visitors to the area.”

A similar tale unfolded in 2018 as the Bureau of Meteorology forecast a top temperature of 36 degrees, which was hot enough for Racing Victoria to reshuffle race times. 

The first race was pushed back from 1.30pm to 12.30pm, with races concluding at 4pm that day.

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