Race times have been brought forward an hour with 40-plus degrees predicted.

The meeting was scheduled to start at 1pm — the first race will now take place at midday.

There will be 30-minute gaps between early races and 35-minute gaps for most of later races.

Racing Victoria’s general manager Greg Carpenter yesterday confirmed the changes.

“The meeting has been brought forward due to the forecast of hot weather with temperatures expected to approach 40 degrees in that part of the state,” Carpenter said.

However, Albury’s program this afternoon will remain unchanged.

The first race is at 2.55pm.

Meanwhile, officials are yet to make a call on whether or not to alter Saturday’s picnic program at Dederang.

Racing officials are still monitoring the situation, with several small measures set to be put in place to help horses, jockeys and spectators combat the predicted 40-plus degree temperature.

Race times have not yet been changed.