Racing debate heats up in the Riverina as temperatures soar

This comes after a full cart of races went ahead on Tuesday in temperatures above 40 degrees.

As the mercury reached scorching heats, Riverina residents were advised to keep their pets cool and sheltered. Proud animal welfare volunteer Lisa Ryan said that should include horses and greyhounds.

She said it was disappointing for the media to advise owners not to leave animals in cars or dogs on utility trays while at the same time ignoring the “cruelty” of the racing industry. 

“The horses are athletes – they’re going at phenomenal speeds and fully exert themselves in the heat,” she said. “At the same time we’re being told to walk our pets early in the morning or late at night.”

Ms Ryan criticised the hypocrisy of caring for some animals but not others and accused the racing industry and state government of ignoring the health risks to horses and greyhounds. 

“They’re not putting animals first,” he said.

“If they’re so valuable why would you risk a fatality if you could just wait for a better temperature?”

Chairman of stewards John Davidson said the welfare of people and horses was the most important thing to the industry. 

As the temperature rose to 40.8 degrees on Tuesday, Mr Davidson said level-two of the Racing in Hot Weather Policy was invoked, resulting in hourly temperature checks, an additional vet, reduced parade times and more cooling processes. 

“We shortened the horses right down and reduce the rime they’re required behind the barriers,” Mr Davidson said. “Every effort was made to make sure the horses were as comfortable as possible.”

Mr Davidson said there was no exact science to the weather as humidity could cause more problems that a drier heat. 

“I’ve raced in 45 degree and never had an issue and then at 31 degrees you might have a couple that suffer,” he said. “We don’t have a cut-off point – different days and different conditions result differently on the horses.”

He said race times could be adjusted and meetings transferred due to hot weather but there’s no exact temperature as every day is taken on its merits. 

Wagga Veterinary Hospital senior vet Tristan Robinson said they had worked with trainers to check the horses and keep them cool.