The much-anticipated Rosehill race meeting scheduled for this Saturday has officially been postponed to Sunday due to the forecast of extreme heat expected across Sydney. Racing NSW officials have been closely monitoring weather conditions throughout the week and, with the latest predictions showing temperatures in western Sydney expected to soar past 40°C on Saturday, a decision was made to shift the program by a day.
Chief steward Tom Moxon explained the reasoning behind the move, emphasizing the importance of horse and human safety in extreme weather conditions. Speaking to Sydney’s Sky Sports Radio, Moxon stated, “We have reviewed that forecast again this morning and unfortunately, there hasn’t been much of a variation to those forecasts. The decision has been made this morning to transfer the meeting to Sunday, still at Rosehill Gardens where the forecast is for more favourable conditions with temperatures around the mid to high 20s.”
The rescheduled meeting will feature the full 10-race card, with acceptances having already been taken on Wednesday as per standard procedure. However, with the change of date, race times will need to be adjusted to accommodate a provincial meeting already scheduled at Hawkesbury on Sunday. “We’re mindful we already have a Hawkesbury meeting scheduled for Sunday also, so we will have to organise times for Rosehill around that Hawkesbury meeting,” Moxon noted. This logistical adjustment ensures that both meetings can proceed safely without overlap, while maintaining a smooth racing schedule for participants and fans.
While Saturday’s extreme temperatures are the main concern prompting the postponement, Sydney is expected to remain hot on Friday. Moxon reassured racegoers that this would not impact the Randwick Kensington card, which is scheduled as a twilight event, taking place in the cooler evening hours. Similarly, a country racing program at Mudgee on Friday will continue to be monitored closely, with officials prepared to make changes if conditions become unsafe for horses, jockeys, and staff.
NSW racing boss Peter V’Landys emphasized that the primary consideration behind postponing the Rosehill meeting was the welfare of everyone involved. In a statement to the media, V’Landys highlighted the responsibility that Racing NSW carries in ensuring that both the equine athletes and their riders are protected in extreme weather. His comments underline a growing awareness within the racing industry about the impact of high temperatures on safety and performance, reflecting a broader commitment to animal welfare and occupational safety.
Not everyone, however, agreed with the decision to delay the races. Racing legend Gai Waterhouse voiced criticism on social media prior to the official announcement, questioning whether the precautionary measures were necessary. “Boy oh boy what has gone wrong?” Waterhouse wrote. She continued with a pointed critique: “Are we and our equine leaders so weak that we/they can’t cope in the heat? Hello, we live in a ‘sunburnt country’. Start the races at 9.30-10am so that they’re over before the heat of the day. Offer free entry and invite families.”
Waterhouse’s comments sparked debate across the racing community, with supporters agreeing that early morning racing could provide a viable alternative to postponement, while others emphasized that extreme heat poses serious risks, particularly when temperatures exceed 40°C. The tension between tradition, public engagement, and safety reflects the ongoing challenges that race organizers face during periods of extreme weather.
Industry insiders note that while horse racing has historically continued under various weather conditions, modern awareness of heat stress in both horses and jockeys has led to stricter protocols. High temperatures can affect a horse’s hydration, stamina, and overall performance, while jockeys are similarly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Experts argue that even brief exposure to extreme heat can increase the likelihood of accidents on the track, reinforcing the rationale behind Racing NSW’s decision to reschedule.
The decision also has financial and logistical implications for trainers, owners, and spectators. Trainers will need to adjust training schedules, and transport arrangements may need to be modified to accommodate the new timing. For fans planning to attend, ticketing and entry processes may also see changes. Despite these challenges, the overarching priority remains safety and welfare, a principle that V’Landys has emphasized repeatedly.
While the debate continues regarding the best approach to managing racing during heatwaves, the rescheduled Rosehill meeting is expected to proceed under much more favorable conditions on Sunday. The forecasted mid to high 20s temperatures are ideal for racing, ensuring that horses, jockeys, and staff can perform at their best without risking heat-related health issues. Organizers are also working to coordinate start times carefully to prevent any conflicts with the Hawkesbury meeting, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to scheduling under challenging circumstances.
Fans and industry members alike are reminded to stay updated on race timings and entry requirements for Sunday, as adjustments may be made to ensure smooth operations. While Saturday’s racing disappointment is significant for some, the decision highlights the increasing attention being paid to climate-related impacts on sport and animal welfare in Australia’s horse racing industry.
In summary, the extreme heat forecast for Sydney this weekend has prompted Racing NSW to make the precautionary decision to postpone the Rosehill race meeting from Saturday to Sunday. Chief steward Tom Moxon confirmed that temperatures are expected to be far more manageable on Sunday, while NSW racing boss Peter V’Landys emphasized that safety considerations were paramount. Criticism from racing icon Gai Waterhouse has sparked discussion about alternative solutions, such as early morning racing, reflecting a wider debate on balancing tradition, fan engagement, and safety. With temperatures expected to be significantly lower on Sunday, the rescheduled meeting promises safer and more comfortable conditions for all participants.
