Vaal might be switched

The rapid grass growth normally triggered by the arrival of spring has been stunted at the Vaal this year by recent cold snaps coupled with a severe frost.

SEPTEMBER 17, 2018
The net result is that in spite of the best efforts of the track staff, there is excessive wear and tear in several sections of the Vaal Classic course, particularly on the turn.

Phumelela’s national track manager Dean Diedericks said that the race meeting at the track this Thursday may be able to take place as scheduled. “The current warmer weather will stimulate grass growth dramatically and by the moving the false rail to zero it may be possible to race there on Thursday.”

Track staff, in conjunction with trainers, jockeys and stipendiary stewards, will inspect the track today and a decision will then be made whether the meeting at the venue can go ahead.

If the surface is deemed unsuitable for racing, the meeting will be switched to the Turffontein inside track.

Tabnews

Hearing switched

Is the Turffontein inside track any better?

Bob we as racing people accept situations far too easily. What has happened to the proposed polytrack at the Turffontein inside track? The closing of the Vaal Sand is coming back to bite, and bite hard.

Yup... What about the big race in a few weeks?

What if there is no rain?

PS two horses died at Scottsville yesterday because of holes on the track

It is not acceptable. Why do they not cancel these races and make sure the tracks are safe to race on. Why do jockeys have to object?? Why do they not themselves have the skills to say racing is unsafe to go ahead.

Do they care at all about jockeys and horses safety and well-being? Racing at any cost- well I suppose they have that huge salary bill to look after!