Today's meeting at Moree has been postponed to tomorrow (Sunday, 16 November) due to extreme high temperatures.
The decision was made by Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) to ensure the welfare of the greyhounds that were due to race at the meeting, with particular consideration given to the travelling many trainers and greyhounds had to embark on in such extreme temperatures.
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting temperatures to peak at 43 degrees Celsius in Moree on Saturday. Under Greyhound Racing NSW’s (GRNSW) Hot Weather Policy, stewards may abandon a meeting when the temperature rises above 40 degrees Celsius or the Stewards are of the opinion that the temperature is likely to rise above 40 degrees.
With the predicted extreme temperatures today, participants are also reminded to take care and monitor their greyhound for potential heat stress.
GRNSW’s Hot Weather Fact Sheet can assist in minimising the damage heat stress can cause in your greyhound(s), including information on GRNSW’s on-track hot weather procedures.
Hot and humid weather can cause heat stress in greyhounds. The higher the temperature and humidity, the more likely it is that heat stress will occur, especially if there is no air movement. Importantly heat stress may not be directly proportional to temperature, with higher humidity being the major precursor to heat stress in greyhounds.
It is the responsibility of owners and/or trainers with the care of greyhounds, in accordance with the Greyhound Racing Rules, GRNSW Code of Practice for the Keeping of Greyhounds in Training and the NSW Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, to ensure the effective management of environmental factors such as Hot weather and to take steps to minimise any adverse impact on greyhounds in their care.
Please consult GRNSW’s Greyhound Welfare and Veterinary Service Unit or its integrity officers at the various greyhound tracks should you require any further information.
