Autumn Carnival could face further delays - Sept 28

Source: Herald Sun, Mandy Cottell

NEXT year's Sydney autumn carnival could be delayed by more than a month because of the equine influenza (EI) crisis.

A second meeting of racing industry leaders in Sydney today ended with the unanimous decision to shift the autumn extravaganza back to give trainers more time to get their horses ready.

The group first met a week ago when it agreed to consult its respective bodies and participants about possible program changes in the autumn.

Since then the EI situation has worsened with the virus spreading to Warwick Farm last Saturday and metropolitan training centres in Brisbane during the week.

"The resolution was to recommend to all the relevant racing jurisdictions in Australia that the autumn carnival be put back," said Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'Landys who chaired today's meeting.

"We're looking at a month to five weeks that it will be put back."

The Magic Millions carnival at the Gold Coast in January and Easter yearling sale in Sydney will also be delayed but new dates have yet to be confirmed.

A revised 2008 Sydney autumn carnival program will be finalised after Queensland Racing officials can speak to race clubs in that state as any significant delays could impact on Brisbane's winter carnival.

V'Landys also confirmed the first batch of Commercial Horse Assistance Payments (CHAP) - part of the Federal Government's $110 million equine assistance package - has now been rolled out.

"The commercial horse payments and jockey payments have been done and they were very well received. The industry is very appreciative to (Federal Minister) Peter McGauran, he's been a tower of strength, and to John Howard."