Sports

Metal stakes found at Kilmore race track ‘put there to create chaos’

Police are investigating after metal stakes were discovered on a country Victorian race track in the hours before a mid-week meeting was scheduled to begin.

Authorities made the decision to abandon all eight races at Kilmore after officials inspecting the turf found two 40 centimetre steel star pickets inserted into the track.

The metal posts were discovered two metres off the running rail near the 400-metre mark.

No horses were injured.

Chief Steward Robert Cram told Racing.com that after a discussion with the riders, it was a unanimous decision to abandon racing for safety concerns.

"Unfortunately it's an immeasurable safety risk which the riders and stewards weren't prepared to take," Mr Cram said.

"The riders had extreme doubt also due to the long grass that's here today that there wasn't any more of these which were just underneath the canopy of the grass."

He said it appeared to be a deliberate act.

"We've had discussions with the track manager and he has responded that none of his staff would have used such implements or resources around the track in recent times and it's not something they had left there, which does indicate that someone from outside the club has entered and hammered them into the track," Mr Cram said.

Patrons and officials walk the rack track at Kilmore looking for metal spikes after some were found on the turf.

Racing Victoria to help increase security

Jamie McGuinness, Racing Victoria's executive general manager infrastructure and clubs, said it appeared to be an act of vandalism or sabotage.

"If that is the case then it was an irresponsible and dangerous act that has put the lives of both riders and horses at serious risk," Mr McGuinness said.

He said they will also work with the club to enhance security on the racetrack which is on crown land.

Kilmore Racing Club chairman Dr Maxine Brain said it was a diabolical act and those responsible should face the full brunt of the law.

"If the pickets were not found then the consequences could have been disastrous for an innocent horse or jockey," Dr Brain said.

'Incomprehensible' act to put lives of jockeys, horses at risk

Country Racing Victoria chief executive Scott Whiteman said it was a sad day.

"We all know the risks involved in thoroughbred racing and the bravery required of our jockeys every time they saddle up to ride," Mr Whiteman said.

"It is incomprehensible that anyone would seek to endanger them or their mounts.

"We commend the stewards for their diligence in uncovering this sabotage and undoubtedly saving human and equine lives as a result."

Kilmore Racing Club CEO Ben Murphy told Racing.com it was now a police matter.

"What we are angry and really perturbed by is that someone's taken the time to come out and do what they have done to the track in what we can only assume is to create chaos and that leaves a really bitter taste in our mouth," Mr Murphy said.

"We take this extremely seriously and we'll leave no stone unturned to try and find out who's taken it upon themselves to do this today."

In a statement, Victoria Police confirmed it was investigating the incident and appealed for anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers.

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