As confirmed last week, race meetings will resume at Eagle Farm from Saturday, September 14.
In consultation with the Brisbane Racing Club, Queensland Jockeys’ Association, Australian Trainers’ Association and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission, eight barrier trials were successfully conducted on the Eagle Farm course proper on September 5 following the introduction of mitigation strategies near the home turn.
In an effort to acclimatise horses to the updated track conditions, a detailed familiarisation process has been established for both jockeys and trainers.
This protocol will be enforced starting with the September 14 meeting and will be reviewed after the event.
“We want to ensure that both horses and riders are fully prepared for the unique challenges of the Eagle Farm track," Chief Thoroughbred Steward Josh Adams said.
"Familiarisation is key to a safe and successful race day.
“This process is not just a formality, it’s a crucial step in safeguarding the well-being of humans and horses.”
Guidelines for jockeys
Jockeys will be required to adhere to specific guidelines to streamline the race day process:
- Weighing out: All jockeys must endeavour to weigh out a race in advance to expedite the saddling process;
- Parade ring timing: Jockeys are to be in the parade ring 15 minutes before the race start time; and
- Track familiarisation: After mounting, horses will be ridden on the outside of the course proper to familiarise them with the construction and blue banners located near the 600m mark.
For distances of 1000m, 1200m, and 1400m, riders will proceed counterclockwise to the barriers after completing their sight of the construction.
For all other distances, after completing their sight of the construction, riders will go clockwise to the barriers.
- Assistance protocol: If a jockey encounters difficulties, they must request assistance from the clerk of the course; and
- Mandatory compliance: No horse will be permitted to race without completing the mandatory sight of the construction at the 600m mark.
Requirements for trainers
Trainers will also have specific responsibilities to ensure compliance with the new protocols:
- Saddling horses: Trainers must saddle their horses as soon as their saddles become available;
- Saddle Enclosure timing: All runners must be presented in the saddle enclosure no later than 15 minutes before race time; and
- Compliance with familiarisation: Similar to jockeys, no horse will be allowed to race without satisfactorily completing the mandatory sight of the construction at the 600m mark.