Punters eager to witness the Royal horse trial for the Melbourne Cup saw their dreams crushed as devastating winds forced the race to be abandoned. Gilded Water, belonging to King Charles and Queen Camilla, was scheduled to compete in the Geelong Cup, a ‘win and you’re in’ qualifier for ‘the race that stops the nation’ at Flemington on November 4.
But appalling weather conditions have forced the postponement of the preparatory event, which also features last year’s British-trained victor Onesmoothoperator, until Thursday. The choice to abandon Wednesday’s programme was taken following three races, when riders voiced alarm about the treacherous conditions.
Track stewards consulted emergency services, with fierce wind gusts creating perilous situations for both human and equine participants.
Spectators were hurriedly moved from marquees amid safety fears.
Racing Victoria steward Corie Waller told Racing.com: “Unfortunately, it’s not great news.
“So talking with the emergency services that are actually based on course and a weather station in the centre … they’re saying that the current wind conditions are around 46-50 km/h, with gusts of up to 76 coming through, and that wind activity is likely to continue until at least 5pm.
“The problem is then, they’re saying that it may die down, but they’re not 100 per cent sure whether it will or it won’t.
“There’s also a chance that the wind direction may alter to a degree and bring a bit of wind from the south, which is actually even stronger. So we just don’t have a lot of surety to say we can wait for two hours and then it will die down.
“There is a chance, and a pretty high chance, that it may continue past that, which wouldn’t give us enough time to run the races in a safe condition.”
Trainer Ciaron Maher has confirmed that Gilded Water, sporting the Royal couple’s colours, will make a return for the rescheduled race.
Previously under the guidance of William Haggas at Newmarket, the four-year-old failed to deliver when starting as favourite for the 2024 King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Yet after being transferred to Maher, he donned the purple silks with gold braid, scarlet sleeves and a black velvet cap adorned with gold fringing to triumph in a Caulfield handicap last month.
Gilded Water subsequently claimed third place behind prominent Melbourne Cup contender Valiant King in the Lexus Bart Cummings (Group 3 Handicap) at Flemington.
The postponed races four to nine will now take place on Thursday, with the Geelong Cup scheduled for 4.10pm local time.