A country race club are working to protect their track from ”stupid and dangerous” acts of vandalism.
Police continue to investigate apparent vandalism at Kilmore Race Club after dangerous objects were deliberately placed on the track ahead of a meeting.
Betsy reported that pieces of steel picket were put on the Kilmore track ahead of a meeting there on October 31 that appear to have been deliberately put on the track by someone. Searches later confirmed the pieces were confined to the 800m-1000m section.
Kilmore Racing Club are now set work through plans to protect their track ahead of the Kilmore Cup on November 23. Club CEO Ben Murphy did not return Betsy’s calls.
But a Racing Victoria spokesperson confirmed the club were working through measures to ensure the meeting went ahead.
“The incident was referred to Victoria Police by the Kilmore Racing Club and remains under investigation,” a spokesperson told Betsy.
“It was an incredibly stupid and dangerous act of sabotage that could have put the lives of both horses and riders at great risk if the metal objects were not found prior to racing.”
“Thankfully they were detected in the morning inspection and the Club worked hard with our Stewards to ensure the track was safe for racing to proceed on the day as scheduled.”
“The Club have plans in place to protect their track and facilities leading into their Cup meeting on Sunday week, 23 November.”
The recent act of vandalism was not the first time metal stakes have been located on the Kilmore track. In 2018 a meeting was abandoned after metal stakes were found near the 400m mark.
