Warrnambool meeting transferred to Terang

Grass eating insects have damaged part of the Warrnambool course proper, forcing officials to move an upcoming meeting to Terang.

The meeting next Tuesday has been transferred while officials tackle the problem caused by Cutworm and African Black Beetle which thrive in hot and humid conditions.

Insecticide was put on the track between the 800m and 400m on December 22, allowing the club to conduct two meetings.

The extended hot weather has exacerbated the problem.

“It has just been a ‘perfect storm’ of conditions for these insects to thrive and unfortunately impact part of the course proper,” Warrnambool Racing Club chief executive Pete Downs said.

“Given the damage caused, and the need for us to consider the significant schedule of racing to be conducted over the coming months, we believe the best approach is to transfer next Tuesday’s meeting and allow the track time to regenerate.”

The club will again apply insecticide with racing scheduled to return on February 7.