Hailstorm ruins races
03/06/2010 05:53:12 AM
The Australian Guineas and Australian Cup will be run next Saturday after a freak hailstorm washed out the two Group 1 races at Flemington on Saturday.
Hail storms swept through Melbourne shortly before 3pm forcing the cancellation of the day's remaining races.
"I've never seen anything like this in 20 years of racing," champion jockey Damien Oliver said.
"The ice and surface water doesn't look safe for racing."
However, one Group 1 race did go ahead with Wanted saluting in the Newmarket Handicap.
The Peter Moody trained three-year-old led all the way to claim the victory ahead of Eagle Falls and Starspangledbanner.
"It's terrific," Moody said. "He's had a frustrating run of placings in big races this bloke."
"He's finally got that Group I win on his resume which is great."
Race favourite All Silent never threatened after taking up a position at the rear of the field.