Urgent repairs have been undertaken at Werribee racecourse after several international horses reportedly lost their footing in a hole on Tuesday morning.
Racing Victoria spokesman Shaun Kelly said a join in an irrigation line started leaking beneath the track, causing the ground to soften.
PICTURE GALLERY: International horses at Werribee Racecourse
“It created a small hole on the outside of the track where the horses walk,” he said.
“The problem was quickly identified and trackwork was able to continue with that section cordened off. No horses were injured and the pipe was repaired and the turf replaced.”
Kelly said normal trackwork would resume today.
Twenty-two international horses from around the world have arrived at the racecourse’s quarantine centre to prepare for the Spring Carnival.
They include Japanese raiders Admire Rakti and Bande, who are being set for the Melbourne Cup; Godolphin pair Willing Foe and Cavalryman, also being primed for the first Tuesday in November; Adelaide,
who is preparing for the Cox Plate; and eight-year-old Dandino from England.
Veteran stayer Red Cadeaux, who has twice finished second in the Melbourne Cup, has returned for another tilt, while former Irish jockey Johnny Murtagh has returned as a trainer with Mutual Regard and Royal Diamond.
