QRIC’s Adverse Weather Policy define the roles and responsibilities of QRIC Stewards, accredited staff, racing clubs, licensed participants and other stakeholders both prior to and during race meetings and official trials affected by adverse weather.
The new QRIC Adverse Weather Policy 2026 reflects QRIC’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of racing animal welfare, the health and safety of participants and personnel during a range of challenging environmental conditions.
QRIC’s mission to safeguard animal welfare, participant safety and integrity standards will be supported by the decision-making framework in this policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Purpose and Overview
What is the purpose of the Adverse Weather Policy?
This policy uses a consistent, risk-based decision-making framework to safeguard the welfare of racing animals, industry participants, and QRIC employees during race meetings and official trials affected by adverse weather. It ensures decisions are made with proper regard for human rights and animal welfare obligations.
Who does the policy apply to?
The policy applies to all QRIC staff, racing participants, club officials, service providers, and any organisations operating under QRIC oversight across Thoroughbred, Harness, and Greyhound racing in Queensland.
Why is the policy necessary?
Queensland’s climate exposes racing to risks such as high heat, humidity, lightning, heavy rain, and poor air quality. The policy provides clear protocols to minimise hazards, protect welfare, and maintain consistent standards of decision-making.
Is this policy new?
QRIC has had a Caring for Racing Animals in Extreme Heat Policy since 2017. The Adverse Weather Policy incorporates guidelines around extreme heat but also considers an expanded range of adverse weather events.
Definitions and Key Concepts
What is considered "adverse weather"?
Adverse weather includes lightning, catastrophic fire danger, extreme heat or humidity, heavy rain or hail, and poor air quality caused by smoke or pollution, or any other environmental factors posing risks to racing animals or personnel.
What is the WBGT?
The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) is a heat index combining temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation to evaluate heat stress risk. QRIC uses WBGT "sun" readings where possible or an approximation matrix when direct measurement is unavailable.
What are “decision points”?
Decision points are critical thresholds at which stewards must suspend, postpone, or abandon racing due to heat risks. For greyhounds, for example, this occurs at an ambient temperature of 38°C.
Roles and Responsibilities
Who is responsible for monitoring weather conditions?
QRIC, Racing Queensland, and race clubs jointly monitor weather conditions. Chief Stewards, veterinary officers, and on-course medical personnel apply weather data to guide real-time decisions.
Who makes the final call to cancel or proceed with a meeting?
The Chief Steward, in consultation with QRIC veterinary staff, holds final authority to modify, postpone, or cancel a meeting based on risk assessments and welfare considerations.
What are the responsibilities of racing participants and clubs?
All racing participants must ensure animal welfare is not compromised by weather conditions. Club officials are responsible for implementing required controls such as cooling systems, shade structures, and access to water.
Risk Management and Mitigation
What actions can QRIC take during adverse weather?
QRIC may:
- Postpone or abandon events (Elimination)
- Adjust race times or locations (Modification)
- Introduce cooling stations or shaded areas (Mitigation)
Decisions are guided by real-time assessments and risk thresholds.
What mitigation measures might be used for hot weather?
These include iced-water systems, air-conditioned recovery areas, additional veterinary staff, reduced pre- and post-race parades, and restricted warm-up periods.
What are the heat thresholds for different codes?
Code | Moderate | Elevated | Decision Point |
|---|---|---|---|
Thoroughbred/Harness | 35°C | 38°C | As determined by Stewards |
Greyhound | 32°C | 35°C | 38°C (Cease immediately) |
Specific Weather Scenarios
What happens in the event of lightning or hail?
QRIC follows the 30/30 rule:
- Racing stops if thunder follows lightning within 30 seconds.
- Racing may not resume until 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.
How is poor air quality assessed?
Stewards use Department of Environment, Tourism, Science, and Innovation (DETSI) live air quality data. If the nearest monitor reports “Poor” or “Extremely Poor” conditions, races may be modified, suspended, or cancelled.
What if there is a fire danger warning?
Racing is cancelled or postponed immediately if Queensland Fire and Emergency Services declare a Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating. Stewards must consult with local QFES stations before resuming or rescheduling events.
Who decides if heavy rain or flooding affects racing?
The Chief Steward assesses track safety, visibility, transport conditions, and emergency access. Based on risk, the meeting may proceed, be modified, or cancelled.
Withdrawal and Compliance Procedures
Can trainers withdraw animals due to heat?
Yes. Trainers may apply to withdraw animals without penalty if a meeting is classified as hot-weather-affected—35°C for equine and 32°C for greyhound events.
What if the scratching deadline has passed?
Trainers must apply directly to QRIC Stewards. Late withdrawals may still be approved on welfare grounds, and veterinary clearance may be required before the next start.
Are repeated withdrawals monitored?
Yes. The Stewards review repeated withdrawal requests for the same animal under similar conditions and may decline subsequent approvals.
Communication and Notifications
How will updates be communicated?
QRIC communicates via official channels.
Racing Queensland notifies participants through its standard communication systems.
When are decisions announced?
Whenever possible, decisions are made and communicated in advance. However, due to unpredictable weather patterns, some changes may occur on race or trial day itself.
Policy Review and Version Control
How often is the policy reviewed?
The policy is reviewed annually or sooner if required due to new regulatory guidance, research outcomes, or operational needs.
Who manages the policy?
The policy is overseen by QRIC’s Animal Welfare Program, under the direction of the Chief Veterinary Officer and the Animal Welfare Manager.
Last updated: 01 Oct 2026