As stated in our earlier updates on Saturday evening and Sunday, our ongoing priority is the four injured patrons. While it is not appropriate for the VRC to provide an update on their respective conditions, we are in regular contact with their families and continue to offer our support and assistance.
WorkSafe are expected to complete their examination of the tree and site this afternoon, after which the tree will be removed. We continue to provide our full assistance to WorkSafe in their investigation.
The VRC has a highly skilled grounds and gardens team and we also engage arborists to assess the trees across our grounds as part of our regular maintenance program. We have engaged an arborist to conduct an additional precautionary safety assessment of trees in the Members’ Car Park area of Flemington Racecourse for the reassurance of patrons ahead of this Saturday’s race day.
Sunday 6 March 2:40PM
At approximately 6:19pm Saturday evening at the conclusion of the Australian Guineas Race Day, a branch fell from a gum tree situated in the taxi rank zone outside Flemington Racecourse, injuring four nearby patrons. First aid assistance was rendered within two minutes of the incident, ahead of the arrival of emergency services.
Our priority remains those injured and their families. The Victoria Racing Club has reached out to the families of those injured yesterday to convey our support and offer our ongoing assistance.
WorkSafe attended Flemington last night for an initial assessment of the site and will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The VRC is offering its full assistance to WorkSafe in its investigation.
The VRC would like to acknowledge the emergency services for their assistance yesterday, and also sincerely thank the first aid responders, a number of VRC staff, venue contractors and members of the public that acted quickly to assist the injured in the immediate aftermath of the incident, demonstrating incredible kindness.