Grandstand fire brings race fears

A FIRE at Sandown Racecourse last Wednesday morning ignited fears for Saturday’s Guineas race day.
Melbourne Racing Club spokesman Jake Norton said the fire broke out about 11.30am and 50 people were evacuated from the track.
“It was thankfully isolated to an outdoor area that’s covered, in the grandstand, at the northern end of the grandstand,” Mr Norton said.
“It’s just an outdoor viewing deck. Thankfully it didn’t make its way indoors at all.
“It’s at the opposite and of the grandstand to the mounting yard and where the action takes place.”
Nine fire trucks and crews attended and the fire was put out shortly after noon.
Mr Norton said the 20 metre by 10 metre area was to be cordoned off during the Guineas, the final meet of the Melbourne Racing Club Spring Racing Carnival.
He said CFA investigators were working to determine what caused the blaze.
“From my conversation with the police it looks as if it’s accidental,” he said.
See the Sport pages for full coverage of the Guineas.
– Casey Neill