Greyville- GC Press release

Lightning played havoc at the Greyville meeting yesterday (Sunday February 3) but with Gold Circle technical and track staff working frantically behind the scenes, the meeting was eventually concluded, albeit nearly two hours after scheduled close.

The storm struck shortly after the first race. Racing was halted because of lightning and was further delayed as the course was hit by torrential rain. Compounding problems, the outside broadcast van was struck by lightning.

This resulted in a blown sound desk which affected the communications unit. The outside sound broadcast to Tellytrack was also affected including the feed to the big, on-course TV screens, grandstand speakers, internal television monitors and a number of television cameras. Other technical installations also suffered extensive damage.

Because of the loss of the communications unit, Gold Circle was not able to inform on-course patrons of the issues and apologises for any inconvenience.

Gold Circle Racing Executive, Raf Sheik, thanked staff for pulling together to ensure that the meeting was concluded.

“It was all hands on deck for both our technical staff, who managed to patch things up, and track staff who had to cope with a flooded track. It was a team effort and management is proud of their efforts which saved the race meeting”

Would have to say well done to all involved

Yes, Dave, a hell of an achievement. These guys really put their heart and soul into what they do.

I was standing on the balcony of my mate's private suite and was actually looking at the TV screen, the one at the 50m mark, when the lightning struck it. It was a direct hit. Believe me when I tell you, there are a few of us who would like to be able to repeat the moves we made, whilst in the air. There was an immediate blackout of everything.

How they got it all together, in order to complete the meeting, is amazing.

Well done to them all.