Flooding at Flemington sees major train delays and race times pushed back
Flooding near Flemington Racecourse has seen widespread delays for racegoers across Melbourne’s rail network, with race times also pushed back due to poor visibility.
Metro has closed platform one at Flemington station, with services cancelled, delays of about 20 minutes and trains terminating at the Showgrounds.
The roof of the VRC’s new press room has also collapsed in the heavy downpour.
The Alamein line has also been suspended due to flooding, buses are replacing trains but will take an hour to arrive.
Multiple flights to Melbourne Airport have been diverted due to the poor conditions.
The showers should slow by about 1pm.
⚠️ Flemington Racecourse line: Our crews are currently on-site attending to the flooding.
Please allow extra travel time.
Listen for announcements and check platform displays as services may be altered at short notice. pic.twitter.com/BTb0IfDHRL
— Metro Trains (@metrotrains) November 6, 2018
⚠️ Flemington Racecourse line: Major delays due to flooding near Flemington Racecourse.
Select trains may terminate/originate from Showgrounds.
Check platform displays and listen for announcements as services may be altered at short notice. pic.twitter.com/pXeXe6HKAn
— Metro Trains (@metrotrains) November 6, 2018
Just in: The Flemington racetrack has been downgraded to a Heavy 8 and race times amended as heavy rain continues to fall.
NEW TIMES
Race 2: 11.40am
Race 3: 12.10pm— 3AW Melbourne (@3AW693) November 6, 2018
Bella Rosa handles the conditions best on debut and takes out the @Bumble Stakes. https://t.co/nreJ0FYjqF pic.twitter.com/xxWnBQOnaI
— Racing.com (@Racing) November 5, 2018
Earlier Meteorologist Tom Delamot told Ross and John despite the possible downpour, it could be dry come race time.
“It does look like we’ll start to see some more lengthy dry periods during the afternoon, including during the time the Cup is run,” he said.
“But it looks like a wet start for people heading down to the track.”
Click PLAY below to hear the details
“It’s pretty close to 90-100% humidity,” Tom added.
“And I’m sitting here in a suit,” Ross said.
“Brilliant.”
Dampish at the track.. pic.twitter.com/ZflqB6kK6Q
— Heidi Murphy (@heidimur) November 5, 2018
The $7.3 million race is expected to be watched by tens of millions of people around the world.
