Opening race at Werribee abandoned after the barriers couldn’t be removed from track

A barrier movement malfunction appears to be the cause of an embarrassing no-race at Werribee on Saturday.

The runners were rounding the home turn in the IRT Maiden Handicap (2043m) when barrier attendants were seen desperately signalling for the jockeys to pull up their mounts.

The barriers were stuck across the track at the 200m point after the tractor to which they were attached broke down leaving only a small gap near the outside rail in which the riders could guide their mounts.

All runners and riders safely avoided the stranded and returned to the mounting yard.

The no-race did favourite backers no favours as the odd-on pop Mac Kalhoun looked to have the $27,000 contest at his mercy.

The barriers were subsequently moved off the track by a replacement vehicle.