VICTORIAN racing officials say a new piece of track management technology will make south-west Victorian racecourses safer.
Warrnambool Racing Club has received a $44,000 aerator for use at the Grafton Road racecourse, as well as tracks across the region.
Minister for Racing Denis Napthine said the aerator would improve the quality and extend the life span of the tracks.
He said the Verti-Drain technology would also help clubs save water “by increasing water filtration, stimulating root growth and improving the soil structure”.
“The aerator, based at Warrnambool, will be shared with other district racing clubs including Colac, Hamilton and Terang,” he said.
“(It) provides racing surfaces with a cushioning effect, making the track much safer for horses and jockeys.
“The club already delivers a magnificent surface for racing, including for the three-day May carnival,” Napthine said.
“This new equipment will help to guarantee that surface.”
WRC chief executive officer John Green said the club would use the aerator while renovating the track.
“The Verti-Drain will primarily be utilised during the annual track renovation process as a means of providing aeration to the soil profile,” he said.
“This procedure will relieve compaction, enhance the drainage capabilities of the soil profile and promote root growth.”
Green said the aerator would also help prepare the track for jumps races.
The state government and the club each contributed $22,000 to buy the aerator.
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